Door Handle Replacement Door handles may seem like an insignificant thing but if you aren't happy with the appearance of the handles or are unable to use them then it's time to replace them. Installing a new door handle is simple if you have patience. Modern door handles are equipped with cover plates that conceal the screws to create a stylish appearance. However, you'll have to attach them separately if the new handle doesn't have them attached already. Removing the old Handle The door handle is not only a decorative addition to your home It's also an important safety feature that lets you to lock and unlock the door. As time passes, the door handle may begin to lose its grip or feel a bit loose. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/colchester-windowrepair/ could also appear aged and worn. This is a good indication that it's time to replace your door handle. If your door handle is becoming difficult to use, it could be time to replace it. This is a serious issue because you won't be in a position to lock or unlock the door which could put your family and yourself at risk. Another reason to replace your door handle is when it's damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle could be very dangerous, especially in the event that your children or senior family members struggle to open it and end up trapped within. Fortunately, it's fairly simple to fix a damaged door handle by replacing the old one. The majority of modern door handles are a standard size, so they are suitable for any door. If you aren't certain that your new door handle will work, take off the old one and measure its housing holes. This will help you to buy the right door handle. The most straightforward method to remove the handle from your door is to take it off of the door. Usually you'll need a screwdriver. However some door handles have an outer cover plate that hides the mounting screws, so you'll need to pry off this cover plate to get access to the screws underneath. After you've removed the old handle, take an outline of how the spindle is connected to ensure you are able to make sure it is aligned when you put in the new one. You can also remove the door handle by unscrewing the latch mechanism. You can use a screwdriver for removing the door handle. However, you will have to locate the small latch which is located on the edge trim piece. After removing the latch, unscrew the handle and strike plate. Then, remove the latch from the edge of the door. Removing the Strike Plate You'll need to replace the latch plate when replacing the handle. It's the part that is the one that holds the hole in which the door's latch hooks in when the door closes. The new handles will come with two latch plates: a rectangular and circular plate (see the image above that shows the parts of a door handle). If your current latch plate has a rectangular shape, switch it over to the circular one so that the latch hooks onto the strike plate in a manner that makes the handle more comfortable to use. The first step is to unscrew the screw that is holding the latch plate that was previously in place. The screws are typically tight and require a fair amount of force to loosen them. If you can, it might be beneficial to have a second person assist with this part. The latch plate should come out of the door after the screws have been removed. If it is stuck or doesn't move using a nail file to scrape around the edges of the latch plate. This will sometimes free the plate. Now you can move on to preparing the new door strike plate for installation. With the screws made of wood that were included with your new handles, attach the latch plate onto the inside of the doorjamb. Be careful not to tighten too much the screws, as this may damage the strike plate. If you are not sure whether the latch plate is in the correct position, close and open the door to see if it latches and closes properly. If it does not you'll have to adjust the strikeplate up or down, or forward or back until the door closes correctly. If the door is still jiggling or moving, it may be necessary to expand the latch hole in the strike plate. This is more frequent on older doors. It can be caused by wear and tear, hinges that are too small, a incorrect size of the latch or damaged strike plate. If this is the case, follow the exact procedure for adjusting the strike plate, using an iron file instead of an hammer and chisel. Eliminating the Latch The latch is a bent metal piece that slides in and out of a hole in the inside of your door. The latch moves forward when you turn the handle. It also hooks in an opening in the door's frame so that the door stays closed. If your door wobbles when you close, an upgrade to the latch could be all that is needed to correct the issue. The screws that secure the door latch are difficult to locate however, you can put a screwdriver in a small hole in the trim plate and then pry the latch off. After you've removed the trim plate, it should be easy to remove the latch and the remaining bolts that hold the spindle and latch in place. If the latch doesn't easily be released you can try using an old-fashioned paper clip or tool to spring it loose from the handle mechanism. Insert the item in the recessed latch slot and then gently twist or jiggle until you feel that the latch and handle begin to break off. You may have to do this several times before the latch is loose enough to pull out. You should be able slide the new latch into its slot without problems after you have removed the old one. Make sure the latch is correctly positioned in the slot and is aligned with the screw chambers and then use your new screws to fasten it to the strike plate and door frame. Before you install the new handle, make sure to measure your existing backset (the distance from the centre of the large hole on the front surface of the door to the edge). Make sure that the size of the latch of the new handle is in line with the measurement. If you are replacing the latch or handle, or if your old lock cylinder is damaged then you will need an entirely new one. If you're not changing the locks, the new latch should fit in your existing recess and will work just fine with your current keys. Select a latch with rectangular cover plates that match your old handles. Removal of the Cover Plate Door handles may begin to look worn over time, but if you replace them with a contemporary lever on rose design it's a simple and quick DIY project and decorating idea that will improve the overall look of your home. You can buy complete sets that include the escutcheons as well as privacy adaptors and escutcheons. To replace an internal door handle take off the cover plate (or rose), which covers the screws and inner mechanism. Utilize a flathead to take off the plate. It could have a slot on one edge or be secured by a pin. Once the cover plate is off take the screw that holds the inside handle in place and put it aside. You'll also need to remove the screws that are holding the latch and the plates inside and the latch plate, which can be done by loosening them using a Philips screwdriver. Then, take the inner plates and latch plate from the door and set them aside. Not all doors have this gap. If yours isn't allow for a handle, you'll have to make a hole into the door. This is the same process as opening a locked door however you'll have to be extra cautious not to harm the frame or door. Installing new door knob screws is necessary after holes have been made. Be sure to purchase the same size as the old ones, to ensure that you won't have the handle that is too tight or loose. Installing a new strike rod and latch is also mandatory. These are not included in all door handle sets. Amazon's Choice FAERSI 2-piece chrome finish handle sets are a great option if you're in need of a top-quality interior door handle replacement set. It's a factory-fit and has received a plethora of 5-star reviews from happy customers. It's a great choice to replace damaged or worn door handle hardware inside your Chevy HHR.