Door Handle Replacement Door handles appear to be a small detail however, if you don't like the style or design of them, or find them difficult to use, it's worth replacing them. With a bit of patience, you can put in an entirely new handle in a short time. Modern door handles are usually equipped with cover plates that hide the screws to give them a more attractive appearance. If the new handle doesn't have screws already attached, you will have to attach them separately. Take off the handle from the old one. Door handles are not only important for their aesthetic value to your home but they're also essential for security as they allow you to lock and unlock your door. As time passes the door handle could become loose or feel a bit loose. It may also appear old 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 might be time to replace it. This is an issue because it means that you are unable to not lock or unlock your door which could create a security risk for you and your family. It's also recommended to replace your door handle if it is damaged or broken. A broken door handle can be quite dangerous, especially when your children or elderly family members are unable to open it and end up trapped in the. Fortunately, it's fairly simple to fix a damaged door handle by simply replacing the old one. Modern door handles are usually standard sizes and should fit any door. If you're unsure if your new door handle will work, try removing the old one and determining the holes in its housing. This will allow you to purchase the right size door handle. The easiest method to take off the door handle you have been using is to remove it from the door itself. Usually it is a matter of using a screwdriver. Some door handles have an enclosure plate that hides the mounting screws. You will need to remove the cover plate to gain access to the screws. Once you've removed your old handle, make a note of how the spindle is positioned to ensure you are able to make sure it is aligned when you put in your new one. Alternatively, you can remove your door handle by unscrewing it from the latch mechanism. This is typically done with the screwdriver, but you'll need to locate the small latch, which is located just to the left of the trim piece. Once you've removed the latch, you'll need to unscrew the handle from the strike plate, and then the latch away from the door's edge. Remove the Strike Plate If you are replacing the handle, you'll be required to replace the latch plate, which is the hole that the door's latch hooks into when it closes. The box that the new handles arrive in will include two options for latch plates - either a rectangular or a circular one (see the diagram above for the components of a door handle). If you have an rectangular latch plate, swap it with an oval one. This will let the latch hook onto the strike plate, making the handle more convenient. The first step is to unscrew the screw that holds the latch plate in place. The screws are usually quite tight and require a lot of force to loosen them. It might be beneficial to get a second person to assist with this part if possible. After the screws have been removed the latch will slide out of the door with ease. If it's stuck or won't move, use a small nail file to scrape around the edges of the latch plate. This may help free the plate. Now you can prepare the new strike plate for installation. With the screws made of wood that were included with your new handles, screw the latch plate onto the inside of the doorjamb. Do not tighten the screws too much as this can damage the strike plate. If you're not sure if the latch plate is in the proper position You can try closing and then opening the door to see whether it locks and closes correctly. If not then you'll have to adjust the strike plate either up or down, or forward or back until the door closes and latches correctly. If the door continues to move or jiggles, you may need to increase the size of your latch hole on the strike plate. This is more common on older doors. It can be caused by wear and tear, hinges that are too narrow, the wrong size latch or a damaged strike plate. If this is the case then you should use a filing made of metal instead of a chisel or hammer to adjust the strike plate. Remove the Latch The latch is the angled metal piece that is able to move through the hole on the inside edge of your door. The latch moves forward when you turn the handle. It also hooks into an opening in the door frame to ensure that the door stays closed. If your door wiggles when you close it, replacing the latch could be all you need to correct the issue. It's difficult to identify the screws that hold the latch to the door, but there's usually a small slot on the trim plate that allows you to insert a screwdriver and remove it. After removing the trim plate, you should be able to remove the latch as well as the bolts that hold it in place and the spindle in position. If the latch isn't able to be released you can try using an old-fashioned paper clip or tool to free it from the handle mechanism. Place the item into the recessed latch slot and then gently twist or jiggle until you feel that the latch and handle are beginning to separate. It is possible to repeat this procedure several times before you are able to take the latch off. After the old latch has been removed it should be possible to slide the new latch into the slot without any difficulties. Use your new screws to attach the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure it is correctly placed in the slot and aligned with the screw chambers. Check the backset of the current handle (the distance between the centre of the large hole on the front of the door and the edge) prior to installing the new handle. Also, ensure that the size of the latch on the new handle is a good match to the measurement of your existing handle. You'll require a brand new cylinder for your lock if replacing the latch and handle, or your old one is damaged. If you're not switching locks the new lock will fit inside the recess you have already installed, and work with your current keys. Choose a latch that has rectangular cover plates to match your existing handles. Remove the cover plate You can replace your old door handles with a modern design of roses and levers to improve the look of your house. You can purchase complete sets of escutcheons, escutcheons, privacy adaptors and escutcheons. To replace an internal door handle take off the cover plate (or rose) that covers the screws and inner mechanism. Look for an release tab on the plate, and use a flathead screwdriver to remove it from the knob. It may have an opening on one edge or be secured by a pin. When the cover plate is removed take the screw that holds the inside handle in place and put it aside. You'll also want to take out the screws that hold the latch and plates and the latch plate, which can be done by loosening them using the help of a Philips screwdriver. Then, you can remove the outer plates and latch plate from the door and set them aside. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/coulsdon-windowrepair/ don't have this gap. If yours doesn't then you'll have to drill a hole in the door for the new handle. The process for doing this is the same procedure for opening a door with locks, but you'll need to take extra care to avoid damaging the door or frame. Installing new screws for the door knob is necessary after holes have been made. Make sure you purchase the same size as the old ones, so that you won't have a handle that's too tight or loose. You'll also need to install a new strike rod and latch plate that aren't part of most door handle sets. Amazon's Choice FAERSI 2-piece chrome finish handle sets are a fantastic option if you're in need of a premium interior door handle replacement set. It's a factory fit and has received hundreds of five-star reviews from satisfied customers. It's a great choice for replacing worn out or damaged interior door hardware on your Chevy.