Door Handle Replacement Door handles appear to be a small detail but if you aren't happy with the style or design of them, or are unable to use them, it's worth replacing them. With a little patience, you can get the new handle in no time. Modern door handles are usually equipped with cover plates which hide the screws to give them an attractive look. If the new handle doesn't have them already attached, you will have to attach them separately. Remove the old handle The door handle is not only a decorative addition to your home It's also an element of security that allows you to lock and unlock the door. However, over time your door handle can lose its grip, feel loose or start to look old and worn out. This is an indication that it's the time to replace your door handle. If your door handle is becoming difficult to use, it may be time to replace it. This is a serious issue because you won't be in a position to lock or unlock the door and put you and your family at risk. Another reason to replace the door handle is if it's damaged or broken. A broken door handle is dangerous, especially for elderly and children members who may struggle to open it. They could become trapped. It's a good thing that it's easy to fix a broken door handle by simply replacing the old one. Most modern door handles are a standard size, so they are suitable for any door. If you're not sure whether the new door handle you're buying will fit, try removing the old one and measuring the holes in its housing. This will help you to buy the right door handle. It is the easiest method to remove the door handle by unscrewing it from the door. This is typically done with a screw driver. Some door handles have a cover plate which hides the screws used to mount them. It is necessary to remove the cover plate to gain access to the screws. Once you have removed the old handle, make a note of how the spindle is connected to ensure that you can align it when you fit your new one. You can also remove the door handle by removing the latch mechanism. You can make use of a screwdriver to take off the door handle. However, you will have to locate the tiny latch, which is located on the edge trim piece. After removing the latch, unscrew the handle and the strike plate. Then, you can remove the latch from the edge of the door. Remove the Strike Plate When you replace your handle, you'll also want to replace the latch plate, which holds the hole which the door's latch hooks into when it closes. The new handles will have two latch plates: a rectangular and circular plate (see the diagram above which shows the various parts of the door handle). If you have an old rectangular latch plate, replace it with a round one. This will allow the latch to be able to hook onto the strike plate and make the handle easier. The first step is to remove the screw that is holding the latch plate in place. The screws are usually quite tight and require a lot of force to loosen them. If you can, it might be beneficial to have a second person assist with this part. Once the screws are removed, the latch plate should pull out of the door with ease. If it is stuck or doesn't move then use a small nail file to scrape the edges of the latch plate. This may help free the plate up. Now you can prepare the new strike plate for installation. Attach the latch plate to the doorjamb using the wood screws that came with the new handles. Don't over tighten your screws as this could cause damage to the strike plate. If you are not sure whether the latch plate is in the proper position, shut and open the door to check whether it latches and closes properly. If it does not, you will need to adjust the strikeplate upwards or down, forward or back until the door closes correctly. If the door is jiggling or moving, it may be necessary to expand the latch hole in the strike plate. This is more common with older doors, but can happen due to wear and tear, hinge mortises that are too narrow or are not sized correctly for the latch, or because of damage or a broken strike plate. If this is the case, follow the exact procedure as adjusting the strike plate, using a metal file instead of an hammer and chisel. Remove the Latch The latch is a curved metal piece that slides into and out of a hole on the inside of your door. The latch is pushed forward when you turn the handle. It also catches a hole on the door's frame so that the door stays closed. If your door wiggles when you close it, changing the latch might be all you need to correct the issue. It's difficult to identify the screws that secure the latch to the door, but there's usually a small hole on the trim plate that allows you to insert a screwdriver in order to take it off. After taking off the trim plate you will be able to pull off the latch and the bolts that hold it, as well as the spindle. If the latch cannot be easily removed using a paperclip or tool to take it off the handle mechanism. Insert https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/loughton-windowrepair/ into the latch's slot that is recessed and gently twist or jiggle it until you feel the latch and handle begin to split. You may have to do this several times before the latch comes loose enough to allow it to be pulled out. After the old latch is removed and the old latch is removed, you should be able to slide the new latch into the slot with no problems. Make use of the 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. Take note of the backset (the distance between the centre of the large hole in the door's front and the edge) before installing the new handle. Also, make sure that the size of the latch on the new handle matches the measurement of your existing handle. You'll require a brand new cylinder for your lock if replacing the handle and latch or if your current one is damaged. If you're not replacing the locks, however, a new latch should fit in the existing recess and be compatible with the keys you have currently. Select a latch with rectangular cover plates to match the handles you have. Removal of the Cover Plate You can replace your door handles with a modern lever and rose design to make a difference in the appearance of your home. You can purchase complete sets that come with matching escutcheons as well as privacy adaptor kits. To replace an internal door handle remove the cover plate (or rose), which protects the screws and the inner mechanism. Use a flathead to remove the cover plate. It may have a slot along one edge or be secured by a pin. Remove the screw that holds the handle inside and put it aside after the cover plate is removed. You'll also want to remove the screws that hold the latch and the plates inside, which you can do by loosening them with a Philips screwdriver. Remove the inner plates and latch from the door. Set them aside. Most doors have gaps between the jamb of the door and the inner edge of the frame that makes room for a handle, however not all do. If yours doesn't then you'll have to make a hole in the door to install 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 frame or door. After the holes are drilled, you'll need to install new door knob screws. Purchase the same dimensions as your old screws to ensure that you don't get the handle too tight or loose. It's also necessary to install the new strike rod and latch plate that aren't included in most door handle sets. If you're looking for a high-quality replacement for your interior door handle set Try the Amazon's Choice FAERSI two-piece chrome-finished handle set. It is a factory-fit and has been praised with hundreds of five-star reviews. It's a great option to replace damaged or worn door handle hardware in the interior of your Chevy HHR.