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Door Handle Replacement

Door handles may seem like a small detail, but if you dislike the appearance of the handles or find them difficult to use and use, you should consider replacing them. With a little patience, you can get the new handle in no time.

Modern door handles are equipped with cover plates that hide the screws to give them a beautiful appearance. However, you'll have to attach them separately if your new handle doesn't have them attached already.

Remove the Old Handle

Door handles aren't just an important for their aesthetic value to your home but they're also crucial for safety as they allow you to lock and unlock your door. But, over time the door handle could lose its grip, appear loose, or appear old and worn out. This is a clear indication that it's time to replace your door handle.

One of the first indications that your door handle is in need of replacing is the fact that it is becoming difficult to operate. This is a serious problem since you won't be capable of locking or unlocking the door, which could put your family and yourself at risk.

Another reason to replace the door handle is if it's damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle is dangerous, particularly for elderly and children members who struggle to open it. They could be trapped. It's simple to fix a damaged handle on the door.

Most modern door handles are standard size and therefore are suitable for any door. If you're unsure if your new door handle will fit, try removing the old one and measuring the holes in its housing. This will allow you to buy the right size door handle.

The easiest method to remove the handle from your door is to unscrew it from the door. Usually you'll need a screwdriver. Some door handles come with a cover plate which hides the screws used to mount them. You will need to remove this to get to the screws. After removing the old handle, take note of how the spindle has been connected. This will help you align the new handle.

You can also remove the door handle by unscrewing the latch mechanism. You can use a screwdriver to remove the door handle. However, you will have to locate the tiny latch that is located on the edge of the trim piece. After taking off the latch, remove the handle and the strike plate. Then, you can remove the latch from the door's edge.

Take off the Strike Plate

When you replace your 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 new handles will have two latch plates which are a circular and a rectangular plate (see the diagram above which shows the various parts of a door handle). If you have an old rectangular latch plate, replace it with a circular one. This will allow the latch to hook into the strike plate, making the handle easier.

The first step is to remove the screw that is holding the old latch plate. The screws are often quite tight and require a bit of force to loosen them. It may be helpful to have a second person help in this area if it is possible.

After the screws are removed the latch should slide out of the door with ease. If it is stuck or doesn't move using a nail file to scrape around the edges of the latch plate. This can sometimes open the plate.

You can now move on to making the new door strike plate to be installed. With the screws made of wood that came with your new handles, attach the latch plate onto the inside of the doorjamb. Do not tighten the screws too much as this can cause damage to the strike plate.

If you're not sure if the latch plate is in the right position, try closing and opening the door to see whether it locks and closes correctly. If not then you'll have to adjust the strike plate up or down, or even forward or back, until the door closes and latches correctly.

If the door is still moving 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 shallow, the incorrect size of the latch or a damaged strike plate. If this is the case, use a metal filing instead of a chisel or hammer to adjust the strike plate.

Remove the Latch

The latch is a bent metal piece that slides in and out of a hole on the inside of your door. The latch moves forward when you turn the handle. It also connects to a hole in the door frame to keep the door shut. If your door wiggles when you close it, replacing the latch might be the only thing needed to correct the issue.

It's difficult to see the screws that secure the latch to the door, however there's usually a small slot on the trim plate that permits you to insert a screwdriver into the slot and remove it. After you've removed the trim plate, it'll be simple to remove the latch and the remaining bolts that hold the spindle and latch in the position.


If the latch isn't able to release it is suggested to use an old-fashioned paper clip or tool to spring it loose from the handle mechanism. Place the item into the recessed latch slot, and gently twist it or jiggle until you feel that the latch and handle are beginning to split. It may take this several times before the latch becomes loose enough to allow it to be pulled out.

After the old latch has been removed it should be possible to move the new latch into the slot without any difficulties. Make sure the latch is properly positioned in the slot and aligned with the screw chambers, and then use the new screws to fasten it to the strike plate and door frame.

Measure the existing backset (the distance between the centre of the large hole on the front of the door and the edge) before installing the new handle. You should also check that the latch size on the new handle matches the measurement of your existing handle.

You'll require a new lock cylinder if you're replacing the handle and latch or your existing one is damaged. If you're not switching locks, a new lock should fit inside your existing recess and also work with your existing keys. Be sure to choose the latch with rectangular cover plates that match the handles you have.

Removal of the Cover Plate

Door handles can start to look shabby over time, but if you replace them with a modern lever-on-rose design, it's a quick and easy DIY project to decorate and will enhance the overall appearance of your home. You can buy complete sets with matching the escutcheons as well as privacy adaptors and escutcheons.

To replace an internal door handle, remove the cover plate (or rose), which covers the screws and mechanism. Look for an release tab on the plate and use a flathead screwdriver to pop it off the knob. It may have an opening along one side or be held in place by a pin.

Remove upvc door handle repairs that is holding the handle in the interior and place it aside when the cover plate has been removed. You'll also need to remove the screws that hold the latch and inner plates and the latch plate, which can be done by loosening them using the help of a Philips screwdriver. Remove the inner plates and latch from the door. Set them aside.

Most doors have gaps between the door jamb and the inner edge of the frame that makes room for a handle, however not all have. If yours does not, you will need to make a hole into the door. It's the same procedure as opening a door locked however, you'll have to be extra careful not to damage the door or frame.

After the holes are drilled after which you'll have to put in new door knob screws. Choose the same size as your old screws to ensure that you don't get a handle too tight or loose. You'll also need to install the new strike rod and latch plate that aren't included in most door handle sets.

Amazon's Choice FAERSI 2-piece chrome finish handle sets are a great choice if you're in the market of a premium 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 for replacing worn or damaged door handle hardware in the interior of your Chevy HHR.

Member since: Sunday, November 24, 2024

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