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Door Handle Replacement

It's worth it to replace door handles if you don't like the way they appear, or if they are difficult to use. Installing a new door handle is easy if you have patience.

The majority of modern door handles come with cover plates that hide the screws to give them a beautiful appearance. However, you'll need to attach them separately if your new handle doesn't already have them.

Removal of the Old Handle

Door handles aren't just an important for their aesthetic value to your home, but they're also vital for safety since they let you lock and unlock your door. As time passes, the door handle may start to lose its grip or feel a bit loose. It might also begin to look aged and worn. This is a good indication that it's time to replace the door handle.

One of the first indications that your door handle needs replacing is if it's becoming difficult to operate. This is a serious issue as you will no longer be able to lock or unlock the door, which could put you and your family at risk.

It is also an excellent idea to replace your door handle when it's damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle could be extremely dangerous, particularly when your children or elderly family members struggle to open it, and get trapped inside. It's simple to fix a damaged handle on a door.

Modern door handles are typically standard sizes and will fit any door. If you're unsure if your new door handle will fit, try taking out the old one and determining the holes in its housing. This will allow you to buy the right size door handle.

It is easiest to remove the old door handle by taking it off from 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 remove this cover plate to get access to the screws underneath. After you've removed the old handle, make an outline of how the spindle is attached to ensure that you can make sure it is aligned when you put in your new one.

You can also remove the door handle by removing it from the latch mechanism. You can use a screwdriver for removing the door handle. However, you'll need to locate the small latch which is located on the edge of the trim piece. After taking off the latch, remove the handle and the strike plate. Then remove the latch 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 is inserted into when it closes. The new handles will have two latch plates that are circular and rectangular plate (see the image above which shows the various parts of a door handle). If your current latch plate has rectangular, swap it over to the round one, so that the latch hooks onto the strike plate in a manner that makes the handle easier to use.

The first step is to loosen the screw that's holding the old latch plate in place. The screws are usually quite tight and require a fair amount of force to loosen them. It may be helpful to get a second person to assist with this task if you can.

The latch plate should come out of the door once the screws have been removed. If the latch plate is stuck or refuses to move, use a small hammer to scrape the edges. This can help loosen the plate.

Now you can prepare the new strike plate for installation. Screw the latch plate into the door jamb using the screws that came with the new handles. Don't over tighten your screws as this can cause damage to the strike plate.

If you're not sure whether the latch plate is in its proper position, close and open the door to see if it latches and closes correctly. If not you'll need to adjust the strike plate upwards or down, or move it forward or back until the door shuts and latches properly.

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 prevalent for 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 due to damaged or broken strike plate that is damaged or broken. If this is the case, follow the exact procedure for adjusting the strike plate, but using the use of a metal file instead an hammer and chisel.

Remove the Latch

The latch is a bent metal piece that slides into and out of a hole on the inside of your door. The latch is moved forward when you turn the handle. It also catches an opening in the door frame to ensure that the door is closed. If your door wiggles when you close it, replacing the latch may be all you need to fix it.

It's difficult to see the screws that attach the latch to the door, but there's usually a tiny slot on the trim plate that permits you to insert a screwdriver into the slot and remove it. After removal of the trim plate you will be able to pull off the latch and the bolts that hold it and the spindle in position.


If the latch doesn't easily come out it is suggested to use an old-fashioned paper clip or tool to spring it loose from the handle mechanism. Insert the item into the recessed slot of the latch and gently twist it or jiggle until the handle and latch begin to separate. It is possible to repeat this process several times before you are able to remove the latch.

You should be able to slide the new latch into its slot without any issues once you have removed the old one. Make use of the new screws to connect the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure it's properly positioned in the slot, aligned with the screw chambers.

Before installing the new handle, be certain to measure your existing backset (the distance from the centre of the large hole on the front of the door to the edge). Check that the latch size of the new handle matches the measurement.

You'll need a new cylinder for your lock if you're replacing the latch and handle, or your old one is damaged. If you're not changing locks the new lock will fit inside the recess you have already installed, and also work with your existing keys. Be sure to select the latch with a rectangular cover plate that match your handles.

Remove the cover plate

You can replace your old door handles with a modern lever and rose design to improve the look of your home. You can buy complete sets that come with matching escutcheons and privacy adaptor kits.

To replace the door handle inside take off the cover plate (or rose), which covers the screws and mechanism. Find an opening tab on the plate and employ a flathead screwdriver lift it off the knob. It could have an opening on one side or be held by a pin.

Remove the screw holding the handle in the interior and put it aside after the cover plate is removed. Take off the screws that hold both the inner and outer plates. door handle repairs kensington repairmywindowsanddoors can loosen them with a Philips Screwdriver. Remove the inner plates and latch from the door. Place them aside.

Most doors have gaps between the door jamb and the inside edge of the frame that makes room for a handle, but not all have. If yours doesn't, you'll need to drill a hole in the door to install the new handle. It's the same procedure as opening a locked door, but you will need to be extra careful not to harm the door's frame or frame.

After drilling the holes, you'll need to install new door knob screws. Make sure you purchase the same size as the old ones, to ensure that you won't have the handle that is too tight or loose. You'll also need to install a new strike rod and latch plate that aren't included in most door handle sets.

If you're looking for a quality replacement for your interior door handle set look no further than the Amazon's Choice FAERSI two-piece chrome-finished handle set. It's factory-fitted and has been praised with hundreds of five-star reviews. It's a great option for replacing worn out or damaged door hardware on your Chevy.

Member since: Friday, November 22, 2024

Website: https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/kensington-door-handle-repairs-near-me/