Door Handle Replacement
Door handles appear to be a small detail, but if you dislike the appearance of the handles or are unable to use them then it's time to replace them. With a bit of patience, you can put in the new handle in no time.
Most modern door handles have cover plates that hide the screws to create a stylish appearance. However, you will need to attach them separately if your new handle does not have them attached already.
Remove the old handle
Door handles are not only an important aesthetic addition to your home, but they're essential for security as they allow you to lock and unlock your door. However, over time your door handle can lose its grip, appear loose, or look old and worn out. This is an indication that it's time to replace it.
If your door handle is becoming difficult to use, it might be time to replace it. This is a problem because it means that you can not lock or unlock your door which could be an security risk to you and your family.
Another reason to replace the door handle is if it's damaged or broken. A broken door handle can be extremely dangerous, particularly if your children or elderly family members are unable to open it and end up trapped within. Luckily, it's quite easy to fix a broken door handle by replacing the old one.
The majority of modern door handles are standard size and therefore are suitable for any door. If you're not sure whether the new door handle you're buying will fit, try taking out the old one and measuring the holes in its housing. This will help you to buy the right door handle.
The easiest method to take off the handle from your door is to take it off of the door itself. 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, take 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 the latch mechanism. This is typically done with an screwdriver however you'll need to find the small latch, which should be on the edge of the trim piece. After removing the latch, unscrew the handle and strike plate. Then remove the latch from the door's edge.
Removal of the Strike Plate
You'll have to replace your latch plate after replacing the handle. This is the plate that holds the hole through which the door's latch hooks in when the door is closed. The new handles will have two latch plates: a rectangular and circular plate (see the above diagram which illustrates the components of the 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 unhook the screw that is holding the latch plate. These screws can be quite tight, and may require some force to loosen. It might be beneficial to have a second person help with this part if possible.
The latch plate should easily be removed from the door once the screws have been removed. If the latch plate is stuck or refuses to move use a small file to scrape the edges. This may help free the plate.
You can now move on to preparing the new door strike plate to be installed. Utilizing the screws made of wood that were included with your new handles, attach 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 unsure whether the latch plate is in the correct position, shut and then open the door to check whether it locks and closes properly. If it doesn't you'll have to adjust the strikeplate up or down or forward or back until the door locks properly.
If the door still moves or jiggles, you may have to expand your latch hole on the strike plate. This is more prevalent on older doors. It could 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 you can use a metal file instead of a chisel, or hammer to adjust the strike plate.
Removing the Latch
The latch is an angled metal piece that slides into and out of a hole in the inside of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes the latch forward and allows you to open the door. It also connects to an opening in the frame of the door to keep your door closed. If your door is wiggles when you close it, replacing the latch may be the only thing needed to fix it.
The screws that hold the door latch are difficult to see, but you can usually put a screwdriver in a small hole in the trim plate and pry the latch off. Once you've removed the trim plate, it'll be simple to take off the latch as well as the remaining bolts that hold the latch and spindle in place.
If the latch isn't able to be released you can try using a paper clip or a tool to release it from the handle mechanism. Insert the item in the recessed slot of the latch, and gently twist it or jiggle until you feel the that the latch and handle begin to split. It may take this several times before the latch comes loose enough to let it out.
Once the old latch is removed, you should be able to move the new latch into the slot with no problems. Use your new screws to secure the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure that it is correctly placed in the slot, and aligned with the screw chambers.
Measure the existing backset (the distance between the center of the large hole in the front of the door and the edge) before installing the new handle. Also, make sure that the latch size on the new handle is in line with this measurement.
If you're replacing the handle or latch or handle, or if your previous lock cylinder is damaged then you'll need a new one. If you're not changing the locks, however, a new latch should fit in your existing recess and will work just fine with your current keys. Be sure to select the latch with a rectangular cover plate that match your old handles.
Take off the cover plate
You can replace your door handles with a modern design of roses and levers to make a difference in the appearance of your house. You can buy complete sets of escutcheons, privacy adaptors, escutcheons, and escutcheons.
To replace an internal door handle, remove the cover plate (or rose) that covers the screws and inner mechanism. Use a flathead for removing the plate. It could have an opening along one side or be held in place by pins.
Remove the screw holding the handle in the interior and set it aside once the cover plate has been removed. It is also necessary to remove the screws that hold the latch and the plates inside, which you can do by loosening them using the help of a Philips screwdriver. Then, remove the inner plates and latch plate from the door and put them aside.
Most doors have an opening between the door jamb and the inside edge of the frame, which allows for a handle, however not all have. If it doesn't have a handle, you'll need to make a hole in the door to accommodate the new handle. This is the same process as opening a door locked, but you will have to be extra careful not to damage the door's frame or frame.
After drilling the holes then you'll need to install new door knob screws. Make sure you purchase the same size as the previous ones, so that you don't end up with an handle that is either too tight or loose. You'll also have to install a new latch plate and strike rod that aren't part of the majority of door handle sets.
If upvc replacement door handles in search of a reliable replacement set of interior door handles look no further than 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 an excellent option to replace worn or damaged door hardware on your Chevy.