10 Healthy Habits For Door Handle Replacement

From Yuri Project

Door Handle Replacement

Door handles seem like something minor, but if you dislike the way they look or find them difficult to use, it's worth replacing them. With a little patience, you can get the new handle for patio door in no time.

Modern door handles are typically equipped with cover plates that hide the screws to give them an attractive look. If your new handle does not have screws already attached, you will have to attach them separately.

Removing the old Handle

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 can begin to lose its grip or feel a bit loose. It may be beginning to appear aged and worn. This is a sign that it's time to replace the door handle.

One of the first indications that your door handle is in need of replacing is if it's becoming difficult to operate. This is a problem because it means you can not lock or unlock your door which could create the risk of security for you and your family.

It's also recommended to replace your door handle if it is damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle can be risky, particularly for elderly and children members who struggle to open it. They may get trapped. Luckily, it's quite easy to fix a broken door handle by replacing the old one.

Most modern door handles are a standard size and therefore are suitable for any external door handles. If you're not certain that your new door handle will work, take out the old one and take measurements of its holes in the housing. This will allow you to buy the right size door handle.

It is the easiest method to take off the old door handle by unscrewing it from the door. Usually you'll need a screwdriver. However some door handles have a cover plate that conceals the mounting screws, so you'll need to pry off this to access the screws beneath. After you have removed the old handle, take note of how the spindle is attached. This will assist you in aligning the new handle.

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

Take off the Strike Plate

When you replace your handle, you'll need to replace the latch plate that holds the hole that the door's latch hooks into when it closes. The new handles will come with two latch plates which are a circular and a rectangular plate (see the image above that shows the parts of a door handle). If your current latch plate is rectangular in shape, swap it out for 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 take off the screw holding the latch plate. These screws can be quite tight, and will require some force to loosen. If you can, it might be beneficial to have another person help with this process.

Once the screws are removed, the latch plate should pull out of the door easily. If it is stuck or doesn't move, use a small nail file to scrape the edges of the latch plate. This will sometimes free the plate up.

Now you can move on to preparing the new door strike plate to be installed. With the wood screws that came with your new handles and hinges, screw the latch plate to the inside of the doorjamb. Be careful not to tighten too much the screws, as this may cause damage to the strike plate.

If you are not sure whether the latch plate is in its proper position, shut and then open the door to see if it latches and closes correctly. If not you'll have to adjust the strikeplate upwards or down, or forward or back until the door locks properly.

If the door still moves or jiggles, you might have to enlarge your latch hole on the strike plate. This is more prevalent on older doors. It can be caused by wear and tear hinges that are too narrow, the wrong size latch or damaged strike plate. If this is the case, follow the exact procedure as adjusting the strike plate, but using the use of a metal file instead an hammer and chisel.

Take off the Latch

The latch is a curved metal piece that slides in and out of a hole in the inside of your mila door handles. When you turn the handle, it pushes the latch forward which allows you to open the door. It also hooks in an opening in the door frame so that the door remains closed. If your door wobbles when you close, a new latch may be all that is 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 hole on the trim plate that permits you to insert a screwdriver in order to remove it. After taking off the trim plate you should be able to take off the latch, as well as the bolts that hold it and the spindle.

If the latch cannot be easily removed then use a paperclip tool to remove it from the handle mechanism. Place the item in the latch's slot that is recessed and gently turn or jiggle it until you feel the latch and handle start to split. You may need repeat this process a few times before you can remove the latch.

It should be possible to slide the new latch into its slot without any problems after you have removed the old one. Make sure the latch is correctly positioned in the slot and aligned with the screw chambers and then use your new screws to attach it to the strike plate and door frame.

Take note of the backset (the distance between the center of the large hole on the door's front and the edge) prior to installing the new handle. You should also check whether the size of the latch on the new handle matches this measurement.

If you are replacing the handle or latch, or if your old lock cylinder is damaged then you will need a new one. If you are not changing locks the new lock will fit into your existing recess, and will work with the keys you have already. Be sure to select a latch with a rectangular cover plate that match your old upvc window locking handles.

Remove the cover plate

Door handles can begin to look shabby over time, but if you replace them with a contemporary lever-on-rose designs, it's a quick and easy DIY project and decorating idea that will improve the overall look of your home. You can buy complete sets that include matching escutcheons as well as privacy adaptor kits.

To replace the door handle inside take off the cover plate (or rose), which covers the screws and mechanism. Use a flathead for removing the plate. It could have an opening along one side or be secured by pins.

Remove the screw that holds the interior handle and put it aside after the cover plate is removed. You'll also need to remove the screws that are holding the latch and the plates inside, which you can do by loosening them using a Philips screwdriver. Then, remove the inner plates and latch plate from the door and put them aside.

Most doors have gaps between the door jamb and the inside edge of the frame that allows for a handle, however not all have. If yours does not have a handle, you'll need to drill a hole in the door to accommodate the new handle. The procedure for this is similar to the procedure opening a door using a lock, but you'll have to be extra careful to avoid damaging the frame or upvc door handles.

After drilling the holes, you'll need to install new door knob screws. Make sure to buy the same size as the previous ones, to ensure that you do not end up with the handle that is too tight or too loose. It's also necessary to install a new latch plate and strike rod, which aren't included with the majority of door handle sets.

If you're looking for a high-quality replacement set of interior door handles look no further than the Amazon's Choice FAERSI two-piece chrome-finished handle set. It's a factory-fit product and has received hundreds of 5-star reviews. It's a great option to replace worn or damaged interior door hardware on your Chevy.