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 find them difficult to use and use, you should consider replacing them. Installing the new handle on your door is simple if you have patience.
Modern door handles are equipped with cover plates that conceal the screws to give them a beautiful appearance. If your new handle doesn't already have them connected, you'll have to attach them separately.
Removing the old Handle
Door handles are not only an important aesthetic addition to your home, but they're crucial for safety as they allow you to lock and unlock your door. However, over time, your door handle may lose its grip, appear loose or start to look old and worn. This is a good indication that it's time to replace your door handle.
One of the first indications that your door handle requires replacing is when it becomes difficult to operate. This is a problem since it means that you can not lock or unlock your door, which could create an security risk to you and your family.
Another reason to replace the door handle is if it's damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle can be dangerous, particularly for elderly or children members who might struggle to open it. They could become trapped. It's simple to replace a broken handle on the door.
Modern door handles are generally standard sizes and will fit any door. If you're not sure whether your new door handle will fit, try taking out the old one and determining the holes in its housing. This will help you buy the correct sized door handle.
It is easiest to remove the 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 screws that mount them, so you'll need to remove this to access the screws underneath. After removing the old handle, take note of the way the spindle is connected. This will aid in aligning the new handle.
You can also remove the door handle by depressing the latch mechanism. This is typically done with an screwdriver however you'll need to locate the small latch, which should be just to the left of the trim piece. After you have removed the latch, you'll need to remove the handle from the strike plate and then the latch away from the door's edge.
Removal of the Strike Plate
You'll need to replace your latch plate after replacing the handle. It's the plate that holds the hole where the door's latch hooks in when the door is closed. The new handles will have two latch plates which are a circular and a rectangular plate (see the image above that shows the parts of a door handle). If you have a rectangular latch plate, replace it with an oval one. This will allow the latch to hook onto the strike plate, making the handle easier to use.
The first step is to unhook the screw that holds the old latch plate. These screws can be quite tight, and may require some force to loosen. It is helpful to have a second person help in this area if it is possible.
The latch plate should come out of the door after the screws have been removed. If the latch plate is stuck or doesn't move, use a small hammer to scrape the edges. This will sometimes free the plate.
Now you can prepare the new strike plate for installation. Screw the latch plate into the door jamb using the screws that were included with your new handles. Do not overtighten your screws because this could damage the strike plate.
If you're unsure whether the latch plate is in its correct position, close and open the door to determine whether it latches and closes properly. If not you'll need to adjust the strike plate either up or down, or even forward or back until the door closes and latches correctly.
If the door is still moving or jiggling, then you may need to enlarge the hole for the latch in the strike plate. This is more prevalent for older doors, but could also be caused by wear and tear hinge mortises that are not deep enough or not the right size for the latch, or because of a broken or damaged strike plate that is damaged or broken. If this is the case, follow the same procedure to adjust the strike plate, but using an iron file instead of an hammer and chisel.
Removing the Latch
The latch is the angled piece of metal that is able to move in and out of the hole on the inside edge of your door. The latch is pushed forward when you turn the handle. It also hooks into an opening in the frame of the door to keep your door shut. If your door wiggles when you close it, replacing the latch could be all you need to correct the issue.
It's difficult to see the screws that attach 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 pry it off. After you've removed the trim plate, it should 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 easily removed, use a paperclip or tool to take it off the handle mechanism. Place the item in the latch's slot that is recessed and gently twist or jiggle it until you feel the latch and handle start to split. It may take this several times before the latch is loose enough to pull 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 without any problems. Make use of the new screws to secure the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure it is correctly placed in the slot, aligned with the screw chambers.
Measure the existing backset (the distance between the centre of the large hole in the front of the door and the edge) prior to installing the new handle. Make sure that the size of the latch of the new handle is equal to the measurement.
You'll need a 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 will fit into your existing recess and will work just fine with your current keys. Be sure to choose an entry point with rectangular cover plates that match your old handles.
Removal of the Cover Plate
You can replace your old door handles with a contemporary rose and lever designs to enhance the appearance of your house. You can purchase complete sets of door handles that come with the appropriate escutcheons and privacy adjustor kits.
To replace an internal door handle remove the cover plate (or rose), which protects the screws and the inner mechanism. Look for an opening tab on the plate, and make use of a flathead screwdriver to remove it from the knob. It may have an opening on one edge or be secured by a pin.
Remove the screw that holds the handle in the interior and place it aside when the cover plate has been removed. Take off the screws that hold both the inner and outer plates. You can loosen them by using a Philips Screwdriver. Take the inner plates and latch from the door. Place them aside.
Most doors have a gap between the door jamb and the inner edge of the frame that makes room for a handle, however not all do. If yours isn't have a handle, you'll need to drill a new hole in the door. It's the same procedure as opening a door locked however, you'll have to be extra cautious not to scratch the frame or door.
After drilling the holes after which you'll have to put in new door knob screws. Purchase the same size as your old screws to ensure that you don't get a handle too tight or loose. It's also necessary to install a new strike rod and latch plate, which aren't included with most door handle sets.
If you're looking for a quality replacement interior door handle set look no further than the Amazon's Choice FAERSI two-piece chrome finish handle set. It's a factory-fit and has received hundreds of five-star reviews from satisfied customers. It's a great option to replace damaged or worn door handle hardware in the interior of your Chevy HHR.