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10 Things That Everyone Doesn't Get Right About Door Handle Replacement
Door Handle Replacement

It's worth it to replace door handles if you aren't happy with the way they look, or if they are difficult to use. Installing the new handle on your door is simple if you've got patience.

Modern door handles are usually equipped with cover plates that conceal the screws to give them a more attractive appearance. If the new handle doesn't have them already attached, you will have to attach them separately.

Take off the handle from the old one.

Door handles are not only essential for aesthetics of your home but they're also vital for safety since they allow you to lock and unlock your door. Over time, the door handle may begin to lose its grip or feel loose. It might be beginning to appear old and worn. This is a clear indication 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 that you can no longer lock or unlock your door, which could create a security risk for you and your family.

Another reason to replace your door handle is if it's damaged or broken. A broken door handle can be quite dangerous, especially when your children or elderly family members have difficulty opening it, and get trapped inside. Luckily, it's quite easy to fix a broken door handle by replacing the old one.

Modern door handles are typically standard sizes and should fit any door. If you aren't certain that your new door handle will work, remove the old one and measure the holes in its housing. This will help you purchase the right size door handle.

The easiest method to take off the door handle you have been using is to unscrew it from the door itself. Usually you'll need a screwdriver. Some door handles have a cover plate which hides the screws used to mount them. You'll need to remove this to get to the screws. Once you've removed your old handle, take note of the way the spindle is positioned to ensure that you can be sure to align it when you install your new one.

You can also remove the door handle by unscrewing the latch mechanism. You can make use of a screwdriver to take off the door handle. But, you'll need to locate the small latch, which is located on the edge of the trim piece. After you have removed the latch, you can unscrew the handle from the strike plate and then remove the latch away from the door's edge.

Removing the Strike Plate

You'll need to replace your latch plate when replacing the handle. upvc door handle is the plate that holds the hole through which the door's latch hooks in when the door closes. The new handles will come with two latch plates which are a circular and a rectangular plate (see the image above which shows the various parts of a door handle). If your current latch plate is rectangular, swap 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 remove the screw that is holding the old latch plate in place. The screws are typically tight and require a fair amount of force to loosen them. It is helpful to get a second person to assist in this area if it is possible.

The latch plate should easily lift itself out of the door once the screws have been removed. If it is stuck or doesn't move, use a small nail file to scrape around the edges of the latch plate. This can help loosen the plate.

Now you can prepare the new strike plate to be installed. Install the latch plate in the doorjamb using the wood screws that were included with the new handles. Don't over tighten your screws because this could cause damage to the strike plate.

If you're unsure whether the latch plate is in the correct position, shut and then open the door to determine if it latches and closes properly. If it does not then you'll need to adjust the strikeplate upwards or down, or forward or back until the door shuts correctly.

If the door is still moving or jiggling, you may need to enlarge the hole for latching in the strike plate. This is more common on older doors. It can 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.

Eliminating the Latch

The latch is the metal piece that is angled that moves through the hole that runs along the inside edge of your door. The latch is pushed forward when you turn the handle. It also connects to a hole in the frame of the door to keep your door shut. If your door shakes when you close, replacing the latch could be all you need to fix the problem.

It's difficult to see the screws that hold the latch to the door, however there's usually a small slot on the trim plate that lets you to insert a screwdriver and take it off. After removal of the trim plate you should be able to take off the latch and the bolts that hold it and the spindle in position.

If the latch cannot be easily removed using a paperclip or tool to remove it from the handle mechanism. Insert the item into the recessed latch slot and gently twist it or jiggle until the handle and latch begin to separate. You may need to repeat this several times before the latch is loose enough to let it out.

You should be able to slide the new latch into its slot without problems after you have removed the old one. Make sure that the latch is properly positioned in the slot and aligned with the screw chambers, and then use the new screws to attach it to the strike plate and door frame.

Check the backset of the current handle (the distance between the centre of the large hole on the front of the door and the edge) prior to installing the new handle. You should also check whether the size of the latch on the new handle is a good match to this measurement.

You'll require 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 latch should fit in your existing recess and will be compatible with the keys you have currently. Be sure to select the latch with rectangular cover plates that match the handles you have.

Then remove the Cover Plate

Door handles can start to look shabby over time, but if you replace them with a contemporary lever-on-rose designs, it's an easy and quick DIY project to decorate and will improve the overall look of your home. You can buy complete sets that come with the appropriate escutcheons and privacy adjustor kits.

The first step in replacing the door handle inside is to remove the cover plate or rose, which hides the screws and the mechanism within. Find a release tab on the plate, and employ a flathead screwdriver remove it from the knob. It may have an opening along one side or be held in place by a pin.

After the cover plate is off take off the screw that holds the inside handle in place and set it aside. Take off the screws that hold both the outer and inner plates. You can loosen them using the help of a Philips Screwdriver. Remove the inner plates and latch from the door. Set them aside.


Most doors have an opening between the jamb of the door and the inner edge of the frame that allows for a handle, but not all have. If yours isn't allow for a handle, you'll have to drill a new hole in the door. The procedure for this is the same as opening a door using a lock, but you'll have to be extra careful to avoid damaging the door or frame.

Installing new door knob screws is necessary after the holes have been drilled. Buy the same dimensions as your old screws to ensure that you don't get a handle too tight or loose. Installing a new latch and strike rod is also mandatory. They aren't included in the majority of 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 a plethora of 5-star reviews from happy customers. It's an excellent option to replace worn or damaged door hardware on your Chevy.

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