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10 Things Everyone Gets Wrong About Door Handle Replacement
Door Handle Replacement

It's worth it to replace door handles if you don't like the way they look or if they are difficult to use. 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 create a stylish appearance. However, you'll need to attach them separately if the new handle doesn't have them attached already.

Remove the Old Handle

The door handle isn't just a decorative feature for your home it also serves as an element of security that allows you to lock and unlock the door. However, as time passes, your door handle may lose its grip, appear loose or start to look old and worn out. This is a sign that it's time to replace your door handle.

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

It's also recommended to replace your door handle in the event that it's damaged or broken. A broken door handle is dangerous, especially for elderly or children members who might struggle to open it. They may get trapped. It's a good thing that it's simple to fix a damaged door handle by replacing the old one.

The majority of modern door handles are a standard size and so they will fit on any door. If you're not sure whether the new door handle you're buying will work, try removing the old one and determining the holes in its housing. This will let you buy the right size door handle.

The easiest method to remove the door handle you have been using is to take it off of the door. Usually, a screwdriver is used. However some door handles have an outer cover plate that hides the mounting screws, so you'll have to cut off this cover plate to get access to the screws underneath. After removing the old handle, make a note of the way the spindle is connected. This will aid in aligning the new handle.

Alternatively, you can remove the door handle by uncrewing it from the latch mechanism. This is typically done with an screwdriver however you'll need to find the small latch, which is located on the edge of the trim piece. After removing the latch, unscrew the handle and the strike plate. Then, remove the latch from the edge of the door.

Take off the Strike Plate

When replacing the handle, you'll want to replace the latch plate that holds the hole which the door's latch hooks into when it closes. The box that the new handles are packaged in will include two different latch plates: either a rectangular or a circular one (see the above diagram that outlines the parts of the door handle). If your current latch plate has rectangular in shape, swap it out for 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 unscrew the screw that's holding the latch plate that was previously in place. These screws can be quite tight, and will require some force to loosen. If you can, it might be beneficial to have a second person help with this process.

Once the screws are removed the latch will slide out of the door easily. If it's stuck or won't move then use a small nail file to scrape the edges of the latch plate. This can help loosen the plate.

Now you can prepare the new strike plate for installation. Utilizing the screws made of wood that were included with your new handles, attach the latch plate to the inside of the doorjamb. Do not tighten the screws too much because this could damage the strike plate.

If you're unsure whether the latch plate is in the correct position, try closing and opening the door to determine if it closes and latches correctly. If it does not, you will need to adjust the strikeplate up or down, or forward or back until the door locks properly.

If the door is jiggling or moving, you may need to enlarge the hole for latching in the strike plate. This is more prevalent with older doors, but could also be caused by wear and tear, hinge mortises that are too shallow or not the right size for the latch, or due to a broken or damaged strike plate that is damaged or broken. If this is the situation you can use a metal file instead of a chisel, or hammer to adjust the strike plate.

Removal of the Latch

The latch is a bent metal piece that slides in and out of a hole on the inside of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes this latch forward and allows you to open the door. It also connects to a hole in the frame of the door to keep your door shut. If your door is wobbling when you close it, replacing the latch could be all that is needed to fix the issue.

The screws that secure the door latch are difficult to see, but you can usually insert a screwdriver into a small hole in the trim plate, and then pull the latch off. After you've removed your trim plate, it should be simple to take off the latch as well as the remaining bolts that hold the latch and spindle in the position.


If the latch won't be released you can try using a paper clip or a tool to release it from the handle mechanism. Place the item into the recessed latch slot, and gently twist it or jiggle until you feel handle and latch begin to break off. You may need to repeat this process several times before you can take the latch off.

After the old latch is removed it should be possible to insert the new latch into the slot without issues. Make use of the new screws to secure the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure it's properly positioned in the slot and aligned with the screw chambers.

Before installing the new handle, be sure to measure your existing backset (the distance from the center of the large hole on the front surface of the door to the edge). Also, ensure that the latch size on the new handle is a good match to the measurement of your existing handle.

If you are replacing the handle or latch or handle, or if your previous lock cylinder has been damaged, then you will need a new one. If window handles 're not switching locks, a new lock should fit into your existing recess and work with the keys you have already. Select a latch with rectangular cover plates that match your old handles.

Removal of the Cover Plate

You can replace your old door handles with a modern lever and rose design to enhance the appearance of your house. You can purchase complete sets with matching privacy adaptors, escutcheons, and escutcheons.

The first step in replacing the door handle inside is to remove the cover plate or rose, which covers the screws and inner mechanism. Find an release tab on the plate and use a flathead screwdriver to pop it off the knob. It may have an opening along one side or be secured by a pin.

Remove the screw that holds the handle inside and put it aside after the cover plate has been removed. It is also necessary to remove the screws that hold the latch and inner plates to the door, which you can accomplish 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.

Not all doors have this gap. If yours doesn't, you'll need to drill a hole in the door to accommodate the new handle. The procedure to do this is the same procedure opening a door using locks, but you'll have to be extra careful to avoid damaging the frame or door.

Installing new screws for the door knob is required after the holes have been made. Choose the same dimensions as your old screws to avoid getting the handle that is too loose or tight. Installing a new latch and strike rod is also necessary. They aren't included in the majority of door handle sets.

If you're looking for a high-quality replacement for your interior door handle set Try the Amazon's Choice FAERSI two-piece chrome finish handle set. It's a factory fit and has received a plethora of five-star reviews from satisfied customers. It's a great choice to replace damaged or worn door handle hardware inside your Chevy HHR.

Read More: https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/gravesend-windowrepair/