The Little-Known Benefits Of Door Handle Replacement

· 6 min read
The Little-Known Benefits Of 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 easy if you have patience.

The majority of modern door handles come with cover plates that conceal the screws for an attractive appearance. If the new handle doesn't already have them attached, you will have to attach them separately.

Take off the handle from the old one.

The door handle isn't just a decorative feature for your home, but it's also an important safety feature that lets you to lock and unlock the door. However, as time passes the door handle could lose its grip, appear loose, or appear old and worn out. This is an indication that it's time for a replacement.

One of the first indications that your door handle needs 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 pose an security risk to you and your family.

Another reason to replace your door handle is when it's damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle can be risky, particularly for elderly or children members who might struggle to open it. They may get trapped. It's easy to replace a damaged handle on the door.

Modern door handles are usually standard sizes and will fit any door. If you're not sure if your new door handle will fit, try removing the old one and measuring the holes in its housing. This will allow you to buy the correct sized door handle.

The easiest method to remove the handle from your door is to unscrew it from the door itself. This is usually done with a screw driver. Some door handles come with the cover plate, which conceals the screws that mount them. It is necessary to remove it to get to the screws. Once you have removed the old handle, take an outline of how the spindle is attached so that you can be sure to align it when you install the new one.

You can also remove your door handle by unscrewing it from 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. Once you've removed the latch, you can unscrew the handle from the strike plate and then remove the latch from the door edge.

Take off the Strike Plate

If you are replacing the handle, you'll need to replace the latch plate that holds the hole that the door's latch is inserted into when it closes. The box that the new handles are packaged with will offer two options for latch plates - a rectangular one and a circular one (see the diagram above for the components of a door handle). If your current latch plate has rectangular in shape, swap it to a circular one so that the latch is able to hook into the strike plate in a manner that makes the handle more comfortable to use.

The first step is to loosen the screw that is holding the latch plate that was previously in place. The screws can be very tight, and may require some force to loosen. It may be helpful to have a second person assist in this area if it is possible.

The latch plate should easily come out of the door after the screws have been removed. If it is stuck or doesn't move using a nail file to scrape around the edges of the latch plate. This may help free the plate.

Now you can prepare the new strike plate for installation. With the screws made of wood that came with the new handles, attach the latch plate onto the inside of the doorjamb. Do not tighten the screws too much as this can cause damage to the strike plate.

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

If the door is moving or jiggling, it may be necessary to expand the hole for latching in the strike plate. This is more common for older doors, but can happen due to wear and tear, hinge mortises that are too narrow or the wrong size for the latch, or from a broken or damaged strike plate that is damaged or broken. If this is the case you can use a metal file instead of a chisel, or hammer to adjust the strike plate.

Remove the Latch

The latch is a bent metal piece that slides into 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 hooks in a hole on the door frame to ensure that the door stays closed. If your door is wiggles when you close it, replacing the latch might be all you need to correct the issue.

It's difficult to identify the screws that attach the latch to the door, but there's usually a small hole on the trim plate that lets you to insert a screwdriver into the slot and remove it. After you've removed your trim plate, it will be easy to remove the latch as well as the remaining bolts that hold the latch and spindle in the position.

If the latch doesn't easily be released, try using the clip of a paper or tool to release 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 handle and latch begin to split. It may take this several times before the latch comes loose enough to allow it to be pulled out.

You should be able to slide the new latch into its slot with no issues after you've removed the old one. Use the new screws to secure the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure it is properly positioned in the slot, aligned with the screw chambers.

Measure the existing backset (the distance between the center of the large hole in the door's front and the edge) prior to installing the new handle. Also, make sure that the size of the latch on the new handle is in line with the measurement of your existing handle.

You'll require a brand new cylinder for your lock if you're replacing the handle and latch, or your old one is damaged. If you're not replacing the locks however, a new latch will fit in the existing recess and be compatible with your current keys. Make sure you select a latch with a rectangular cover plate that match the handles you have.

Remove  door handle replacement bournemouth Repair My Windows And Doors  can start to look shabby over time, but if you replace them with a modern lever-on-rose design, it's an easy and quick DIY and decorating project that will improve the overall look of your home. You can buy complete sets that include the appropriate escutcheons and privacy adjustor kits.



To replace the door handle inside remove the cover plate (or rose) that covers the screws and mechanism. Use a flathead to remove the cover plate. It may have an opening on one edge or be secured by a pin.

Remove the screw that is holding the interior handle and set it aside once the cover plate has been removed. Take off the screws that hold both the inner and outer plates. You can loosen them with the help of a Philips Screwdriver. Then, you can remove the outer plates and latch plate from the door and set them aside.

Not all doors have this gap. If it doesn't have a handle, you'll need to drill a hole in the door to accommodate the new handle. This is the same procedure for opening a locked door however you'll have to be extra cautious not to scratch the door's frame or frame.

After drilling the holes, you'll need to install new door knob screws. Purchase the same size as your old screws to ensure that you don't get the handle too tight or loose. You'll also have to install an additional latch plate and strike rod that aren't part of most door handle sets.

Amazon's Choice FAERSI 2-piece chrome finish handle sets are a great option if you're in need of a high-quality interior door handle replacement set. It's a factory-fit product and has received hundreds five-star reviews. It's a great choice for replacing worn out or damaged interior door hardware on your Chevy.