Door Handle Replacement
It's worth it to replace door handles if you don't like the way they look or if they're difficult to use. With some patience, you can install the new handle in no time.
Modern door handles are equipped with cover plates that hide the screws to give them a beautiful appearance. If your new handle does not already have them attached, you will have to attach them separately.
Removing the Old Handle
The door handle is not only a decorative addition to your home, but it's also a safety feature that allows you to lock and unlock the door. Over time the door handle can start to lose its grip or feel loose. It could also begin to look old and worn. This is an indication that it's the time to replace your door handle.
If your door handle is becoming difficult to use, it may be time to replace it. This is a problem since it means that you are unable to no longer lock or unlock your door, which could be a security risk for you and your family.
It's also recommended to replace your door handle if it is damaged or broken. A broken door handle is dangerous, particularly for elderly and children members who struggle to open it. They could become trapped. Fortunately, it's fairly easy to fix a broken door handle by simply replacing the old one.
Modern door handles are typically standard sizes and should fit any door. If you're not sure whether the new door handle you're buying will work, try removing the old one and measuring the holes in its housing. This will allow you to purchase the correct size door handle.
The easiest method to take off the handle from your door is to unscrew it from the door itself. This is usually done with the screw driver. However some door handles have the cover plate which hides the mounting screws, so you'll need to pry off this to reach the screws underneath. Once you have removed the old handle, make note of the way the spindle is attached so that you can be sure to align it when you install the new one.
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 you have removed the latch, you can take the handle off the strike plate, and then the latch off the door's edge.
The Strike Plate
When replacing your handle, you'll also be required to replace the latch plate, which is the hole that the door's latch is inserted into when it closes. The new handles will come with two latch plates: a rectangular and circular plate (see the above diagram which illustrates the components of the door handle). If you have an rectangular latch plate, replace it with a round one. This will allow the latch to hook into the strike plate, making the handle easier.
The first step is to remove the screw that holds the latch plate. The screws are usually quite tight and require a fair amount of force to loosen them. If you are able, it could be beneficial to have a second person assist you with this task.
The latch plate should easily come out of the door after the screws have been removed. If the latch plate is stuck or refuses to move, use a small file to scrape the edges. This will sometimes free the plate.
You can now move on to creating the new door strike plate for installation. Attach the latch plate to the doorjamb using the wood screws that were included with your new handles. Be careful not to over-tighten the screws, as this could cause damage to the strike plate.
If you're not sure whether the latch plate is in the proper position Try closing and opening the door to determine whether it locks and closes correctly. If not, you will need to adjust the strikeplate upwards or down, forward or back until the door locks properly.
If the door continues to move or jiggles, then you may have to enlarge your latch hole on the strike plate. This is more common in older doors, however it can happen due to wear and tear hinge mortises that are too shallow or the wrong size for the latch, or due to a broken or damaged strike plate that is damaged or broken. If this is the case, follow the exact procedure as adjusting the strike plate, but using the use of a metal file instead a chisel and hammer.
Take off the Latch
The latch is a curved metal piece which slides in and out of a hole on the inside of your door. The latch moves forward when you turn the handle. It also hooks into an opening in the frame of the door to keep your door closed. If your door wiggles when you close it, replacing the latch may be the only thing needed to fix it.
It's hard to see the screws that hold the latch to the door, however there's usually a tiny slot on the trim plate that lets you to insert a screwdriver into the slot and pry it off. After removing the trim plate, you will be able to pull off the latch and the bolts that hold it in place and the spindle.
If the latch cannot be easily removed, use a paperclip or tool to remove it from the handle mechanism. Place the item in the slot for the latch that is recessed. gently turn or jiggle it until you feel the latch and handle start to separate. You may need to repeat this several times before the latch becomes loose enough to let it out.
After the old latch has been removed, you should be able to insert the new latch into the slot without any problems. Make use of the new screws to attach the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure that it is properly positioned in the slot, and aligned with the screw chambers.
Before installing the new handle, make certain to measure your existing backset (the distance from the centre of the large hole on the front surface of the door to the edge). Check that the latch size of the new handle is in line with the measurement.
If you're replacing the latch or handle or handle, or if your previous lock cylinder is damaged, then you will need a new one. If you're not changing locks the new lock will fit in your existing recess and also work with your existing keys. Make sure you select a latch with rectangular cover plates that match the handles you have.
Removing the Cover Plate
Door handles may begin to look shabby with time, but if you replace them with a modern lever-on-rose design, it's a quick and easy DIY and decorating project that will enhance the overall appearance of your home. You can purchase complete sets that include escutcheons, privacy adaptors and escutcheons.
To replace an internal door handle take off the cover plate (or rose), which protects the screws and the inner mechanism. Use a flathead to remove the cover plate. It may have an opening on one side or be held by a pin.
Once the cover plate is off, remove the screw that holds the inside handle in place, and then set it aside. You'll also want to take out the screws that hold the latch and inner plates and the latch plate, which can be done by loosening them using a Philips screwdriver. Then, you can remove the outer plates and latch plate from the door and set them aside.
Some doors don't have this gap. If window handles doesn't have a handle, you'll need to make a hole through the door. This is the same procedure as opening a door locked however, you'll have to be extra cautious not to scratch the door's frame or frame.
After the holes are drilled after which you'll have to put in new door knob screws. Buy the same size as your old screws to ensure that you don't get a handle too tight or loose. Installing a new strike rod and latch is also necessary. They aren't included in all door handle sets.
If you're in search of a reliable replacement interior door handle set look no further than the Amazon's Choice FAERSI two-piece chrome-finished handle set. It is a factory-fit and has received hundreds of 5-star reviews. It's a great option to replace worn or damaged door hardware on your Chevy.