8 Tips To Up Your Door Handle Replacement Game

8 Tips To Up Your Door Handle Replacement Game

Door Handle Replacement

Door handles seem like a small detail but if you aren't happy with the style or design of them, or find them difficult to use, it's worth replacing them. With some patience, you can put in an entirely new handle in a short time.

Most modern door handles have cover plates that conceal the screws for an attractive appearance. If your new handle doesn't have screws already connected, you'll have to attach them separately.

Remove the old handle

The door handle is not only a decorative addition to your home It's also an important safety feature that lets you to lock and unlock your door. However, over time your door handle can lose its grip, feel loose, or look old and worn out. This is a clear indication that it's time to replace your door handle.

One of the first indications that your door handle needs replacing is when it becomes difficult to operate. This is an issue because it means you can no longer lock or unlock your door which could create the risk of security for you and your family.

It is also an excellent idea to replace your door handle when it's damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle can be dangerous, especially for elderly and children members who might struggle to open it. They may get trapped. It's easy to replace a broken handle on doors.

Modern door handles are usually standard sizes and should fit any door. If you're not sure whether the new door handle you're buying will fit, try taking out the old one and measuring its housing holes. This will help you buy the right door handle.

The easiest method to remove your old door handle is to take it off of the door itself. This is usually done using a 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. After you have removed the old handle, make a note of the way the spindle is connected. This will aid in aligning the new handle.

You can also remove your door handle by unscrewing it from 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 trim piece. After you have removed the latch, take off the handle and strike plate. Then, remove the latch from the door's edge.

Remove the Strike Plate

When replacing your handle, you'll want to replace the latch plate that holds the hole that the door's latch is inserted into when it closes. The package the new handles arrive in will include two latch plates: either a rectangular or circular (see the diagram above detailing the parts of the door handle). If you have an rectangular latch plate, swap it with an oval one. This will allow the latch to be able to hook onto the strike plate, making the handle more convenient.

The first step is to remove the screw that holds the old latch plate in place. The screws are typically tight and require a lot 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 come out of the door after the screws have been removed. If it's stuck or won't move using a nail file to scrape around the edges of the latch plate. This may help free the plate.

You can now move on to making the new door strike plate to be installed. Utilizing the wood screws that came with the new handles, screw the latch plate to the inside of the doorjamb. Do not overtighten your screws as this could damage the strike plate.

If you're unsure if the latch plate is in the correct position You can try closing and then opening the door to check whether it locks and closes correctly. If it doesn't then you'll need to adjust the strikeplate either up or down, or forward or back until the door closes correctly.

If the door is still moving or jiggles, you may need to increase the size of your latch hole on the strike plate. This is more prevalent on older doors. It can be caused by wear and tear, hinges that are too small, a wrong size latch or a damaged strike plate. If this is the case, use a metal filing instead of a chisel or hammer to adjust the strike plate.

Removal of the Latch

The latch is an angled metal piece which slides in and out of a hole in the inside of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes the latch forward and allows you to open the door. It also catches a hole on the door frame so that the door stays closed. If your door shakes when you close, an upgrade to the latch could be all that is needed to correct the issue.

It's hard to see the screws that attach the latch to the door, but there's usually a tiny slot on the trim plate that lets you to insert a screwdriver into the slot and remove it. After removing the trim plate, you should be able to take off the latch as well as the bolts that hold it in place and the spindle in position.

If the latch isn't able to release, try using an old-fashioned paper clip or tool to spring it loose from the handle mechanism. Place the item in the slot for the latch that is recessed. gently move it around until you feel the handle and latch start to separate. It is possible to repeat this process several times before you are able to remove the latch.

You should be able slide the new latch into its slot without any problems after you have removed the old one. Make use of the new screws to attach the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure it's correctly placed in the slot and aligned with the screw chambers.

Take note of the backset (the distance between the centre of the large hole in the front of the door and the edge) before installing the new handle. You should also check that the latch size on the new handle matches the measurement of your existing handle.

If you're replacing the latch or handle, or if your old lock cylinder is damaged then you'll require an entirely new one. If you're not changing locks, however, a new latch will fit into your existing recess and will be compatible with your current keys. Pick a latch that has rectangular cover plates that match your existing handles.

Remove  door handles Repair My Windows And Doors  can replace your old door handles with a modern design of roses and levers to enhance the appearance of your home. You can purchase complete sets that include the escutcheons as well as privacy adaptors and escutcheons.

To replace an internal door handle remove the cover plate (or rose), which covers the screws and mechanism. Look for an opening tab on the plate and employ a flathead screwdriver remove it from the knob. It may have a slot on one edge or be held by a pin.


Remove the screw that holds the handle inside 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 using 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 does not, you'll need to drill a hole in the door to accommodate the new handle. This is the same procedure as opening a door locked however, you'll have to be extra careful not to scratch the door or frame.

Installing new door knob screws is necessary after holes have been drilled. Make sure you purchase the same size as the old ones, so you won't have an handle that is either too tight or too loose. Installing a new strike rod and latch is also necessary. These are not included in most door handle sets.

If you're looking for a 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 option to replace damaged or worn interior door handle hardware on your Chevy HHR.