Door Handle Replacement: The History Of Door Handle Replacement In 10 Milestones

· 6 min read
Door Handle Replacement: The History Of Door Handle Replacement In 10 Milestones

Door Handle Replacement

It's worth replacing door handles if you don't like the way they appear, or if they're difficult to use. Installing the new handle on your door is simple if you have patience.

Modern door handles are often equipped with cover plates that conceal the screws, giving them an attractive look. However, you'll have to attach them separately if your new handle does not already have them.

Remove the old handle

The door handle isn't only a decorative addition to your home, but it's also an important safety feature that lets you to lock and unlock the door. However, over time your door handle can lose its grip, feel loose, or look 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 needs replacing is when it becomes difficult to operate. This is a serious problem because you won't be in a position to lock or unlock the door, which could put you and your family at risk.

Another reason to replace your door handle is if it's damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle is risky, particularly for children and elderly family members who may struggle to open it. They could be trapped. It's easy to fix a damaged handle on the door.

Modern door handles are generally standard sizes and should be able to fit any door. If you're unsure if the new door handle you're buying will work, try removing the old one and measuring its housing holes. This will help you to buy the correct sized door handle.

It is the easiest method to take off the old door handle by unscrewing it from the door. This is usually done using a screw driver. However, some door handles have an outer cover plate that hides the mounting screws, so you'll have to cut off this to reach the screws beneath. Once you have removed the old handle, make note of the way the spindle is positioned to ensure you are able to make sure it is aligned when you put in your new one.

Alternatively, you can remove the door handle by uncrewing it from the latch mechanism. You can make use of a screwdriver to take off the door handle. But, you'll have to locate the tiny latch which is located on the edge cut piece. After taking off  repairmywindowsanddoors , remove the handle and the strike plate. Then, remove the latch from the edge of the door.

Removal of the Strike Plate

You'll have to replace your latch plate after replacing the handle. This is the plate that holds the hole through which the latch of the door hooks when the door closes. The new handles will come with two latch plates: a rectangular and circular plate (see the diagram above that shows the parts of a door handle). If you have a rectangular latch plate, you can replace it with a round one. This will allow the latch to be able to hook onto the strike plate and make the handle easier.



The first step is to remove the screw that's holding the latch plate that was previously in place. The screws are usually quite tight and require a bit of force to loosen them. It may be helpful to get a second person to assist with this task if you can.

The latch plate should lift itself out of the door after the screws have been removed. If it's stuck or won't move then use a small nail file to scrape the edges of the latch plate. This may help free the plate up.

Now you can move on to creating the new door strike plate for installation. Install the latch plate in the door jamb using the screws that came with your new handles. Do not overtighten your screws as this can cause damage to the strike plate.

If you're unsure if the latch plate is in the proper position, try closing and opening the door to see whether it locks and closes correctly. If not then you'll have to adjust the strike plate upwards or down, or forward or back, until the door closes and latches 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 not deep enough or the wrong size for the latch, or because of a broken or damaged strike plate. If this is the situation, follow the same procedure to adjust the strike plate, using a metal file instead of the hammer and chisel.

Take off the Latch

The latch is an angled 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 catches an opening in the door frame to ensure that the door is closed. If your door wobbles when you close, a new latch may be the only thing needed to fix the problem.

The screws that hold the door latch are difficult to locate however, you can put a screwdriver in a small hole in the trim plate, and then pull the latch off. After you've removed the trim plate, it will be simple to remove the latch as well as the bolts that keep the spindle and latch in place.

If the latch cannot be easily removed then use a paperclip tool to remove it from the handle mechanism. Place the item in the slot for the latch that is recessed. gently twist or jiggle it until you feel the latch and handle begin to split. You may need repeat this process a few times before you are able to take the latch off.

After the old latch is removed and the old latch is removed, you should be able to move the new latch into the slot without issues. Make sure the latch is properly positioned in the slot and is aligned with the screw chambers and then use your new screws to secure it to the strike plate and door frame.

Measure the existing backset (the distance between the center of the large hole on the door's front and the edge) before installing the new handle. Check that the latch size of the new handle is equal to the measurement.

You'll require a new cylinder for your lock if replacing the latch and handle or your existing one is damaged. If you're not replacing the locks the new latch will fit in your existing recess and will work with the keys you have currently. Pick a latch that has rectangular cover plates that match your old handles.

Then remove the Cover Plate

Door handles can start to look shabby over time, but if you replace them with a modern lever-on-rose designs, it's a quick and easy DIY project to decorate and can improve the overall appearance of your home. You can purchase complete sets with matching privacy adaptors, escutcheons, and escutcheons.

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

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

Most doors have gaps between the jamb of the door and the inside edge of the frame that makes room for a handle, however not all do. If yours does not have a handle, you'll need to drill a hole into the door to install the new handle. This is the same process for opening a locked door however you'll have to be extra cautious not to scratch the door's frame or frame.

After the holes are drilled then you'll need to install new screws for the door knob. Buy the same size as the old screws to prevent getting the handle too tight or loose. Installing a new latch and strike rod is also necessary. These are not included in most door handle sets.

If you're in search of a reliable replacement set of interior door handles Try the Amazon's Choice FAERSI two-piece chrome-finished handle set. It's a factory-fit and has received a plethora of five-star reviews from delighted customers. It's a great choice to replace damaged or worn door handle hardware in the interior of your Chevy HHR.