15 Interesting Facts About Door Handle Replacement That You've Never Heard Of

· 6 min read
15 Interesting Facts About Door Handle Replacement That You've Never Heard Of

Door Handle Replacement

Door handles seem like something minor however, if you don't like the style or design of them, or are unable to use them then it's time to replace them. Installing the new handle on your door is easy if you have patience.

Modern door handles are usually equipped with cover plates which hide the screws, giving them an attractive appearance. If your new handle doesn't have them already connected, you'll have to attach them separately.

Remove the old handle

Door handles aren't just an important for their aesthetic value to your home, but they're also essential for security as they let you lock and unlock your door. Over time the door handle can begin to lose its grip or feel loose. It could also begin to look worn out and old. This is an indication that it's time for a replacement.

If your door handle is becoming difficult to use, it could be time to replace it. This is a serious problem as you will no longer be able to lock or unlock the door and put your family and yourself at risk.

It is also a good idea to replace your door handle when it's damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle can be extremely dangerous, particularly if your children or elderly family members are unable to open it and could get trapped in the. It's simple to replace a damaged handle on a door.

Modern door handles are usually standard sizes and should be able to fit any door. If you're not sure whether your new door handle will work, try removing the old one and measuring the holes in its housing. This will allow you to buy the right size door handle.

The easiest way to take off the handle from your door is to take it off of the door itself. Usually it is a matter of using a screwdriver. However some door handles have a cover plate that conceals the screws that mount them, so you'll need to remove this to reach the screws underneath. After removing the old handle, take note of how the spindle is attached. This will help you align the new handle.

You can also remove your door handle by unscrewing it from the latch mechanism. You can use a screwdriver to remove the door handle. But, you'll need to locate the small latch that 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 edge of the door.

Take off the Strike Plate

You'll have to replace your latch plate after replacing the handle. It's the plate that holds the hole through which the latch for the door is inserted when the door closes. The new handles will have two latch plates which are a circular and a rectangular plate (see the above diagram which shows the various parts of the door handle). If your current latch plate has rectangular in shape, swap it over to the round one, so that the latch hooks onto the strike plate in a way that makes the handle easier to use.

The first step is to take off the screw that holds the latch plate. These screws are often tight, and will require some force to loosen. It may be helpful to have a second person help with this task if you can.

The latch plate should lift itself out of the door once the screws have been removed. If it is stuck or doesn't move then use a small nail file to scrape around the edges of the latch plate. This can help loosen the plate.

You can now move on to preparing the new door strike plate to be installed. Using  door handle repairs near me  made of wood that came with your new handles, attach the latch plate onto the inside of the doorjamb. Do not overtighten your screws because this could damage the strike plate.

If you're not sure if the latch plate is in the proper position You can try closing and then opening the door to check whether it latches and closes correctly. If not you'll have to adjust the strikeplate either up or down, forward or back until the door locks correctly.

If the door is still jiggling or moving, it may be necessary to expand the hole for the latch in the strike plate. This is more prevalent for older doors, but could also be caused by wear and tear, hinge mortises that are too shallow or are not sized correctly for the latch, or because of damaged or broken strike plate that is damaged or broken. If this is the case, follow the exact procedure as adjusting the strike plate, using a metal file instead of an hammer and chisel.

Remove the Latch

The latch is the angled metal piece that slides in and out of the hole on the inside edge of your door. The latch moves forward when you turn the handle. It also hooks into a hole in the door frame to keep the door 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 difficult to identify the screws that hold the latch to the door, however there's usually a tiny slot on the trim plate that allows you to insert a screwdriver in order to take it off. After you've removed the trim plate, it will be simple to remove the latch as well as the remaining bolts that hold the spindle and latch in the position.

If the latch doesn't easily be released, try using an old-fashioned paper clip or tool to free 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 latch and handle begin to separate. It is possible to repeat this procedure several times before you can remove the latch.

You should be able to slide the new latch into its slot without issues after you've removed the old one. Make sure the latch is positioned correctly in the slot and lined up with the screw chambers, and then use the new screws to secure it to the strike plate and door frame.

Take note of the backset (the distance between the center of the large hole on the door's front and the edge) prior to installing the new handle. Make sure that the size of the latch of the new handle matches the measurement.

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

Removal of the Cover Plate

Door handles can start to look shabby over time If you replace them with a modern lever-on-rose design, it's a quick and easy DIY project and decorating idea that can improve the overall appearance of your home. You can purchase complete sets that include the appropriate escutcheons and privacy adjustor kits.

The first step in replacing an internal door handle is to remove the cover plate or rose, which covers the screws and the mechanism within. Utilize a flathead to take off the plate. It could have a slot along one edge or be held in place by a pin.

Remove the screw that holds the handle inside and place it aside when the cover plate has been removed. It is also necessary to remove the screws that hold the latch and plates and the latch plate, which can be done by loosening them using the help of a Philips screwdriver. Then, remove the inner plates and latch plate from the door and set them aside.

Most doors have gaps between the jamb of the door and the inside edge of the frame that allows for a handle, but not all do. If yours doesn't then you'll have to make a hole in the door for the new handle. The procedure for this is the same as for opening a door with the lock, however you'll have to be extra careful not to harm the frame or door.



The installation of new door knob screws is necessary after the holes have been made. Buy the same dimensions as your old screws to avoid getting the handle that is too loose or tight. Installing a new strike rod and latch is also mandatory. These are not included in the majority of door handle sets.

If you're looking for a high-quality replacement set of interior door handles look no further than the Amazon's Choice FAERSI two-piece chrome-finished handle set. It's a factory-fit product and has received hundreds five-star reviews. It's a great choice to replace damaged or worn interior door handle hardware on your Chevy HHR.