This Is The Myths And Facts Behind Door Handle Replacement

· 6 min read
This Is The Myths And Facts Behind Door Handle Replacement

Door Handle Replacement

It's worth replacing door handles if you don't like the way they look, or if they are difficult to use. Installing a new door handle is simple if you've got patience.

Modern door handles are often equipped with cover plates that hide the screws for a more attractive appearance. If your new handle does not have them already connected, you'll have to attach them separately.

Removal of the Old Handle

The door handle isn't only a decorative addition to your home It's also a safety feature that allows you to lock and unlock your door. As time passes, the door handle may become loose or feel a bit loose. It might also begin to look old and worn. This is a sign that it's time to replace the door handle.

If your door handle is becoming difficult to use, it could be time to replace it. This is a problem because it means that you are unable to not lock or unlock your door, which could be an security risk to you and your family.

It's also a good idea to replace the handle on your door when it's damaged or broken. A broken door handle is risky, particularly for elderly or children members who might struggle to open it. They could be trapped. It's easy to replace a broken handle on doors.

Most modern door handles are a standard size and so they are suitable for any door. If you're not certain that your new door handle will work, remove the old one and measure the holes in its housing. This will allow you to purchase the correct size door handle.

The easiest method to remove the handle from your door is to remove it from the door itself. Usually, a screwdriver is used. Some door handles have an enclosure plate that hides the screws that mount them. You'll need to remove the cover plate to gain access to the screws. After you have removed the handle that was previously used, take note of how the spindle is attached. This will help you align the new handle.

You can also remove the door handle by unscrewing the latch mechanism. You can use a screwdriver for removing the door handle. However, you'll have to locate the small latch, which is located on the edge cut piece. Once you've removed the latch, take the handle off the strike plate and then remove the latch away from the door's edge.

Removal of the Strike Plate

You'll need to replace the latch plate after replacing the handle. It's the part that holds the hole where the latch of the door hooks when the door is closed. The package the new handles arrive with will offer two options for latch plates: a rectangular one and circular (see the diagram above detailing the components of a door handle). If your current latch plate has rectangular in shape, swap it over to the circular one so that the latch hooks onto the strike plate in a way that makes the handle more comfortable to use.

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

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

Now you can move on to preparing the new door strike plate to be installed. Attach the latch plate to the doorjamb using the wood screws that were included with your new handles. Be careful not to tighten too much the screws, as this can cause damage to the strike plate.

If you're unsure if the latch plate is in the right position, try closing and opening the door to check whether it locks and closes correctly. If not, you will need to adjust the strikeplate either up or down, or forward or back until the door shuts correctly.

If the door still moves or jiggles, then you may have to enlarge your latch hole on the strike plate. This is more prevalent on older doors. It can be caused by wear and tear hinges that aren't narrow, the incorrect size of the latch or damaged strike plate. If this is the case you can use a metal file instead of a chisel, or hammer to adjust the strike plate.

Removing the Latch


The latch is the angled piece of metal that slides in and out of the hole that runs along the inside edge of your door. The latch is moved forward when you turn the handle. It also hooks into the door frame so that the door remains closed. If your door is wobbling when you close, a new latch may be all that is needed to correct the issue.

It's difficult to identify the screws that secure 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 will be able to pull off the latch as well as the bolts that hold it and the spindle that holds it.

If the latch cannot be easily removed using a paperclip or tool to remove it from the handle mechanism. Insert the item into the slot for the latch that is recessed and gently twist it or jiggle until you feel the that the latch and handle begin to break off. You may need to repeat this several times before the latch is loose enough to let it out.

It should be possible 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 aligned with the screw chambers and then use the new screws to secure it to the strike plate and door frame.

Before installing the new handle, make sure to measure your existing backset (the distance from the center of the large hole on the front of the door to the edge). Check that the latch size of the new handle is equal to the measurement.

If you are replacing the handle or latch or handle, or if the old lock cylinder is damaged, then you'll need a new one. If you're not switching locks, a new lock should fit in your existing recess and also work with your current keys. Pick a latch that has rectangular cover plates that match the handles you have.

Take off the cover plate

Door handles can begin to look worn 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 escutcheons as well as privacy adaptors and escutcheons.

The first step in replacing an internal door handle is to remove the cover plate or rose, which conceals the screws and inner mechanism. Use a flathead to remove the plate. It may have an opening on one side or be secured by pins.

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

Most doors have a gap between the door jamb and the edge of the frame, which allows for a handle, however not all do. If yours isn't allow for a handle, you'll have to drill a hole through the door. The procedure for this is the same procedure opening a door using a lock, but you'll need to take extra care not to damage the frame or door.

Installing new door knob screws is necessary after the holes have been drilled. Make sure you purchase the same size as the previous ones, so that you don't end up with an handle that is either too tight or loose. Installing a new latch and strike rod is also necessary. They aren't included in the majority of door handle sets.

If you're looking for a high-quality replacement interior door handle set, try the Amazon's Choice FAERSI two-piece chrome-finished handle set. It's a factory-fit product and has received hundreds of 5-star reviews. It's a great choice to replace worn or damaged door hardware on your Chevy.