15 Unexpected Facts About Door Handle Replacement You Didn t Know
Door Handle Replacement
It's worth replacing door handles if you aren't happy with the way they look, or if they are difficult to use. With a bit of patience, you can get a new handle in no time.
Modern door handles are often equipped with cover plates which hide the screws for an attractive look. If your new handle does not have them already connected, you'll have to attach them separately.
Take off the handle from the old one.
Door handles for bifold doors aren't just an essential for aesthetics of your home, but they're crucial for safety as they allow you to lock and unlock your door. Over time, the door handle may begin to lose its grip or feel a bit loose. It may also begin to look worn out and old. This is a clear indication that it's time to replace your door handle.
One of the first indications that your door handle is in need of replacing is the fact that it is becoming difficult to operate. This is a problem since it means that you are unable to no longer lock or unlock your door, which could pose a security risk for you and your family.
Another reason to replace your door handle is when it's damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle can be very dangerous, especially if your children or elderly family members struggle to open it, and get trapped in the. Luckily, it's quite simple to fix a damaged door handle by simply replacing the handle that was broken.
The majority of modern door handles are a standard size and therefore should fit any door. If you're unsure if your new door handle will work, try removing the old one and measuring its housing holes. This will help you purchase the right size door handle.
The most straightforward method to remove your old door handle is to remove it from the door. Usually you'll need a screwdriver. However, some door handles have a cover plate that conceals the mounting screws, so you'll need to remove this cover plate to get access to the screws underneath. Once you have removed the old handle, take a note of how the spindle is positioned to ensure you are able to make sure it is aligned when you put in the new one.
Alternately, you can take off your door handle by unscrewing it from the latch mechanism. You can use a screwdriver to remove the door handle. However, you'll need to locate the small latch that is located on the edge of the trim piece. After you have removed the latch, take the handle off the strike plate and then remove the latch away from the door's edge.
Take off the Strike Plate
You'll need to replace the latch plate when you replace the handle. This is the plate that holds the hole through which the door's latch hooks in when the door closes. The new handles will have two latch plates: a rectangular and circular plate (see the above diagram which shows the various parts of a door handle). If your current latch plate has rectangular, swap it to a round one so that the latch hooks into the strike plate in a manner that makes the handle more comfortable to use.
The first step is to unscrew the screw that's holding the latch plate in place. These screws can be quite tight, and may require some force to loosen. If you can, it might be beneficial to have another person help with this process.
After the screws have been removed and the latch plate will slide out of the door easily. If the latch plate is stuck or doesn't move, use a small hammer to scrape the edges. This may help free the plate up.
Now you can move on to making the new door strike plate for installation. With the screws made of wood that came with the new handles, screw the latch plate onto the inside of the doorjamb. Do not tighten the screws too much as this can damage the strike plate.
If you're not sure if the latch plate is in the right position You can try closing and opening the door to determine whether it locks and closes correctly. If it doesn't, you'll need to adjust the strike plate up or down, or forward or back, until the door closes and latches correctly.
If the door continues to move or jiggles, you might have to expand your latch hole on the strike plate. This is more prevalent on older doors. It could be caused by wear and tear hinges that aren't shallow, the incorrect size of the latch or a damaged strike plate. If this is the case, follow the exact procedure to adjust the strike plate, but with a metal file instead of a chisel and hammer.
Removal of the Latch
The latch is a curved metal piece that slides into and out of a hole in the inside of your door. The latch is pushed forward when you turn the handle. It also hooks into an opening in the door frame to keep the euro door handles closed. If your door shakes when you close it, changing the latch may be all that's needed to fix it.
The screws that support the door latch are hard to spot however, you can use a screwdriver to make a small hole in the trim plate, and then pull the latch off. After you've removed your trim plate, it will be easy to remove the latch as well as the bolts that keep the latch and spindle in the position.
If the latch is not easily removed using a paperclip or tool to take it off the handle mechanism. Insert the item into the slot for the latch that is recessed and gently twist it or jiggle until you feel handle and latch begin to break off. It may take this several times before the latch is loose enough to pull out.
You should be able to slide the new latch into its slot without any issues after you've removed the old one. Use the new screws to attach the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure that it is correctly placed in the slot and aligned with the screw chambers.
Check the backset of the current handle (the distance between the centre of the large hole in the front of the door and the edge) prior to installing the new handle. Check that the latch size of the new handle is in line with the measurement.
If you are replacing the handle or latch, or if your old lock cylinder has been damaged, then you'll need a new one. If you're not changing locks, the new latch should fit in your existing recess and will be compatible with your current keys. Pick a latch that has rectangular cover plates to match the handles you have.
Removing the Cover Plate
You can replace your old door handles with a contemporary rose and lever designs to enhance the appearance of your house. You can buy complete sets that include the escutcheons as well as privacy adaptors and escutcheons.
To replace the door handle inside take off the cover plate (or rose) that protects the screws and the inner mechanism. Look for a release tab on the plate, and use a flathead screwdriver to remove it from the knob. It may have a slot along one edge or be held in place by a pin.
Remove the screw holding the interior handle and place it aside when the cover plate is removed. Remove the screws that hold both the outer and inner plates. You can loosen them with a Philips Screwdriver. Then, take the inner plates and latch plate from the door and put them aside.
Some Bi-fold doors handle don't have this gap. If yours does not allow for a handle, you'll have to drill a hole into the door. It's the same procedure as opening a door locked however, you'll have to be extra careful not to harm the frame or sliding door handles.
After drilling the holes after which you'll have to put in new door knob screws. Buy the same size as the old screws to prevent getting a handle that is too loose or tight. 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 quality replacement for your interior door handle set 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 worn or damaged interior door hardware on your Chevy.