Door Handle Replacement
Door handles appear to be an insignificant thing, but if you dislike the appearance of the handles or find them difficult to use and use, you should consider replacing them. With some patience, you can get an entirely new handle in a short time.
The majority of modern door handles come with cover plates that hide the screws to give them a beautiful appearance. However, you will need to attach them separately if your new handle does not already have them.
Remove the old handle
Door handles are not only essential for aesthetics of your home, but they're also essential for security as they let you lock and unlock your door. However, over time, your door handle may lose its grip, appear loose, or look old and worn. This is a sign that it's probably time for a replacement.
If your door handle is becoming difficult to use, it may be time to replace it. This is an issue because it means that you can no longer lock or unlock your door which could pose an security risk to you and your family.
It's also a good idea to replace your door handle if it is damaged or broken. A broken door handle can be very dangerous, especially in the event that your children or senior family members are unable to open it, and get trapped inside. It's easy to fix a damaged handle on doors.
The majority of modern door handles are a standard size and so they will fit on any door. If you're not sure whether your new door handle will work, try removing the old one and measuring its housing holes. This will allow you to buy the correct sized door handle.
It is the easiest way to remove the door handle by unscrewing it from the door. Usually, a screwdriver is used. However certain door handles come with the cover plate which hides the screws that mount them, so you'll need to remove this to access the screws beneath. After you have removed the old handle, make a note of the way in which the spindle is attached. This will help you align the new handle.
Alternatively, you can remove the door handle by removing it from the latch mechanism. You can use a screwdriver for removing the door handle. However, you will 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 the strike plate. Then remove the latch from the door's edge.
Take off the Strike Plate
When you replace your handle, you'll need to replace the latch plate, which holds the hole that the door's latch is inserted into when it closes. The packaging that the new handles arrive in will have two options for latch plates: one that is rectangular and the other a circular one (see the above diagram that outlines door handle parts). If your current latch plate has rectangular, swap it out for the round one so that the latch hooks onto the strike plate in a manner that makes the handle more comfortable to operate.
The first step is to unhook the screw that holds the old latch plate. The screws are typically tight and require a lot of force to loosen them. It may be helpful to have a second person help with this part if possible.
The latch plate should be removed from the door once the screws have been removed. If the latch plate is stuck or refuses to move, use a small file to scrape the edges. This can help loosen the plate.
Now you can prepare the new strike plate to be installed. Attach the latch plate to the door jamb using the screws that came with the new handles. Be cautious not to tighten too much the screws, as this could damage the strike plate.
If you're not sure whether the latch plate is in the right position Try closing and then opening the door to check whether it locks and closes correctly. If it does not, you will need to adjust the strikeplate upwards or down or forward or back until the door shuts correctly.
If the door is jiggling or moving, it may be necessary to expand the hole for latching in the strike plate. This is more frequent with older doors, but can happen due to wear and tear, hinge mortises that are too narrow or the wrong size for the latch, or from damage or a broken strike plate that is damaged or broken. If this is the situation then you should use a filing made of metal instead of a chisel, or hammer to adjust the strike plate.
Remove 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. When you turn the handle, it pushes this latch forward, allowing you to open the door. It also connects to a hole in the frame of the door to keep your door closed. If your door wiggles when you close it, changing the latch may be the only thing needed to correct the issue.
The screws that secure the door latch are difficult to see however, you can insert a screwdriver into a small hole in the trim plate and pry the latch off. After taking off the trim plate you will be able to pull off the latch, as well as the bolts that hold it in place and the spindle in position.
If the latch cannot be easily removed using a paperclip or tool to take it off the handle mechanism. Insert the item in the slot for the latch that is recessed and then gently twist or jiggle until you feel the handle and latch begin to split. You may have to do 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 problems after you have removed the old one. Make more resources of the new screws to attach the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure it is correctly positioned in the slot, aligned with the screw chambers.
Before installing the new handle, make sure to measure your current backset (the distance from the centre of the big hole on the front surface of the door to the edge). Check that the latch size of the new handle matches the measurement.
You'll require a new lock cylinder if you're replacing the latch and handle or your existing one is damaged. If you're not replacing the locks the new latch will fit into the existing recess and work with your current keys. Pick a latch that has rectangular cover plates that match the handles you have.
Removal of the Cover Plate
You can replace your door handles with a contemporary lever and rose design to make a difference in the appearance of your home. You can purchase complete sets that include the escutcheons as well as privacy adaptors and escutcheons.
The first step to replace the door handle inside is to remove the cover plate or rose, which hides the screws and the mechanism within. Use a flathead for removing the plate. It may have an opening on one edge or be secured by pins.
Remove the screw holding the interior handle and place it aside when the cover plate is removed. Remove the screws that secure both the outer and inner plates. You can loosen them by using the help of a Philips Screwdriver. Take the inner plates and latch from the door. Put them away.
Most doors have gaps between the jamb of the door and the edge of the frame, which allows for a handle, however not all have. If yours doesn't have a handle, you'll need to make a hole through the door. It's the same procedure for opening a locked door, but you will have to be extra cautious not to scratch the door or frame.
After the holes are drilled, you'll need to install new door knob screws. 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 required. 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 hundreds of five-star reviews from delighted customers. It's a great choice to replace damaged or worn door handle hardware inside your Chevy HHR.