7 Helpful Tricks To Making The Most Out Of Your Door Handle Replacement

· 6 min read
7 Helpful Tricks To Making The Most Out Of Your Door Handle Replacement

Door Handle Replacement

Door handles appear to be an insignificant thing, but if you dislike the style or design of them, or find them difficult to use, it's worth replacing them. With a little patience, you can install an entirely new handle in a short time.

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

Remove the handle that was previously used

Door handles are not only an important aesthetic addition to your home but they're also crucial for safety as they allow you to lock and unlock your door. But, 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 to replace it.

If your door handle is becoming difficult to use, it could be time to replace it. This is a serious issue since you won't be able to lock or unlock the door, which could put you and your family at risk.

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

Modern door handles are typically standard sizes and should be able to fit any door. If you're not sure whether your new door handle will fit, try taking out the old one and measuring the holes in its housing. This will enable you to purchase the right size door handle.

The most straightforward method to take off the door handle you have been using is to unscrew it from the door. This is usually done using a screw driver. Some door handles have a cover plate which hides the screws used to mount them. You'll need to remove the cover plate to gain access to the screws. After you have removed the old handle, make a note of the way the spindle has been connected. This will aid in aligning the new handle.

Alternately, you can take off the door handle by uncrewing it from the latch mechanism. You can use a screwdriver to remove the door handle. However, you will have to locate the small latch, which is located on the edge of the trim piece. After you have removed the latch, you can take the handle off the strike plate and then remove the latch from the door edge.

The Strike Plate

You'll need to replace your latch plate when you replace the handle. It's the plate that holds the hole where the latch for the door is inserted when the door is closed. The new handles will have two latch plates: a rectangular and circular plate (see the above diagram which shows the various parts of the door handle). If your current latch plate has rectangular, swap it over to the round one, so that the latch is able to hook into the strike plate in a manner that makes the handle easier to operate.

The first step is to unhook the screw that is holding the latch plate. The screws are typically tight and require a fair amount of force to loosen them. It might be beneficial to get a second person to assist in this area if it is possible.

After the screws have been removed, the latch plate will slide out of the door easily. If the latch plate is stuck or refuses to move use a small file to scrape the edges. This will sometimes free 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. Do not overtighten your screws as this can damage the strike plate.

If you're not sure if the latch plate is in the right position Try closing and opening the door to see if it closes and latches correctly. If it does not, you will need to adjust the strikeplate up or down, forward or back until the door closes correctly.

If the door is moving or jiggling, you may need to enlarge the latch hole 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 not the right size for the latch, or because of damage or a broken strike plate. If this is the case you can use a metal file instead of a chisel, or hammer to adjust the strike plate.

Removal of the Latch

The latch is the metal piece that is angled that slides through the hole in the inner edge of your door. The latch is moved forward when you turn the handle. It also hooks into a hole in the frame of the door to keep the door closed. If your door wiggles when you close it, changing the latch could be the only thing needed to fix it.

It's hard to see the screws that secure the latch to the door, however there's usually a small hole on the trim plate that lets you to insert a screwdriver and remove it. Once you've removed the trim plate, it will be simple 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, use a paperclip or tool to remove it from the handle mechanism. Insert the item into the slot for the latch that is recessed. gently turn or jiggle it until you feel the handle and latch start to split.  www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk  may have to repeat this procedure several times before you are able to pull the latch out.

Once the old latch is removed, you should be able to move the new latch into the slot with no problems. Make sure that the latch is positioned correctly 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.

Before installing the new handle, make sure to measure your existing backset (the distance from the centre of the big hole on the front of the door to the edge). Also, ensure that the size of the latch on the new handle is in line with the measurement of your existing handle.

If you are replacing the latch or handle or handle, or if the old lock cylinder has been damaged, then you will need an entirely new one. If you're not replacing the locks the new latch will fit into your existing recess and will work with your current keys. Choose a latch that has rectangular cover plates to match your old handles.

Take off the cover plate

Door handles can begin to look shabby with time However, if you replace them with a modern lever-on-rose design, it's a quick and easy DIY and decorating project that will improve the overall look of your home. You can buy complete sets that come with matching escutcheons as well as privacy adaptor kits.

The first step to replace an internal door handle is to remove the cover plate or rose, which hides the screws and the mechanism within. Find an release tab on the plate, and use a flathead screwdriver to lift it off the knob. It may have an opening on one edge or be held in place by a pin.

Remove the screw that is holding the handle in the interior and place it aside when the cover plate has been removed. You'll also need to take out the screws that hold the latch and the plates inside, which you can do by loosening them using the help of a Philips screwdriver. Then, take the inner plates and latch plate from the door and set them aside.

Some doors don't have this gap. If it doesn't have a handle, you'll need to drill a hole into the door to install the new handle. This is the same process as opening a door locked however you'll need to be extra careful not to harm the door's frame or frame.

The installation of new door knob screws is necessary after the holes have been drilled. Buy the same size as the old screws to avoid getting the handle that is too loose or tight. It's also necessary to install a new strike rod and latch plate that aren't included in the majority of door handle sets.

Amazon's Choice FAERSI 2-piece chrome finish handle sets are a fantastic alternative if you're in search of a high-quality interior door handle replacement set. It's a factory fit and has received a plethora of 5-star reviews from happy customers. It's a great option to replace damaged or worn door handle hardware in the interior of your Chevy HHR.