What Can A Weekly Door Handle Replacement Project Can Change Your Life

· 6 min read
What Can A Weekly Door Handle Replacement Project Can Change Your Life

Door Handle Replacement

Door handles may seem like something minor however, if you don't like the style or design of them, or are unable to use them, it's worth replacing them. Installing a new door handle is easy if you have patience.

The majority of modern door handles come with cover plates that conceal the screws to give them a beautiful appearance. If your new handle does not already have them attached, you will have to attach them separately.

Remove  door handle repairs near me  is not only a decorative addition to your home it also serves as an element of security that allows you to lock and unlock your door. But, over time the door handle could lose its grip, become loose, or appear old and worn out. This is a sign that it's probably time for a replacement.

If your door handle is becoming difficult to use, it might be time to replace it. This is a problem because it means you can not lock or unlock your door, which could create the risk of security for you and your family.

It's also a good idea to replace your door handle when it's damaged or broken. A broken door handle is dangerous, especially for elderly and children members who might struggle to open it. They could become trapped. Fortunately, it's fairly easy to fix a broken door handle by simply replacing the old one.

Modern door handles are typically standard sizes and 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 to buy the right door handle.

The easiest method to remove your old door handle is to take it off of the door itself. Usually it is a matter of using a screwdriver. However some door handles have an outer cover plate that hides the mounting screws, so you'll have to cut off this cover plate to get access to the screws beneath. After you've removed the old handle, make note of the way the spindle is connected to ensure you are able to align it when you fit your new one.

You can also remove the door handle by unscrewing the latch mechanism. This is usually done using a screwdriver but you'll need to find the small latch, which should be on the edge of the trim piece. After you have removed the latch, remove the handle from the strike plate, and then the latch from the door edge.

Removing the Strike Plate

You'll have to replace your latch plate when replacing the handle. It's 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 which are a circular and a rectangular plate (see the diagram above which illustrates the components of a door handle). If your current latch plate has a rectangular shape, switch it to a round one, so that the latch hooks into the strike plate in a manner that makes the handle more comfortable to operate.

The first step is to take off the screw holding the latch plate. The screws are usually quite tight and require a fair amount of force to loosen them. It is helpful to have a second person help with this part if possible.

The latch plate should easily come 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 the edges of the latch plate. This can sometimes open the plate up.

Now you can prepare the new strike plate to be installed. Screw the latch plate into the doorjamb using the wood screws that were included with the new handles. Don't over tighten your screws as this could damage the strike plate.

If you're not sure whether the latch plate is in the correct position, shut and open the door to determine if it latches and closes correctly. If not then you'll have to adjust the strike plate up or down, or move it forward or back until the door shuts and latches correctly.

If the door is jiggling or moving, you may need to enlarge the hole for the latch in the strike plate. This is more frequent on older doors. It can be caused by wear and tear hinges that aren't shallow, the incorrect size of the latch or damaged strike plate. If this is the case, follow the same procedure for adjusting the strike plate, but with a metal file instead of the hammer and chisel.

Eliminating the Latch

The latch is a bent metal piece which slides in and out of a hole on the inside of your door. The latch moves forward when you turn the handle. It also connects to an opening in the frame of the door to keep the door shut. If your door shakes when you close it, replacing the latch could be all you need to fix it.

It's difficult to identify the screws that hold the latch to the door, but there's usually a tiny slot on the trim plate that permits you to insert a screwdriver and remove it. After taking off the trim plate you should be able to take off the latch and the bolts that hold it in place and the spindle.


If the latch won't release it is suggested to use the clip of a paper 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 handle and latch start to separate. You may need to repeat this several times before the latch is loose enough to allow it to be pulled out.

After the old latch has been removed it should be possible to slide the new latch into the slot without difficulties. 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.

Before you install the new handle, make sure to measure your existing backset (the distance from the center of the large hole on the front surface of the door to the edge). Also, make sure that the latch size on the new handle matches this measurement.

If you're replacing the handle or latch or handle, or if the old lock cylinder is damaged, then you will need an entirely new one. If you're not switching locks the new lock should fit in the recess you have already installed, and also work with your existing keys. Be sure to select a latch with rectangular cover plates that match the handles you have.

Then remove the Cover Plate

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

The first step in replacing the door handle inside is to remove the cover plate or rose, which hides the screws and mechanism inside. Find an release tab on the plate and make use of a flathead screwdriver to lift it off the knob. It could have a slot on one edge or be secured 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 inner plates, which you can do by loosening them using the help of a Philips screwdriver. Take the inner plates and latch from the door. Set them aside.

Most doors have an opening between the door jamb and the inner edge of the frame that allows for a handle, but not all have. If yours isn't, you will need to drill a hole into the door. It's the same procedure for opening a locked door however you'll have to be extra cautious not to scratch the door or frame.

The installation of new door knob screws is necessary after the holes have been made. Be sure to purchase the same size as the previous ones, so you do not end up with the handle that is too tight or too loose. Installing a new strike rod and latch is also required. These aren't included in most 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 finish handle set. It's factory-fitted and has received hundreds five-star reviews. It's a great option for replacing worn out or damaged interior door hardware on your Chevy.