external door handles Handle Replacement
It’s worth it to replace sliding Door handles double glazing window handles if you aren’t happy with the way they appear, or if they’re difficult to use. With a little patience, you can install a new handle in no time.
Modern door handles are often equipped with cover plates that conceal the screws for an attractive look. If your new handle does not have them already connected, you’ll need to attach them separately.
Remove the Old Handle
Door handles are not only essential for aesthetics of your home, but they’re also crucial for safety as they let you lock and unlock your door. As time passes the door handle could start to lose its grip or feel loose. It could also appear worn out and old. This is a clear indication that it’s time to replace the door handle.
If your door handle is becoming difficult to use, it may be time to replace it. This is a serious problem since you won’t be able to lock or unlock the door and put your family and yourself at risk.
It’s also a good idea to replace your door handle if it is damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle could be quite dangerous, especially in the event that your children or senior family members struggle to open it and could get trapped inside. Luckily, it’s quite simple to fix a damaged door handle by simply replacing a window handle the old one.
Most modern door handles are a standard size, so they are suitable for any door. If you aren’t certain that your new door handle will work, take off the old one and measure its housing holes. This will help you to purchase the right size door handle.
It is the easiest way to take off the old door handle by unscrewing it from the door. This is usually done using a screw driver. However, some door handles have an outer cover plate that hides the mounting screws, so you’ll have to cut off this to access the screws underneath. After you’ve removed the old handle, make a note of how the spindle is positioned so that you can be sure to align it when you install the new one.
You can also remove your door locking window handle by unscrewing it from the latch mechanism. You can use a screwdriver to remove the door handle. But, you’ll need to locate the small latch, which is located on the edge cut piece. After taking off the latch, remove the handle and the strike plate. Then remove the latch from the door’s edge.
Take off the Strike Plate
If you are replacing the handle, you’ll be required to replace the latch plate, which holds the hole that the door’s latch is inserted into when it closes. The new handles will have two latch plates which are a circular and a rectangular plate (see the image above which illustrates the components of the door handle). If you have an rectangular latch plate, replace it with an oval one. This will allow the latch to be able to hook onto the strike plate and make the handle easier.
The first step is to unscrew the screw that’s holding the latch plate that was previously in place. The screws are typically tight and require a lot of force to loosen them. If you are able, it could be beneficial to have another person assist you with this task.
Once the screws are removed the latch should slide out of the door easily. If it is stuck or doesn’t move then use a small nail file to scratch around the edges of the latch plate. This may help free the plate.
You can now move on to creating the new door strike plate to be installed. Screw the latch plate into the door jamb using the screws that came with your new handles. Do not tighten the screws too much because this could cause damage to the strike plate.
If you are not sure whether the latch plate is in its correct position, shut and open the door to determine if it latches 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 is still jiggling or moving, it may be necessary to expand the hole for the latch in the strike plate. This is more common on older doors. It can be caused by wear and tear, hinges that are too shallow, the wrong size latch, or a damaged strike plate. If this is the case, follow the same procedure to adjust the strike plate, using the use of a metal file instead a chisel and hammer.
Eliminating the Latch
The latch is the angled piece of metal that is able to move through the hole that runs along the inside edge of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes this latch forward which allows you to open the door. It also catches an opening in the door frame so that the door remains closed. If your door shakes when you close it, replacing window handles the latch might be all that’s needed to fix it.
It’s hard to see the screws that hold the latch to the door, but there’s usually a small hole on the trim plate that permits you to insert a screwdriver in order to pry it off. Once you’ve removed the trim plate, it should be simple to take off the latch as well as the bolts that keep the spindle and latch in place.
If the latch is not easily removed then use a paperclip tool to take it off the handle mechanism. Insert the item into the recessed latch slot and then gently twist or jiggle until the that the latch and handle are beginning to split. You may need to repeat this several times before the latch is loose enough to let it out.
After the old latch has been removed, you should be able to insert the new latch into the slot without any problems. Make sure that the latch is positioned correctly in the slot and aligned with the screw chambers and then use the new screws to attach it to the strike plate and door frame.
Check the backset of the current handle (the distance between the center of the large hole on the door’s front and the edge) before installing the new handle. Make sure that the size of the latch of the new handle is equal to the measurement.
You’ll require a new cylinder for your lock if you’re replacing the handle and latch or if your current one is damaged. If you’re not changing locks the new latch should fit in the existing recess and work just fine with the keys you have currently. Select a latch with rectangular cover plates that match the handles you have.
Removing the Cover Plate
Door handles may begin to look shabby over time However, if you replace them with a modern lever on rose design it’s a simple and quick DIY and decorating project that will enhance the overall appearance of your home. You can buy complete sets of door handles that come with matching escutcheons and privacy adaptor kits.
The first step in replacing an internal door handle is to remove the cover plate or rose, which hides the screws and inner mechanism. Find a release tab on the plate and make use of a flathead screwdriver to pop it off the knob. It may have an opening on one edge or be secured by pins.
Remove the screw holding the interior handle and set it aside once the cover plate is removed. You’ll also need to remove the screws that are holding the latch and inner plates to the door, which you can accomplish by loosening them using a Philips screwdriver. Then, remove the inner plates and latch plate from the door and put them aside.
Not all doors have this gap. If yours does not have a handle, you’ll need to drill a hole into the door for the new handle. This is the same procedure as opening a door locked however you’ll have to be extra careful not to harm the frame or door.
Installing new screws for the door knob is required after the holes have been made. Make sure you purchase the same size as the old ones, so you do not end up with an handle that is either too tight or loose. It’s also necessary to install a new strike rod and latch plate that aren’t included in most door handle sets.
Amazon’s Choice FAERSI 2-piece chrome finish handle sets are an excellent alternative if you’re in search of a premium interior door handle replacement set. It’s factory-fitted and has been praised with hundreds of five-star reviews. It’s a great option for replacing worn out or damaged interior door hardware on your Chevy.