Five Door Handle Replacement Lessons Learned From Professionals

· 6 min read
Five Door Handle Replacement Lessons Learned From Professionals

Door Handle Replacement

Door handles may seem like a small detail however, if you don't like the way they look or are unable to use them, it's worth replacing them. With a bit of patience, you can get 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. If your new handle does not have screws already connected, you'll need to attach them separately.

Take off the handle from the old one.

The door handle is not only a decorative addition to your home It's also a safety feature that allows you to lock and unlock the door. As time passes the door handle could begin to lose its grip or feel a bit loose. It might be beginning to appear aged and worn. This is an indication that it's time for a replacement.

One of the first signs that your door handle requires replacing is if it's becoming difficult to operate. This is a serious issue since you won't be capable of locking or unlocking the door and put you and your family at risk.

It is also an excellent idea to replace your door handle in the event that it's damaged or broken. A broken door handle can be extremely dangerous, particularly in the event that your children or senior family members are unable to open it, and get trapped in the. Fortunately, it's fairly simple to fix a damaged door handle by simply replacing the old one.

Modern door handles are generally standard sizes and will fit any door. If you're not sure if your new door handle will work, take off the old one and take measurements of its holes in the housing. This will help you buy the right door handle.

The most straightforward method to take off the door handle you have been using is to unscrew it from the door itself. Usually it is a matter of using a screwdriver. Some door handles have the cover plate, which conceals the screws that mount them. You will need to remove this to get to the screws. Once you've removed your old handle, take note of the way the spindle is attached to ensure that you can make sure it is aligned when you put in the new one.

Alternately, you can take off the door handle by removing it from the latch mechanism. You can use a screwdriver for removing the door handle. However, you will have to locate the tiny latch, which is located on the edge cut piece. After you have removed the latch, you'll need to unscrew the handle from the strike plate, and then the latch from the door edge.

Remove the Strike Plate

You'll need to replace the latch plate when replacing the handle. This is the plate that holds the hole through which the latch of the door hooks when the door closes. The box that the new handles arrive with will offer two different latch plates - one that is rectangular and the other a circular one (see the above diagram that outlines door handle parts). If you have an old rectangular latch plate, you can replace it with an oval one. This will allow the latch to be able to hook into the strike plate and make the handle easier to use.

The first step is to loosen the screw that holds the old latch plate in place. The screws are usually quite tight and require a bit of force to loosen them. If possible, it may be beneficial to have another person assist you with this task.

Once the screws are removed, the latch plate should pull 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.

Now you can prepare the new strike plate for installation. Install the latch plate in the doorjamb using the wood screws that were included with your new handles. Be careful not to over-tighten the screws, as this can damage the strike plate.

If you are not sure whether the latch plate is in its proper position, shut and open the door to determine whether it locks and closes correctly. If it doesn't then you'll need to adjust the strikeplate up or down, or forward or back until the door shuts correctly.


If the door continues to move or jiggles, then you may have to enlarge your latch hole on the strike plate. This is more common on older doors. It could be caused by wear and tear, hinges that are too small, a wrong size latch, or damaged strike plate. If this is the case, use a metal filing instead of a chisel or hammer to adjust the strike plate.

Removing  window handles  is a curved metal piece which slides in and out of a hole on the inside of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes this latch forward which allows you to open the door. It also connects to a hole in the door frame to keep the door closed. If your door is wobbling when you close, replacing the latch could be all that is needed to correct the issue.

It's difficult to see the screws that hold the latch to the door, but there's usually a tiny slot on the trim plate that lets you to insert a screwdriver and take it off. After removal of the trim plate you should be able to remove the latch, as well as the bolts that hold it, as well as the spindle in position.

If the latch cannot be easily removed, use a paperclip or tool to take it off the handle mechanism. Place the item into the recessed slot of the latch, and gently twist it or jiggle until the that the latch and handle are beginning to break off. You may need to repeat this several times before the latch comes loose enough to let it out.

It should be possible to slide the new latch into its slot without any issues after you've removed the old one. Use your new screws to connect the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure that it is properly positioned in the slot, aligned with the screw chambers.

Before installing the new handle, be certain to measure your existing backset (the distance from the center of the big hole on the front surface of the door to the edge). You should also check that the size of the latch on the new handle is a good match to the measurement of your existing handle.

You'll need a new cylinder for your lock if replacing the handle and latch, or your old one is damaged. If you're not replacing the locks however, a new latch should fit in the existing recess and work just fine with the keys you have currently. Make sure you select the latch with a rectangular cover plate that match your handles.

Then remove the Cover Plate

You can replace your door handles with a modern rose and lever designs to improve the look of your house. You can purchase complete sets with matching the escutcheons as well as privacy adaptors and escutcheons.

To replace the door handle inside take off the cover plate (or rose) that covers the screws and inner mechanism. Utilize a flathead to take off the cover plate. It may have an opening on one edge or be secured by pins.

When the cover plate is off take the screw that holds the interior handle in place and set it aside. You'll also need to remove the screws that are holding the latch and the plates inside and the latch plate, which can be done by loosening them with the help of a Philips screwdriver. Then, you can remove the outer plates and latch plate from the door and put them aside.

Most doors have a gap between the jamb of the door and the edge of the frame that makes room for a handle, however not all have. If yours isn't allow for a handle, you'll have to make a hole through the door. This is the same process as opening a locked door however, you'll have to be extra cautious not to harm the frame or door.

After the holes are drilled, you'll need to install new door knob screws. Make sure you purchase the same size as the old ones, so you won't have a handle that's too tight or loose. Installing a new strike rod and latch is also mandatory. These are not included in all door handle sets.

If you're in search of a reliable replacement for your interior door handle set look no further than the Amazon's Choice FAERSI two-piece chrome finish handle set. It's a factory-fit product and has received hundreds five-star reviews. It's a great option for replacing worn out or damaged door hardware on your Chevy.