7 Tips To Make The The Most Of Your Door Handle Replacement

Door Handle Replacement

Door handles seem like a small detail however, if you don't like the appearance of the handles or are unable to use them then it's time to replace them. With some patience, you can get a new handle in no time.

Modern door handles are equipped with cover plates that conceal the screws for an attractive appearance. However, you'll need to attach them separately if your new handle does not already have them.

Remove the Old Handle

The door handle is not only a decorative addition to your home, but it's also a safety feature that allows you to lock and unlock the door. However, as time passes the door handle could lose its grip, become loose or start to look old and worn out. This is an indication that it's time for a replacement.

If your door handle is becoming difficult to use, it may be time to replace it. This is a problem because it means that you are unable to no longer lock or unlock your door, which could pose the risk of security for you and your family.

Another reason to replace the door handle is if it's damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle is dangerous, particularly for children and elderly family members who struggle to open it. They could be trapped. Fortunately, it's fairly simple to fix a damaged door handle by replacing the handle that was broken.


Most modern door handles are a standard size, so they are suitable for any door. If you're not sure whether your new door handle will work, try removing the old one and measuring the holes in its housing. This will help you purchase the right size door handle.

It is easiest to take off the old door handle by taking it off from the door. This is typically done with a screw driver. However some door handles have the cover plate which hides the mounting screws so you'll need to pry off this to reach the screws beneath. After you've removed the old handle, make a note of how the spindle is positioned to ensure you are able to make sure it is aligned when you put in the new one.

You can also remove the door handle by unscrewing the latch mechanism. You can use a screwdriver to remove the door handle. However, you'll have to locate the tiny latch which is located on the edge trim piece. Once you've removed the latch, you can unscrew the handle from the strike plate and then remove the latch from the door edge.

Removing the Strike Plate

When replacing your handle, you'll also want to replace the latch plate, which holds the hole that the door's latch is inserted into when it closes. The package the new handles arrive in will include two options for latch plates: one that is rectangular and the other a circular one (see the diagram above detailing the components of a door handle). If your current latch plate is a rectangular shape, switch it over to the circular one so that the latch is able to hook into the strike plate in a manner that makes the handle more comfortable to use.

The first step is to take off the screw that holds the latch plate. The screws are usually quite tight and require a bit of force to loosen them. It may be helpful to get a second person to assist with this part if possible.

Once the screws are removed the latch should pull out of the door easily. If it is stuck or doesn't move using a nail file to scrape around the edges of the latch plate. This may help free the plate.

Now you can prepare the new strike plate for installation. Utilizing the screws made of wood that came with your new handles, attach the latch plate onto the inside of the doorjamb. Do not tighten the screws too much as this could cause damage to the strike plate.

If you're unsure if the latch plate is in the proper position You can try closing and then opening the door to check if it closes and latches correctly. If it doesn't you'll have to adjust the strikeplate up or down or forward or back until the door closes properly.

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 prevalent on older doors. It can be caused by wear and tear hinges that are too shallow, the incorrect size of the latch or damaged strike plate. If this is the situation, follow the same procedure to adjust the strike plate, but with an iron file instead of a chisel and hammer.

Remove the Latch

The latch is the angled piece of metal that is able to move between the hole on the inside edge of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes this latch forward, allowing you to open the door. It also hooks in a hole on the door frame so that the door is closed. If your door wobbles when you close it, a new latch may be all that is needed to fix the problem.

It's difficult to see the screws that hold the latch to the door, but there's usually a small slot on the trim plate that allows you to insert a screwdriver into the slot and take it off. After removing the trim plate, you should be able to remove the latch, as well as the bolts that hold it in place and the spindle that holds it.

If the latch isn't able to come out you can try using an old-fashioned paper clip or tool to release it from the handle mechanism. Insert the item into the slot for the latch that is recessed and gently twist it or jiggle until the that the latch and handle are beginning to split. You may need to repeat this several times before the latch comes loose enough to allow it to be pulled out.

Once the old latch is removed and the old latch is removed, you should be able to slide the new latch into the slot without problems. Make sure that the latch is positioned correctly in the slot and is 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 front of the door and the edge) before installing the new handle. Also, ensure that the size of the latch on the new handle is in line with this measurement.

You'll need a new lock cylinder if you're replacing the latch and handle or if your current one is damaged. If you're not replacing the locks, the new latch should fit in your existing recess, and work with your current keys. Choose a latch that has rectangular cover plates that match your old handles.

Then remove the Cover Plate

You can replace your door handles with a contemporary rose and lever designs to improve the look of your house. You can purchase complete sets that include the appropriate escutcheons and privacy adjustor kits.

To replace an internal door handle remove the cover plate (or rose), which protects the screws and the inner mechanism. Use a flathead for removing the plate. It could have an opening on one edge or be held in place by pins.

Remove the screw that is holding the handle in the interior and set it aside once the cover plate has been removed. You'll also need to remove the screws that are holding the latch and plates and the latch plate, which can be done by loosening them with a Philips screwdriver. Then, remove front door handle repair and latch plate from the door and put them aside.

Some doors don't have this gap. If yours isn't have a handle, you'll need to make a hole into the door. It's the same procedure for opening a locked door however you'll need to be extra careful not to damage the door's frame or frame.

After drilling the holes after which you'll have to put in new door knob screws. Purchase the same dimensions as your old screws to prevent getting the handle that is too loose or tight. Installing a new strike rod and latch is also mandatory. They aren't included in the majority of door handle sets.

If you're in search of a reliable replacement set of interior door handles look no further than the Amazon's Choice FAERSI two-piece chrome-finished handle set. It's a factory fit and has received a plethora of five-star reviews from delighted customers. It's a great choice to replace damaged or worn door handle hardware inside your Chevy HHR.

Public Last updated: 2024-10-17 06:42:08 AM