Door Handle Replacement

Door handles may seem like a small detail but if you aren't happy with the style or design of them, or find them difficult to use and use, you should consider replacing them. With some patience, you can get an entirely new handle in a short time.


Modern door handles are usually equipped with cover plates that hide the screws, giving them an attractive look. If the new handle doesn't have them already connected, you'll have to attach them separately.

Removal of the old Handle

The door handle is not only a decorative addition to your home it also serves as a safety feature that allows you to lock and unlock the door. Over time, the door handle may become loose or feel a bit loose. It might also appear aged and worn. This is a sign that it's probably the time to replace your door handle.

One of the first signs that your door handle is in need of replacing is the fact that it is becoming difficult to operate. This is a problem since it means that you can not lock or unlock your door, which could create a security risk for you and your family.

It is also recommended to replace the handle on your door when it's damaged or broken. A broken door handle is risky, particularly for elderly or children members who might struggle to open it. They could be trapped. It's simple to fix a damaged handle on the door.

Most modern door handles are a standard size, so they should fit any door. If you're not sure if the new door handle you're buying will fit, try removing the old one and measuring the holes in its housing. This will enable you to purchase the correct size door handle.

The most straightforward method to take off your old door handle is to remove it from the door itself. This is typically done with the screw driver. However certain door handles come with an outer cover plate that hides the screws that mount them, so you'll need to remove this to reach the screws beneath. After removing the old handle, take note of how the spindle has been connected. This will aid in aligning the new handle.

You can also remove the door handle by depressing the latch mechanism. This is usually done using the screwdriver, but you'll need to locate the small latch, which should be just to the left of the trim piece. After taking off the latch, remove the handle and the strike plate. Then remove the latch from the door's edge.

The Strike Plate

You'll need to replace your latch plate after replacing the handle. It's the part that holds the hole where the door's latch hooks in when the door is closed. The packaging that the new handles come in will have two options for latch plates - a rectangular one and a circular one (see the above diagram that outlines the parts of the door handle). If your current latch plate is rectangular in shape, swap it to a round one so that the latch is able to hook into the strike plate in a manner that makes the handle easier to use.

The first step is to unhook the screw that is holding the old latch plate. The screws can be very tight, and may require some force to loosen. It is helpful to have a second person help with this task if you can.

The latch plate should easily lift itself out of the door after the screws have been removed. If the latch plate is stuck or doesn't move use a small file to scrape the edges. This can sometimes free up the plate.

Now you can prepare the new strike plate for installation. Utilizing the wood screws that were included with your new handles, screw the latch plate to the inside of the doorjamb. Don't over tighten your screws as this can cause damage to the strike plate.

If you're not sure whether the latch plate is in the proper position Try closing and then opening the door to check whether it locks and closes correctly. If it does not you'll have to adjust the strikeplate up or down, or forward or back until the door locks properly.

If the door is still jiggling or moving, you may need to increase the size of the latch hole in the strike plate. This is more prevalent on older doors. It could be caused by wear and tear hinges that aren't shallow, the wrong size latch or a damaged strike plate. If this is the case, follow the same procedure as adjusting the strike plate, using the use of a metal file instead an hammer and chisel.

Eliminating the Latch

The latch is a bent metal piece that slides in and out of a hole in the inside of your door. The latch moves forward when you turn the handle. It also catches the door frame so that the door remains closed. If your door is wiggles when you close it, changing the latch could be all that's needed to fix it.

It's hard to see the screws that attach the latch to the door, but there's usually a small slot on the trim plate that allows you to insert a screwdriver in order to take it off. After removal of 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 doesn't easily come out you can try using a paper clip or a tool to free it from the handle mechanism. Place the item into the recessed slot of the latch, and gently twist it or jiggle until you feel the that the latch and handle begin to split. It is possible to repeat this process several times before you are able to pull the latch out.

After the old latch has been removed it should be possible to slide the new latch into the slot without any issues. Make sure that the latch is positioned correctly in the slot and lined up with the screw chambers and then use your new screws to secure it to the strike plate and door frame.

Measure the existing backset (the distance between the center of the large hole on the front of the door and the edge) prior to installing the new handle. Verify that the size of the latch of the new handle matches the measurement.

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

Removing the Cover Plate

You can replace your door handles with a modern design of roses and levers to improve the look of your house. repairmywindowsanddoors can buy complete sets of escutcheons, escutcheons, privacy adaptors and escutcheons.

To replace the door handle inside remove the cover plate (or rose), which covers the screws and mechanism. Find a 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 secured by a pin.

When the cover plate is off take off the screw that holds the interior handle in place and put it aside. Remove the screws that secure both the outer and inner plates. You can loosen them by using a Philips Screwdriver. Take the inner plates and latch from the door. Put them away.

Not all doors have this gap. If yours doesn't have a handle, you'll need to drill a new hole in the door. It's the same procedure as opening a locked door, but you will have to be extra careful not to harm the door's frame or frame.

Installing new door knob screws is necessary after holes have been made. Choose the same size as your old screws to ensure that you don't get a handle too tight or loose. Installing a new latch and strike rod is also required. These aren't included in all door handle sets.

If you're looking for a quality 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 and has received hundreds of five-star reviews from satisfied customers. It's an excellent choice for replacing worn or damaged door handle hardware in the interior of your Chevy HHR.