Door Handle Replacement
It's worth replacing door handles if you aren't happy with the way they look, or if they are difficult to use. With some patience, you can get the new handle in no time.
Modern door handles are often equipped with cover plates which hide the screws to give them a more attractive appearance. If your new handle doesn't have them already connected, you'll need to attach them separately.
Removing the old Handle
Door handles aren't just an important for their aesthetic value to your home, but they're also crucial for safety as they let you lock and unlock your door. But, over time, your door handle may lose its grip, become loose, or appear old and worn. This is an indication that it's the time to replace your door handle.
One of the first indications that your door handle needs replacing is when it becomes difficult to operate. This is a serious issue as you will no longer be able to lock or unlock the door and put you and your family at risk.
Another reason to replace your door handle is if it's damaged or broken. A broken door handle can be very dangerous, especially in the event that your children or senior family members are unable to open it and end up trapped within. Fortunately, it's fairly simple to fix a damaged door handle by simply replacing the handle that was broken.
Modern door handles are usually standard sizes and will fit any door. If you're unsure if the new door handle you're buying will fit, try taking out the old one and measuring the holes in its housing. This will help you buy the correct sized door handle.
It is the easiest way to take off the old door handle by removing it from the door. Usually, a screwdriver is used. Some door handles have the cover plate, which conceals the screws used to mount them. It is necessary to remove this to get to the screws. After you've removed the old handle, take an outline of how the spindle is connected to ensure that you can be sure to align it when you install your new one.
You can also remove your door handle by unscrewing it from the latch mechanism. This is usually done using a screwdriver but you'll need to find the small latch, which is located at the edge 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.
Take off the Strike Plate
When you replace your handle, you'll also want to replace the latch plate, which holds the hole that the door's latch hooks into when it closes. The new handles will have two latch plates which are a circular and a rectangular plate (see the above diagram that shows the parts of the door handle). If your current latch plate has rectangular, swap it out for the round one so that the latch is able to hook into the strike plate in a way that makes the handle more comfortable to use.
The first step is to remove the screw that is holding the old latch plate. The screws are often quite tight and require a lot of force to loosen them. It is helpful to have a second person help with this part if possible.
Once the screws are removed the latch will slide out of the door easily. If it's stuck or won't move using a nail file to scrape around the edges of the latch plate. This can help loosen the plate.
Now you can prepare the new strike plate to be installed. Using 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 because this could damage the strike plate.
If you're unsure whether the latch plate is in the proper position, close and open the door to determine if it latches and closes correctly. If not then you'll need to adjust the strikeplate either up or down, forward or back until the door closes correctly.
If the door still moves or jiggles, you may have to expand your latch hole on the strike plate. This is more prevalent for older doors, but can happen due to wear and tear hinge mortises that are not deep enough or not the right size for the latch, or from damage or a broken strike plate. If this is the case then you should use a filing made of metal instead of a chisel, or hammer to adjust the strike plate.
Removal of the Latch
The latch is an angled metal piece which slides in and out of a hole on the inside of your door. The latch is pushed forward when you turn the handle. It also connects to a hole in the door frame to keep the door closed. If your door is wobbling when you close it, an upgrade to the latch could be the only thing needed to correct the issue.
It's hard to see the screws that secure the latch to the door, however there's usually a small slot on the trim plate that allows you to insert a screwdriver into the slot and pry it off. Once you've removed the trim plate, it'll be easy to remove the latch and the remaining bolts that hold the spindle and latch in the position.
If the latch won't release you can try using the clip of a paper or tool to spring it loose from the handle mechanism. Insert the item in the recessed slot of the latch and gently twist it or jiggle until you feel the that the latch and handle begin to break off. It is possible to repeat this process several times before you are able to pull the latch out.
You should be able to slide the new latch into its slot without issues once you have removed the old one. Make sure the latch is positioned correctly in the slot and is aligned with the screw chambers and then use the new screws to fasten 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 big hole on the front of the door to the edge). Also, ensure that the latch size 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 you're replacing the handle and latch or if your current one is damaged. If you're not changing locks, however, a new latch should fit in the existing recess and work with the keys you have currently. Pick a latch that has rectangular cover plates to match your existing handles.
Take off the cover plate
Door handles may begin to look shabby over time, but if you replace them with a modern lever on rose design it's an easy and quick DIY and decorating project that will improve the overall look 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 covers the screws and inner mechanism. Look for an opening tab on the plate, and use a flathead screwdriver to remove it from the knob. It may have a slot on one edge or be secured by pins.
Remove the screw that is holding the handle inside and put it aside after the cover plate is removed. Remove the screws that hold both the outer and inner plates. You can loosen them with a Philips Screwdriver. Take the inner plates and latch from the door. Set them aside.
Not all doors have this gap. If yours does not have a handle, you'll need to make a hole in the door to accommodate the new handle. This is the same procedure as opening a door locked, but you will need to be extra careful not to damage the door or frame.
After drilling the holes, you'll need to install new screws for the door knob. Purchase the same dimensions as your old screws to prevent getting the handle that is too loose or tight. Installing a new latch and strike rod is also mandatory. These are not included in the majority of 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-finished handle set. It's a factory-fit and has received hundreds of 5-star reviews from happy customers. It's an excellent option to replace worn or damaged door hardware on your Chevy.