10 Unexpected Door Handle Replacement Tips

· 6 min read
10 Unexpected Door Handle Replacement Tips

Door Handle Replacement

It's worth it to replace door handles if you don't like the way they look, or if they are difficult to use. With some patience, you can install the new handle in no time.

Modern door handles are usually equipped with cover plates which hide the screws to give them an attractive look. If your new handle does not already have them attached, you will have to attach them separately.

Removing the old Handle


The door handle isn't only a decorative addition to your home It's also an element of security that allows you to lock and unlock your door. As time passes the door handle could begin to lose its grip or feel loose. It might also begin to look old and worn. This is a sign that it's time to replace your door handle.

One of the first indications that your door handle requires replacing is the fact that it is becoming difficult to operate. This is a serious problem because you won't be able to lock or unlock the door, which could put you and your family at risk.

It is also a good idea to replace the handle on your door in the event that it's damaged or broken. A broken door handle can be quite dangerous, especially in the event that your children or senior family members are unable to open it and end up trapped inside. It's easy to replace a broken handle on a door.

Most modern door handles are a standard size and so they will fit on any door. If you're unsure if your new door handle will work, try removing the old one and determining the holes in its housing. This will help you buy the right door handle.

It is the easiest method to remove the door handle by taking it off from the door. This is usually done with a screw driver. Some door handles have the cover plate, which conceals the mounting screws. You'll need to remove this to get to the screws. After you have removed the old handle, make a note of how the spindle is connected. This will assist you in aligning the new handle.

You can also remove the door handle by removing the latch mechanism. This is typically done with an screwdriver however you'll need to locate the small latch, which should be just to the left of the trim piece. After you have removed the latch, you can remove the handle from the strike plate and then remove the latch away from the door's edge.

Removing the Strike Plate

You'll need to replace the latch plate after replacing the handle. This is the plate that holds the hole where the latch of the door hooks when the door closes. The new handles will come with two latch plates which are a circular and a rectangular plate (see the image above that shows the parts of a door handle). If you have an rectangular latch plate, you can replace it with a circular one. This will allow the latch to hook onto the strike plate, making the handle more convenient.

The first step is to loosen the screw that is holding the old latch plate in place. The screws are often quite tight and require a bit of force to loosen them. If you can, it might be helpful to have another person assist with this part.

Once the screws are removed and the latch plate should slide out of the door with ease. If it's stuck or won't move using a nail file to scrape the edges of the latch plate. This will sometimes free the plate up.

Now, you can proceed to creating the new door strike plate for installation. Screw the latch plate into the door jamb using the screws that came with the new handles. Do not overtighten your screws as this can cause damage to the strike plate.

If you're unsure if the latch plate is in the proper position Try closing and then opening the door to see whether it latches and closes correctly. If it doesn't then you'll have to adjust the strike plate either up or down, or even forward or back, until the door closes and latches properly.

If the door is still moving or jiggling, then you may need to enlarge the hole for latching in the strike plate. This is more prevalent 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, follow the same procedure for adjusting the strike plate, using a metal file instead of an hammer and chisel.

Take off the Latch

The latch is a curved metal piece that slides in and out of a hole in the inside of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes the latch forward which allows you to open the door. It also catches a hole on the door frame to ensure that the door is closed. If your door shakes when you close, replacing the latch could be all you need to fix the issue.

The screws that hold the door latch are hard to spot, but you can usually use a screwdriver to make a small hole on the trim plate and then pry the latch off. Once you've removed the trim plate, it'll be simple to take off the latch and the remaining bolts that hold the latch and spindle in place.

If the latch is not easily removed using a paperclip or tool to remove it from the handle mechanism. Insert the item into the recessed latch slot and gently twist or jiggle it until you feel the handle and latch begin to split. You may need to repeat this procedure several times before you can remove the latch.

After the old latch has been removed, you should be able to move the new latch into the slot without difficulties. Make use of the new screws to secure the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure it's correctly placed in the slot, aligned with the screw chambers.

Check the backset of the current handle (the distance between the center of the large hole on the door's front and the edge) prior to installing the new handle. Verify that the size of the latch of the new handle is equal to the measurement.

window handles 'll require a new cylinder for your lock if you're replacing the latch and handle or if your current one is damaged. If you're not changing 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 the handles you have.

Removing the Cover Plate

Door handles may begin to look shabby with time However, if you replace them with a contemporary lever on rose design it's a simple and quick DIY and decorating project that will improve the overall look of your home. You can purchase complete sets that include privacy adaptors, escutcheons, and escutcheons.

The first step to replace the door handle inside is to remove the cover plate or rose, which covers the screws and inner mechanism. Find a release tab on the plate, and use a flathead screwdriver to lift it off the knob. It may have an opening along one side or be held in place by a pin.

Remove the screw holding the handle inside and place it aside when the cover plate is removed. Remove the screws that secure both the outer and inner plates. You can loosen them by using the help of 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, you'll need to drill a hole into the door for the new handle. The procedure for this is similar to the procedure opening a door using locks, but you'll need to take extra care not to harm the door or frame.

After drilling the holes then you'll need to install new door knob screws. Buy the same size as the old screws to prevent getting the handle too tight or loose. It's also necessary to install the new strike rod and latch plate that aren't included in the majority of door handle sets.

Amazon's Choice FAERSI 2-piece chrome finish handle sets are a great alternative if you're in search of a top-quality interior door handle replacement set. It's a factory-fit product and has been praised with hundreds of five-star reviews. It's an excellent option for replacing worn out or damaged door hardware on your Chevy.