Blog entry by Jorg Westover
Door Handle Replacement
It's worth replacing door uvpc window handles if you aren't happy with the way they look, or if they're difficult to use. With a bit of patience, you can put in a new handle in no time.
Most modern door handles have cover plates that hide the screws to give them a beautiful appearance. If the new handle doesn't already have them connected, you'll need to attach them separately.
Remove the old Handle
Door handles aren't just an important for their aesthetic value to your home, but they're also essential for security as they allow you to lock and unlock your door. As time passes, the external door handles handle may begin to lose its grip or feel a bit loose. It could also appear worn out and old. This is a clear indication that it's time to replace your upvc door locks and handles handle.
One of the first signs that your door handle requires replacing is if it's becoming difficult to operate. This is a serious problem as you will no longer be in a position to lock or unlock the door which could 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 is dangerous, particularly for elderly and children members who may struggle to open it. They could become trapped. It's a good thing that it's easy to fix a broken door handle by replacing the handle that was broken.
Modern door handles are usually standard sizes and should fit any door. If you are not certain if the new door handle you are buying will work, take out the old one and take measurements of its holes in the housing. This will allow you to purchase the correct size door handle.
The most straightforward method to remove your old door handle is to remove it from the door. This is typically done with a screw driver. However some door handles have a cover plate that conceals the mounting screws so you'll need to pry off this cover plate to get access to the screws beneath. After you have removed the old handle, take note of the way the spindle is attached. This will aid in aligning the new handle.
You can also remove the door handle by removing the latch mechanism. This is usually done with the screwdriver, but you'll need to find the small latch, which is located at the edge of the trim piece. Once you've removed the latch, unscrew the handle from the strike plate and then the latch off the door's edge.
Take off the Strike Plate
When you replace your handle, you'll be required to replace the latch plate, which is the hole that the door's latch hooks into when it closes. The box that the new handles are packaged in will include two latch plates: a rectangular one and circular (see the above diagram that outlines the components of a external door handles euro lock handle). If you have an rectangular latch plate, replace it with a round one. This will let the latch hook onto the strike plate, making the handle more convenient.
The first step is to loosen the screw that holds the latch plate in place. The screws are typically tight and require a lot of force to loosen them. It is helpful to have a second person help in this area if it is possible.
After the screws have been removed the latch will slide out of the door with ease. If the latch plate is stuck or refuses to move, use a small file to scrape the edges. This will sometimes free the plate up.
You can now move on to making the new door strike plate to be installed. Utilizing the wood screws that came with your new handles, screw the latch plate onto the inside of the doorjamb. Be cautious not to tighten too much the screws, as this can damage the strike plate.
If you're not sure whether the latch plate is in the correct position, try closing and then opening the door to check whether it latches and closes correctly. If it does not then you'll need to adjust the strikeplate upwards or down, or forward or back until the door shuts correctly.
If the door is moving or jiggling, you may need to increase the size of the latch hole in the strike plate. This is more frequent for older doors, but can happen due to wear and tear, hinge mortises that are too narrow or are not sized correctly for the latch, or from damaged or broken strike plate that is damaged or broken. If this is the situation, use a metal filing instead of a chisel, or hammer to adjust the strike plate.
Remove the Latch
The latch is a curved 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 connects to a hole in the frame of the door to keep the door shut. If your door wiggles when you close it, replacing the latch could be the only thing needed to fix it.
The screws that hold the door latch are difficult to see, but you can usually put a screwdriver in an insignificant hole on the trim plate and pry the latch off. After removal of the trim plate you should be able to take off the latch as well as the bolts that hold it and the spindle that holds it.
If the latch is not easily removed then use a paperclip tool to remove it from the handle mechanism. Insert the item into the recessed latch slot and gently move it around until you feel the latch and handle start to separate. It may take this several times before the latch becomes loose enough to allow it to be pulled out.
You should be able slide the new latch into its slot without issues after you've removed the old one. Use the new screws to attach the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure it's correctly placed in the slot and aligned with the screw chambers.
Take note of the backset (the distance between the center of the large hole in the door's front and the edge) prior to installing the new handle. Also, ensure that the latch size on the new handle is in line with this measurement.
If you're replacing the handle or latch or handle, or if your previous lock cylinder has been damaged, then you'll require an entirely new one. If you're not changing locks, a new lock should fit inside your existing recess and will work with the keys you have already. Select a latch with rectangular cover plates to match your old handles.
Removing the Cover Plate
You can replace your old door handles with a contemporary rose and lever designs to enhance the appearance of your home. You can buy complete sets that include the escutcheons as well as privacy adaptors and escutcheons.
The first step in replacing the door handle inside is to remove the cover plate or rose, which covers the screws and mechanism inside. Utilize a flathead to take off the cover plate. It may have an opening on one edge or be secured by pins.
Once the cover plate is off, remove the screw that holds the interior handle in place and put it aside. Take off the screws that hold 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. Place them aside.
Most doors have a gap between the jamb of the door and the inner edge of the frame that allows for a handle, but not all have. If yours isn't, you will need to drill a new hole into the door. The procedure for this is the same procedure opening a door using a lock, but you'll have to be extra careful to avoid damaging the door or frame.
Installing new screws for the door knob is required after the holes have been made. Choose the same size as the old screws to prevent getting the handle that is too loose or tight. Installing a new latch and strike rod is also mandatory. These aren't included in all door handle sets.
If you're looking for a high-quality replacement for your interior door handle set Try the Amazon's Choice FAERSI two-piece upvc chrome door handles finish handle set. It is a factory-fit and has been praised with hundreds of five-star reviews. It's a great choice for replacing worn or damaged door handle hardware inside your Chevy HHR.