A Comprehensive Guide To Door Handle Replacement From Beginning To End

· 6 min read
A Comprehensive Guide To Door Handle Replacement From Beginning To End

Door Handle Replacement

Door handles appear to be an insignificant thing, but if you dislike the appearance of the handles or are unable to use them then it's time to replace them. Installing the new handle on your door is simple if you have patience.

The majority of modern door handles come with cover plates that hide the screws for an attractive appearance. However, you'll have to attach them separately if your new handle doesn't already have them.

Removal of the Old Handle

The door handle is not only a decorative addition to your home It's also an element of security that allows you to lock and unlock your door. However, as  upvc door handle , your door handle may lose its grip, feel loose, or appear old and worn. This is a good indication that it's time to replace your door handle.

One of the first indications that your door handle requires replacing is if it's becoming difficult to operate. This is a serious problem because you won't be capable of locking or unlocking the door, which could put your family and yourself at risk.

It is also an excellent idea to replace your door handle if it is damaged or broken. A broken door handle can be very dangerous, especially if your children or elderly family members are unable to open it and could get trapped in the. It's simple to replace a broken handle on the door.

Most modern door handles are a standard size and therefore are suitable for any door. If you aren't certain that the new door handle you are buying will work, remove the old one and measure the holes in its housing. This will allow you to purchase the correct size door handle.

It is the easiest way to take off the old door handle by removing it from the door. This is usually done with a screw driver. Some door handles have an enclosure plate that hides the mounting screws. You will need to remove this to get to the screws. Once you have removed the old handle, make an outline of how the spindle is connected to ensure you are able to align it when you fit the new one.

You can also remove the door handle by depressing the latch mechanism. You can make use of a screwdriver to take off the door handle. However, you will need to locate the small latch which is located on the edge trim piece. After you have removed the latch, you'll need to remove the handle from the strike plate and then remove the latch away from the door's edge.

The Strike Plate

When you replace the handle, you'll be required to replace the latch plate, which holds the hole that the door's latch is inserted into when it closes. The packaging that the new handles are packaged in will include two different latch plates - a rectangular one and a circular one (see the above diagram that outlines the components of a door handle). If your current latch plate has rectangular in shape, swap it over to the circular one so that the latch is able to hook into the strike plate in a way that makes the handle easier to operate.

The first step is to unhook the screw that holds the latch plate. The screws are usually quite tight and require a fair amount of force to loosen them. If you are able, it could be beneficial to have a second person assist with this part.

After the screws are removed the latch will slide out of the door with ease. If it's stuck or won't move, use a small nail file to scrape the edges of the latch plate. This may help free the plate.

You can now move on to creating the new door strike plate to be installed. Install the latch plate in the door jamb using the screws that came with the new handles. Don't over tighten your screws because this could damage the strike plate.

If you're unsure if the latch plate is in the proper position Try closing and then opening the door to check if it closes and latches correctly. If it does not, you will need to adjust the strikeplate up or down or forward or back until the door shuts properly.

If the door is still moving or jiggles, you may have to expand your latch hole on the strike plate. This is more frequent on older doors. It could be caused by wear and tear, hinges that are too narrow, the incorrect size of the latch or damaged strike plate. If this is the case, follow the exact procedure to adjust the strike plate, but using a metal file instead of a chisel and hammer.

Remove the Latch

The latch is a bent metal piece that slides into and out of a hole on the inside of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes this latch forward and allows you to open the door. It also hooks in an opening in the door frame so that the door remains closed. If your door wobbles when you close, replacing the latch could be all you need to fix the problem.


The screws that hold the door latch are difficult to locate, but you can usually insert a screwdriver into a small hole in the trim plate and pry the latch off. After taking off the trim plate you should be able to take off the latch as well as the bolts that hold it and the spindle.

If the latch is not easily removed, use a paperclip or tool to remove it from the handle mechanism. Insert the item into the latch's slot that is recessed and gently twist or jiggle it until you feel the latch and handle begin to split. You may have to do this several times before the latch becomes loose enough to pull 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 connect the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure it is correctly positioned in the slot, 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) before installing the new handle. Also, make sure that the size of the latch on the new handle is a good match to this measurement.

You'll require a new cylinder for your lock if replacing the handle and latch, or your old one is damaged. If you're not changing locks however, a new latch will fit into the existing recess and be compatible with your current keys. Choose a latch that has rectangular cover plates that match your old handles.

Then remove the Cover Plate

Door handles can start to look shabby over time However, if you replace them with a modern lever on rose design it's an easy and quick DIY project to decorate and will improve the overall look of your home. You can purchase complete sets of escutcheons, privacy adaptors, escutcheons, and escutcheons.

To replace the door handle inside, remove the cover plate (or rose) that covers the screws and mechanism. Use a flathead for removing the plate. It may have a slot along one edge or be held in place by pins.

Remove the screw holding the interior handle and put it aside after the cover plate is removed. Take off the screws that hold both the inner and outer plates. You can loosen them with the help of a Philips Screwdriver. Remove the inner plates and latch from the door. Place them aside.

Most doors have gaps 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 allow for a handle, you'll have to drill a new hole in the door. The procedure for this is the same procedure for opening a door with the lock, however you'll need to take extra care to avoid damaging the frame or door.

After drilling the holes after which you'll have to put in new door knob screws. Make sure you purchase the same size as the old ones, so that you don't end up with an handle that is either too tight or too loose. You'll also have to install an additional strike rod and latch plate that aren't part of the majority of door handle sets.

If you're in search of a reliable replacement 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 a great option to replace worn or damaged interior door hardware on your Chevy.