What Door Handle Replacement Will Be Your Next Big Obsession?

· 6 min read
What Door Handle Replacement Will Be Your Next Big Obsession?

Door Handle Replacement

It's worth it to replace door handles if you aren't happy with the way they appear, or if they're difficult to use. With a little patience, you can get the new handle in no time.

Modern door handles are equipped with cover plates that hide the screws to give them a beautiful appearance. However, you will need to attach them separately if the new handle doesn't have them attached already.

Remove the Old Handle

The door handle isn't only a decoration for your home it also serves as an element of security that allows you to lock and unlock your door. However, as time passes the door handle could lose its grip, become loose, or appear old and worn. This is an indication that it's time to replace it.

One of the first indications that your door handle is in need of replacing is if it's becoming difficult to operate. This is a problem since it means you can no longer lock or unlock your door which could create a security risk for you and your family.

Another reason to replace your door handle is if it's damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle can be extremely dangerous, particularly in the event that your children or senior family members are unable to open it and end up trapped in the. It's easy to replace a damaged handle on the door.

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

It is the easiest way to take off the old door handle by taking it off from the door. This is usually done using the screw driver. However, some door handles have the cover plate which hides the screws that mount them, so you'll need to pry off this to access the screws underneath. After you've removed the old handle, take a note of how the spindle is attached to ensure that you can make sure it is aligned when you put in your new one.

You can also remove the door handle by uncrewing it from the latch mechanism. This is typically done with a screwdriver but you'll need to locate the small latch, which is located on the edge of the trim piece. After taking off the latch, remove the handle and strike plate. Then, you can remove the latch from the edge of the door.

The Strike Plate

You'll need to replace the latch plate after replacing the handle. This is the plate that is the one that holds the hole in which the latch for the door is inserted when the door is closed. The new handles will come with two latch plates: a rectangular and circular plate (see the image above that shows the parts of a door handle). If you have an rectangular latch plate, replace it with an oval one. This will allow the latch to hook into the strike plate and make the handle easier.

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


The latch plate should easily come out of the door once the screws have been removed. If the latch plate is stuck or refuses to move use a small file to scrape the edges. This may help free the plate.

Now you can prepare the new strike plate for installation. Screw the latch plate into the door jamb using the screws that were included with the new handles. Do not tighten the screws too much because this could cause damage to the strike plate.

If you're not sure whether the latch plate is in the right position, try closing and then opening the door to determine if it closes and latches correctly. If it doesn't, you'll need to adjust the strike plate upwards or down, or even forward or back, until the door closes and latches correctly.

If the door still moves or jiggles, you might need to increase the size of your latch hole on the strike plate. This is more prevalent on older doors. It could be caused by wear and tear, hinges that are too narrow, the wrong size latch, or a damaged 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.

Remove the Latch

The latch is an angled metal piece that slides into and out of a hole on the inside of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes the latch forward, allowing you to open the door. It also catches the door frame so that the door stays closed. If your door is wiggles when you close it, replacing the latch may be all that's needed to correct 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 in the trim plate, and then pull the latch off. After taking off the trim plate you should be able to remove the latch and the bolts that hold it, as well as the spindle.

If the latch isn't easily removed then use a paperclip tool to remove it from the handle mechanism. Place the item in the recessed latch slot and gently twist or jiggle it until you feel the handle and latch start to split. You may have to repeat this process several times before you are able to pull the latch out.

After the old latch has been removed and the old latch is removed, you should be able to slide the new latch into the slot with no difficulties. Use your new screws to connect the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure that it is correctly positioned in the slot and aligned with the screw chambers.

Measure the existing backset (the distance between the centre of the large hole in the front of the door and the edge) before installing the new handle. Verify that the size of the latch of the new handle is in line with the measurement.

You'll require a brand new cylinder for your lock if you're replacing the latch and handle or if your current one is damaged. If you are not changing locks the new lock should fit into the recess you have already installed, and will work with your current keys. Select a latch with rectangular cover plates that match your old handles.

Take off the cover plate

Door handles can begin to look worn over time However, if you replace them with a contemporary lever-on-rose design, it's a simple and quick DIY project and decorating idea that will improve the overall look of your home. You can buy complete sets that include the appropriate escutcheons and privacy adjustor kits.

To replace the door handle inside, remove the cover plate (or rose) that covers the screws and inner mechanism. Use a flathead for removing the cover plate. It may have an opening on one side or be secured by a pin.

When the cover plate is off take the screw that holds the interior handle in place and set it aside. Take off the screws that hold both the inner and outer 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 inside edge of the frame that allows for a handle, however not all do. If yours does not have a handle, you'll need to make a hole in the door to install the new handle.  windsor upvc door handle repairs  is the same procedure for opening a locked door however you'll have to be extra cautious not to damage the door or frame.

After drilling the holes after which you'll have to put in new screws for the door knob. Purchase the same size as the old screws to avoid getting a handle too tight or loose. Installing a new latch and strike rod is also mandatory. They aren't included in most 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 finish handle set. It's a factory-fit product and has been praised with hundreds of five-star reviews. It's a great choice for replacing worn out or damaged interior door hardware on your Chevy.