10 Things That Everyone Is Misinformed About The Word "Door Handle Replacement"

· 6 min read
10 Things That Everyone Is Misinformed About The Word "Door Handle Replacement"

Door Handle Replacement

It's worth it to replace door handles if you don't like the way they appear, or if they're difficult to use. Installing the new handle on your door is easy if you have patience.

Most modern door handles have cover plates that hide the screws for an attractive appearance. If your new handle doesn't have them already connected, you'll have to attach them separately.

Remove the handle that was previously used

The door handle isn't only a decoration for your home it also serves as a safety feature that allows you to lock and unlock your door. However, over time the door handle could lose its grip, feel loose, or appear old and worn. This is an indication that it's time for a replacement.

One of the first indications that your door handle is in need of replacing is the fact that it is becoming difficult to operate. This is a problem because it means that you can not lock or unlock your door which could be a security risk for you and your family.

It's also recommended to replace the handle on your door in the event that it's damaged or broken. A broken door handle is risky, particularly for elderly and children members who might struggle to open it. They may get trapped. Luckily, it's quite easy to fix a broken door handle by simply replacing the handle that was broken.

The majority of modern door handles are a standard size and therefore should fit any door. If you're not sure whether the new door handle you're buying will fit, try taking out the old one and measuring its housing holes. This will allow you to purchase the correct size door handle.

It is the easiest method to remove the door handle by taking it off from the door. Usually it is a matter of using a screwdriver. However some door handles have a cover plate that conceals the screws that mount them, so you'll need to pry off this to reach the screws beneath. Once you've removed your old handle, take note of the way the spindle is positioned to ensure you are able to align it when you fit the new one.

Alternatively, you can remove the door handle by uncrewing it from the latch mechanism. This is usually done with the screwdriver, but you'll need to find the small latch, which should be at the edge of the trim piece. After you have removed the latch, you'll need to remove the handle from the strike plate, and then the latch from the door edge.

The Strike Plate

You'll need to replace your latch plate after replacing the handle. This is the plate that holds the hole where the latch of the door hooks when the door is closed. The new handles will come with two latch plates which are a circular and a rectangular plate (see the diagram above which illustrates the components of the door handle). If your current latch plate is rectangular, swap it over to the round one so that the latch is able to hook into the strike plate in a manner that makes the handle easier to operate.

The first step is to take off the screw that is holding the old latch plate. The screws are often quite tight and require a bit of force to loosen them. If you are able, it could be helpful to have another person help with this process.

The latch plate should easily come out of the door after the screws have been removed. If the latch plate is stuck or doesn't move, use a small file to scrape the edges. This will sometimes free the plate.

Now you can prepare the new strike plate for installation. Install the latch plate in the doorjamb using the wood screws that were included with your new handles. Be careful not to over-tighten the screws, as this could cause damage to the strike plate.


If you are not sure whether the latch plate is in the correct position, shut and open the door to determine whether it locks and closes correctly. If it does not, you will need to adjust the strikeplate either up or down, or forward or back until the door closes properly.

If the door is moving or jiggling, then you may need to enlarge the hole for latching in 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 are not sized correctly for the latch, or because of damaged or broken strike plate that is damaged or broken. If this is the case, follow the exact procedure for adjusting the strike plate, but using the use of a metal file instead the hammer and chisel.

Remove  replacement door handles for upvc doors RepairMyWindowsAndDoors  is the angled metal piece that moves between the hole that runs along the inside edge of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes this latch forward and allows you to open the door. 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 may be all you need to fix it.

It's difficult to identify the screws that secure the latch to the door, however there's usually a small slot on the trim plate that lets you to insert a screwdriver into the slot and take it off. After taking off the trim plate you should be able to remove the latch, as well as the bolts that hold it and the spindle that holds it.

If the latch doesn't easily come out you can try using an old-fashioned paper clip or tool to spring it loose from the handle mechanism. Place the item in the slot for the latch that is recessed. gently turn or jiggle it until you feel the latch and handle start to split. You may need repeat this process a few times before you can take the latch off.

It should be possible to slide the new latch into its slot with no issues once you have removed the old one. Make sure that the latch is correctly positioned in the slot and is aligned with the screw chambers and then use your new screws to attach it to the strike plate and door frame.

Before you install the new handle, make certain to measure your existing backset (the distance from the center of the large hole on the front of the door to the edge). Verify that the size of the latch of the new handle is equal to the 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 switching locks, a new lock should fit in the recess you have already installed, and also work with your current keys. Choose a latch that has rectangular cover plates to match your existing handles.

Remove the cover plate

You can replace your old door handles with a contemporary lever and rose design to make a difference in the appearance of your house. You can purchase complete sets that include matching escutcheons and privacy adaptor kits.

To replace the door handle inside, remove the cover plate (or rose) that covers the screws and inner mechanism. Utilize a flathead to take off the plate. It could have an opening on one side or be held by a pin.

After the cover plate is removed, remove the screw that holds the inside handle in place and set it aside. Remove the screws that hold both the inner and outer plates. You can loosen them by using the help of a Philips Screwdriver. Then, remove the inner plates and latch plate from the door and set them aside.

Most doors have gaps between the jamb of the door and the inside edge of the frame that allows for a handle, but not all do. If yours isn't, you will need to drill a hole through the door. This is the same procedure as opening a locked door however you'll need to be extra careful not to damage the door's frame or frame.

After drilling the holes, you'll need to install new screws for the door knob. Choose the same dimensions as your old screws to avoid getting the handle that is too loose or tight. Installing a new latch and strike rod is also necessary. They aren't included in all door handle sets.

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