A Guide To Door Handle Replacement In 2023

· 6 min read
A Guide To Door Handle Replacement In 2023

Door Handle Replacement

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

Modern door handles are usually equipped with cover plates that conceal the screws to give them an attractive look. However, you'll have to attach them separately if your new handle does not already have them.

Remove the Old Handle

The door handle isn't just a decorative feature for your home, but it's also an element of security that allows you to lock and unlock the door. Over time the door handle could start to lose its grip or feel a bit loose. It may also appear worn out and old. This is an indication that it's time to replace it.

If your door handle is becoming difficult to use, it might be time to replace it. This is an issue because it means that you are unable to no longer lock or unlock your door, which could be a security risk for you and your family.

Another reason to replace the door handle is if it's damaged or broken. A broken door handle is risky, particularly for children and elderly family members who might struggle to open it. They could be trapped. It's simple to fix a damaged handle on doors.

Most modern door handles are standard size, so they should fit any door. If you are not certain that your new door handle will work, remove the old one and measure its housing holes. This will enable you to purchase the correct size door handle.

The most straightforward method to take off the door handle you have been using is to remove it from the door itself. This is usually done using the screw driver. However certain door handles come with a cover plate that conceals the screws that mount them, so you'll need to pry off this to reach the screws underneath. After you've removed the old handle, make note of the way the spindle is connected to ensure you are able to be sure to align it when you install the new one.

You can also remove the door handle by unscrewing the latch mechanism. This is usually done with a screwdriver but you'll need to find the small latch, which should be on the edge of the trim piece. After removing the latch, unscrew the handle and strike plate. Then, remove the latch from the edge of the door.

Take off the Strike Plate

You'll need to replace your latch plate after replacing the handle. It's the part that holds the hole where the latch for the door is inserted when the door is closed. The box that the new handles are packaged in will have two latch plates: either a rectangular or a circular one (see the above diagram that outlines the components of a door handle). If you have an rectangular latch plate, replace it with a circular one. This will allow the latch to hook onto the strike plate, making the handle easier.

The first step is to loosen the screw that is holding the latch plate that was previously in place. The screws are typically tight and require a lot of force to loosen them. It may be helpful to have a second person help with this part if possible.

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

Now, you can proceed to preparing the new door strike plate for installation. With the screws made of wood that came with your new handles, attach the latch plate onto the inside of the doorjamb. Don't over tighten your screws because this could cause damage to the strike plate.

If you're unsure whether the latch plate is in its proper position, close and open the door to determine if it latches and closes correctly. If not, you'll need 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 moving or jiggling, you may need to enlarge the hole for the latch in the strike plate. This is more common for older doors, but could be due to wear and tear, hinge mortises that are too narrow or not the right size for the latch, or from damaged or broken strike plate. If this is the case you can use a metal file instead of a chisel, or hammer to adjust the strike plate.

Removing the Latch

The latch is an angled metal piece that slides in and out of a hole on the inside of your door. The latch moves forward when you turn the handle. It also hooks into an opening in the door frame to ensure that the door remains closed. If your door shakes when you close it, changing the latch could be the only thing needed to fix it.

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

If the latch isn't easily removed, use a paperclip or tool to take it off the handle mechanism. Insert the item into the slot for the latch that is recessed. gently move it around until you feel the latch and handle begin to separate. You may have to repeat this process several times before you can remove the latch.

door handles Repair My Windows And Doors  should be able to slide the new latch into its slot without any issues once you have removed the old one. Make sure the latch is correctly positioned in the slot and aligned with the screw chambers, and then use your new screws to fasten it to the strike plate and door frame.

Before installing the new handle, be sure to measure your existing backset (the distance from the center of the large hole on the front surface of the door to the edge). Also, ensure that the size of the latch on the new handle is in line with this measurement.

You'll need a new cylinder for your lock if you're replacing the handle and latch or if your current one is damaged. If you're not changing locks, the new latch will fit in your existing recess, and work with the keys you have currently. Be sure to select a latch with a rectangular cover plate that match your old handles.

Remove the cover plate

Door handles may begin to look shabby with time If you replace them with a modern lever-on-rose design, it's an easy and quick DIY and decorating project that will improve the overall look of your home. You can buy complete sets of door handles that come with matching escutcheons and privacy adaptor kits.


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

Once the cover plate is removed, remove the screw that holds the interior handle in place and set it aside. It is also necessary to remove the screws that hold the latch and inner plates to the door, which you can accomplish by loosening them 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 an opening between the jamb of the door and the inner edge of the frame that allows for a handle, however not all do. If yours doesn't have a handle, you'll need to make a hole into the door. The process for doing this is the same as for opening a door with the lock, however you'll need to take extra care not to harm the door or frame.

Installing new door knob screws is necessary after holes have been drilled. Make sure to buy the same size as the old ones, so you won't have an handle that is either too tight or loose. It's also necessary to install a new latch plate and strike rod that aren't part of the majority of door handle sets.

If you're looking for a quality replacement interior door handle set Try the Amazon's Choice FAERSI two-piece chrome-finished handle set. It's a factory-fit and has received hundreds of five-star reviews from delighted customers. It's a great choice to replace worn or damaged door hardware on your Chevy.