Why Door Handle Replacement Is Your Next Big Obsession? Door Handle Replacement

It's worth replacing door handles if you aren't happy with the way they look, or if they are difficult to use. With a little patience, you can install the new handle in no time.

Most modern door handles have cover plates that hide the screws to give them a beautiful appearance. If your new handle does not already have them attached, you will have to attach them separately.

Removing the old Handle

Door handles aren't just an an important aesthetic addition to your home, but they're essential for security as they allow you to lock and unlock your door. Over time the door handle can become loose or feel a bit loose. It could be beginning to appear old and worn. This is a good indication that it's time to replace the door handle.

If your door handle is becoming difficult to use, it could be time to replace it. This is a serious problem as you will no longer be able to lock or unlock the door and put your family and yourself at risk.

It's also an excellent idea to replace your door handle in the event that it's damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle could be extremely dangerous, particularly if your children or elderly family members are unable to open it, and get trapped within. It's a good thing that it's simple to fix a damaged door handle by replacing the handle that was broken.

Modern door handles are usually standard sizes and should be able to fit any door. If you are not certain if your new door handle will work, take out the old one and take measurements of its holes in the housing. This will let you purchase the right size door handle.

The easiest way to take off the handle from your door is to remove it from the door. Usually you'll need a screwdriver. Some door handles come with a cover plate which hides the mounting screws. You will need to remove this to get to the screws. After you have removed the old handle, take note of the way in which the spindle has been connected. This will help you align the new handle.

You can also remove the door handle by removing the latch mechanism. You can use a screwdriver to remove the door handle. However, you'll need to locate the small latch, which is located on the edge of the trim piece. After removing the latch, unscrew the handle and strike plate. Then remove the latch from the door's edge.

Removing the Strike Plate

If you are replacing your handle, you'll also be required to replace the latch plate that holds the hole that the door's latch hooks into when it closes. The new handles will come with two latch plates: a rectangular and circular plate (see the image above that shows the parts of the door handle). If your current latch plate is rectangular, swap it to a circular one so that the latch hooks into the strike plate in a way that makes the handle more comfortable to use.

The first step is to unscrew the screw that holds the latch plate that was previously in place. The screws are typically tight and require a fair amount of force to loosen them. If you can, it might be beneficial to have a second person assist you with this task.

The latch plate should easily lift itself out of the door once the screws have been removed. If it's stuck or won't move then use a small nail file to scratch around the edges of the latch plate. This may help free the plate.

Now you can prepare the new strike plate to be installed. Using the screws made of wood that were included with your new handles, attach the latch plate to the inside of the doorjamb. Be careful not to tighten too much the screws, as this may cause damage to the strike plate.

If you're unsure if the latch plate is in the proper position, try closing and then opening the door to determine whether it latches and closes correctly. If it doesn't you'll need to adjust the strike plate either up or down, or forward or back until the door shuts and latches properly.

If the door is moving or jiggling, you may need to enlarge the latch hole in the strike plate. This is more common 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 from a broken or damaged strike plate. If this is the situation, follow the same procedure for adjusting the strike plate, but with an iron file instead of an hammer and chisel.

Removing the Latch

The latch is the metal piece that is angled that is able to move between the hole that runs along the inside edge of your door. The latch moves forward when you turn the handle. It also catches the door frame to ensure that the door remains closed. If your door shakes when you close, an upgrade to the latch could be the only thing needed to fix the issue.

The screws that support the door latch are difficult to see, but you can usually put a screwdriver in a small hole in the trim plate and then pry the latch off. After you've removed your trim plate, it'll be easy to remove the latch as well as the bolts that keep the latch and spindle in the position.

If the latch doesn't easily be released, try using an old-fashioned paper clip or tool to spring it loose from the handle mechanism. Insert the item into the recessed slot of the latch, and gently twist it or jiggle until you feel the that the latch and handle are beginning to split. It is possible to repeat this process several times before you can remove the latch.


You should be able to slide the new latch into its slot without any 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 is correctly positioned in the slot, aligned with the screw chambers.

Check the backset of the current handle (the distance between the center of the large hole in the door's front and the edge) before installing the new handle. Check that the latch size 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 is damaged, then you'll require an entirely new one. If you're not changing locks, however, a new latch will fit into your existing recess, and be compatible with your current keys. Select a latch with rectangular cover plates to match your old handles.

Take off the cover plate

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

The first step to replace the door handle inside is to remove the cover plate or rose, which covers the screws and inner mechanism. Find an release tab on the plate, and make use of a flathead screwdriver to pop it off the knob. It could have a slot on one edge or be held by pins.

When upvc door handle is removed, remove the screw that holds the inside handle in place, and then set it aside. You'll also want to remove the screws that are holding the latch and inner plates and the latch plate, which can be done by loosening them with the help of a Philips screwdriver. Remove the inner plates and latch from the door. Set them aside.

Some doors don't have this gap. If yours isn't have a handle, you'll need to drill a hole into the door. It's the same procedure as opening a door locked however, you'll have to be extra careful not to scratch the frame or door.

The installation of new door knob screws is required after the holes have been made. Choose the same dimensions as your old screws to prevent getting the handle too tight or loose. Installing a new latch and strike rod is also mandatory. These are not included in all door handle sets.

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