Screw Hole Cap/Cover ??

[mekkerlc]

I'm not sure where to post this question.

I am taking off a regular 8" exterior handle (similar to this) at our rear door to our 5'r...and replacing it with a larger foldout handle (this one).
This will match what we have at the main door.

I'd like to cover up the holes of the old handle with more than just filling them with a caulk. Does anyone have any recommendations?
I'm thinking like a cover-plate you use in your house for an electrical outlet.

[Cypressloser]

The screw holes are there, period.
You could counter sink a flathead screw and cap it, just use clear silicon as sealer for the screw and adhesive for the cap.

[Cypressloser]

Like this

[Locky]

You could always fill it with a silicone and then smooth it out and place some sort of decal over it.

[ependydad]

Originally Posted by Locky

You could always fill it with a silicone and then smooth it out and place some sort of decal over it.

That's very likely what I'd do.

[Dobbs]

Why not leave the original hand hold in place? Covers the screw holes perfectly. Just mount the new handle upper bracket a couple inches above the current handle. The old handle will be there for when you are just going in to grab something. That's what I'm looking to do to our trailer soon.

[mekkerlc]

Originally Posted by Cypressloser

The screw holes are there, period.
You could counter sink a flathead screw and cap it, just use clear silicon as sealer for the screw and adhesive for the cap.

Nice suggestion -- I think I'll go along this route. Just gotta look at best way to countersink the screw, etc.

[mekkerlc]

Originally Posted by Dobbs

Why not leave the original hand hold in place? Covers the screw holes perfectly. Just mount the new handle upper bracket a couple inches above the current handle. The old handle will be there for when you are just going in to grab something. That's what I'm looking to do to our trailer soon.

I was hoping to do exactly this -- but it would mean the new handle would be much higher than the one at the main door. They should be at the same height as us and kids get accustomed to reaching for it without looking etc...

[Mrpsyko]

I replaced my short handle with a longer folding type. I took a couple of black #8 screws that I removed from the old handle and put dicor sealer on threads and screwed them in old holes.

[Cypressloser]

Originally Posted by mekkerlc

Nice suggestion -- I think I'll go along this route. Just gotta look at best way to countersink the screw, etc.

You need a countersink that matches the angle of the screw head or you could grind a drill bit to the right angle, but IME the drill bit catches to fast and you could end up with a giant hole instead. Whatever you do take it easy.

[mekkerlc]

I looked closer last night -- there is a good amount of the caulk/dicor(?) around each hole. So I'll need to figure out getting that off.
What is the best way as I don't want to be using a scraper on the fiberglass...scratching it and all.

[Cypressloser]

Originally Posted by mekkerlc

I looked closer last night -- there is a good amount of the caulk/dicor(?) around each hole. So I'll need to figure out getting that off.
What is the best way as I don't want to be using a scraper on the fiberglass...scratching it and all.

You can try any of the products below, but please test them in an inconspicuous area first.
Mineral Spirits, Rubbing Alcohol, Kerosene.
I would avoid Lacquer Thinner and Acetone.

[Bama Rambler]

Go to your local autoparts store and look through their selection of trim rivets and you should be able to find some that will plug the holes and leave a small button over them.

If you can't find any the right color, you can paint them with plastic paint.