Do you find yourself struggling to open or close your door because of a faulty doorknob? Replacing a doorknob may seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually a relatively simple process that can be completed in just a few steps. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or a complete novice, this comprehensive guide will provide you with the necessary instructions and tips to replace your doorknob successfully.
Before you begin, gather the necessary tools and materials. You’ll need a screwdriver (Phillips or flathead, depending on the type of doorknob), a new doorknob, and possibly a latch plate. Once you have everything you need, you can start by removing the old doorknob. To do this, simply unscrew the two screws that are located on the inside of the doorknob. Once the screws are removed, the doorknob should come off easily. If it doesn’t, you may need to gently pry it off with a screwdriver.
Next, you need to remove the latch plate. The latch plate is the metal plate that is attached to the door frame and that the doorknob latch engages with. To remove the latch plate, simply unscrew the two screws that are located on either side of the plate. Once the screws are removed, the latch plate should come off easily. If it doesn’t, you may need to gently pry it off with a screwdriver. Now that the old doorknob and latch plate are removed, you can install the new ones. To do this, simply reverse the steps that you took to remove the old ones. First, insert the new latch plate into the door frame and secure it with the screws. Then, insert the new doorknob into the hole in the door and secure it with the screws. Finally, test the new doorknob to make sure that it is working properly.
Gather Materials
Replacing a door knob is a straightforward task that can be completed in a few simple steps. Before beginning, it is important to gather the necessary materials. A detailed list of materials required is provided in the table below. Additionally, it is recommended to have a helper on hand for assistance during certain steps of the process.
Required Materials
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| New Door Knob Set | The new doorknob set should match the style and finish of the existing door. It should include the interior and exterior knobs, as well as any necessary mounting hardware. |
| Screwdriver | A Phillips head screwdriver is required to remove the screws that hold the existing doorknobs in place. |
| Socket Wrench or Adjustable Wrench | A socket wrench or adjustable wrench is required to tighten the screws that hold the new doorknobs in place. |
Remove Existing Knob
To remove an existing door knob, you’ll need a Phillips-head screwdriver. Follow these steps:
- Remove the screws holding the knob in place. Usually, there are two screws located on the inside escutcheon plate of the door knob. Use the screwdriver to carefully remove the screws.
- Pull the knob off the spindle. Once the screws are removed, gently pull the knob straight towards you to detach it from the spindle. If the knob is stuck, you may need to wiggle it back and forth slightly while pulling.
- Remove the spindle. The spindle is the metal rod that connects the two knobs. Once the knob is removed, you can simply pull the spindle out of the hole in the door.
| Tools Required |
|---|
| Phillips-head screwdriver |
Measure and Mark Knob Position
Determine the Center Point
To determine the center point for the door knob, measure the distance from the top of the door to the bottom and mark the midpoint. Next, measure the width of the door and mark the midpoint again. The intersection of these two points is the center point for the door knob.
Mark the Backset
The backset is the distance from the edge of the door to the center of the square part of the door knob, usually measures 2 3/8″ or 2 3/4″ inches. From the center point, measure the backset distance and make a mark on both sides of the door.
Mark the Height of the Knob
To mark the height of the knob, measure the distance from the floor to the center point. This measurement typically ranges from 34 to 48 inches depending on personal preference, building codes, and accessibility requirements. If installing a new knob at a different height than the previous one, ensure that the latch strike plate on the doorframe aligns with the new knob height.
| Backset Measurement | Standard Measurements |
|---|---|
| 2 3/8″ | Common for residential doors |
| 2 3/4″ | Common for commercial doors |
Drill Pilot Hole
Now that you have the door latch hole, it’s time to drill the pilot hole for the doorknob. The pilot hole is a small hole that will guide the doorknob screw into the door. To drill the pilot hole, you will need a drill and a 1/8-inch drill bit.
Step 4: Drill the Pilot Hole
Once you have marked the location of the pilot hole, it’s time to drill the hole. To drill the pilot hole, you will need to follow these steps:
- Insert the 1/8-inch drill bit into the drill.
- Position the drill bit on the mark that you made in step 3.
- Apply pressure to the drill and begin drilling. Drill about 1/2-inch deep.
- Once the pilot hole is drilled, remove the drill bit and proceed to the next step.
Install New Knob
With your new lock knob in hand, it’s time to install it. Follow these steps for a secure and easy installation.
1. Remove the Old Knob
Using a screwdriver, remove the screws holding the old knob in place and pull it straight toward you to detach it from the door.
2. Install the Latch
Insert the latch into the hole in the edge of the door and secure it with the provided screws.
3. Align the Knob
Align the new knob with the latch and insert the spindle through the hole in the knob. Ensure that the keyed side of the knob faces the correct direction.
4. Secure the Knob
Place the other half of the knob onto the spindle and fasten it with the screws.
5. Install the Strike Plate
The strike plate is the metal piece that the latch engages with when the door is closed. To install it:
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| A. | Hold the strike plate against the door frame where the latch will strike when closed. |
| B. | Mark the screw holes with a pencil. |
| C. | Drill pilot holes at the marked locations. |
| D. | Secure the strike plate with the provided screws. |
| E. | Test the knob to ensure it latches securely into the strike plate. |
Tighten Screws
6. Tighten Screws
Now that the screws are in place, it’s time to tighten them. Use a screwdriver that fits the screws snugly. Apply firm, even pressure to tighten the screws, but be careful not to overtighten them or you could strip the screw holes.
Here are some tips for tightening screws:
- Use a screwdriver that fits the screw head snugly.
- Apply firm, even pressure to tighten the screws.
- Don’t overtighten the screws or you could strip the screw holes.
- If the screws are too tight, you can use a pair of pliers to loosen them.
- If the screw heads are damaged, you can use a screw extractor to remove them.
Here is a table that summarizes the steps for tightening screws:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. | Use a screwdriver that fits the screw head snugly. |
| 2. | Apply firm, even pressure to tighten the screws. |
| 3. | Don’t overtighten the screws or you could strip the screw holes. |
Align and Secure Knob
7. Align the knob on the spindle so that the set screw hole is facing upwards. Slide the knob onto the spindle until it is close to the door.
8. Tighten the set screw using a hex key or screwdriver. Do not overtighten the screw, as this could damage the knob.
9. Repeat steps 7 and 8 for the other side of the door.
10. Test the knob to ensure that it is properly installed and secured.
11. If the knob is loose or does not operate smoothly, check the set screws to ensure that they are properly tightened.
12. If the knob still does not operate smoothly, there may be a problem with the spindle or the latch mechanism. In this case, it is best to contact a professional locksmith for assistance.
Test Knob Operation
To test the knob, first ensure that the door is in a closed position. Then, grasp the knob and turn it clockwise. If the doorknob turns smoothly and the door opens easily, the knob is functioning correctly. If the knob is difficult to turn or the door does not open, continue with the following troubleshooting steps:
- Tighten the screws that secure the knob to the door.
- Lubricate the knob’s internal mechanism with a penetrating oil.
- Remove the knob and inspect the internal mechanism for any damage or obstructions.
If these troubleshooting steps do not resolve the issue, it may be necessary to replace the doorknob. Here’s a detailed guide on how to replace a doorknob:
1.
Gather your tools
You will need a screwdriver, a hammer, and a new doorknob.
2.
Remove the old doorknob
Using a screwdriver, remove the screws that secure the doorknob to the door. Then, gently pull the doorknob off the door.
3.
Insert the new doorknob
Slide the new doorknob onto the door, aligning the holes in the knob with the holes in the door.
4.
Secure the doorknob
Insert the screws into the holes and tighten them using a screwdriver.
5.
Test the doorknob
To ensure that the new doorknob is functioning correctly, turn the knob and push or pull the door open.
Install and Align Trim
With the door knob installed, it’s time to install the trim. The trim is what covers the gap between the door and the doorknob and gives the door a finished look.
To install the trim, first place the trim piece over the door and align it with the doorknob. Then, use a hammer and nails to secure the trim in place. Start by nailing the trim in the center and then work your way out to the edges. Be sure to nail the trim securely so that it doesn’t come loose.
Once the trim is installed, you need to align it with the doorknob. To do this, use a level to make sure that the trim is level. Then, use a screwdriver to adjust the screws on the doorknob until the trim is aligned.
Once the trim is installed and aligned, you’re finished replacing the doorknob. Your door should now look brand new!
Troubleshooting
If you’re having trouble installing or aligning the trim, here are a few troubleshooting tips:
- Make sure that the trim is the correct size for your door.
- Make sure that the trim is aligned with the doorknob.
- Make sure that the trim is securely nailed in place.
- If the trim is still loose, you can use a wood filler to fill in the gaps.
| Tool | Description |
|---|---|
| Hammer | Used to nail the trim in place. |
| Nails | Used to secure the trim to the door. |
| Level | Used to ensure that the trim is level. |
| Screwdriver | Used to adjust the screws on the doorknob. |
| Wood filler | Used to fill in any gaps between the trim and the door. |
Clean and Inspect
Before embarking on knob replacement, take a moment to clean the door and its components to ensure a hygienic work environment. Use a damp cloth to thoroughly wipe down the doorknob, handle, strike plate, and door frame. Pay particular attention to any visible dirt, grime, or rust.
Once the cleaning is complete, conduct a thorough inspection of the door and its components. Look for signs of damage, such as loose or broken screws, cracks, or dents. If you notice any defects, address them before proceeding with the knob replacement.
Check for Loose Screws
Inspect the screws that secure the doorknob and strike plate. Loose screws can compromise the integrity of the installation and should be tightened immediately. Use a screwdriver to firmly tighten any loose screws, ensuring they are snug but not overtightened.
Examine the Strike Plate
Examine the strike plate mounted on the door frame. Ensure that it is properly aligned with the doorknob and free of any obstructions. If the strike plate is misaligned or damaged, adjust its position or replace it with a new one to ensure proper latching.
Lubricate Moving Parts
To ensure smooth operation, apply a small amount of lubricant to the moving parts of the doorknob, such as the spindle and latch mechanism. Use a silicone-based lubricant, which is ideal for metal components and will not attract dust or debris.
Inspect the Door Frame
Inspect the door frame around the doorknob for any damage or wear. Look for cracks, dents, or splintering that could affect the integrity of the knob installation. If any damage is discovered, repair the door frame before replacing the knob.
How to Replace a Door Knob
Replacing a door knob is a relatively simple task that can be completed in just a few minutes. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get the job done:
Materials:
- New door knob
- Screwdriver
Steps:
- Remove the old knob: Use a screwdriver to remove the two screws that hold the knob in place. Once the screws are removed, the knob should come off easily.
- Remove the lock mechanism: If your door has a lock, you’ll need to remove the lock mechanism before you can replace the knob. To do this, use a screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the lock in place. Once the screws are removed, the lock should come off easily.
- Install the new knob: Place the new knob over the spindle and tighten the screws to secure it in place.
- Reinstall the lock mechanism: If you removed the lock mechanism, reinstall it now. To do this, insert the lock into the door and tighten the screws to secure it in place.
- Test the knob: Once the knob is installed, test it to make sure it works properly. Open and close the door a few times to make sure the knob turns smoothly and locks securely.
People Also Ask
How do I choose a new door knob?
When choosing a new door knob, consider the following factors:
- Style: The style of the door knob should complement the style of your home.
- Material: Door knobs are available in a variety of materials, including metal, wood, and plastic. Choose a material that is durable and easy to clean.
- Finish: The finish of the door knob should match the finish of your other hardware.
How often should I replace my door knob?
Door knobs should be replaced every 5-10 years. If your door knob is showing signs of wear or damage, it should be replaced sooner.
How much does it cost to replace a door knob?
The cost to replace a door knob varies depending on the type of knob you choose and the complexity of the installation. However, the average cost to replace a door knob is between $20 and $50.
