How to Replace a Doorknob

Wondering how to change a doorknob? Follow this step-by-footstep guide and learn exactly what'south involved.

Introduction

Similar many things in your home, doorknobs eventually intermission and need to be replaced. This tin happen in a few ways, only the most mutual is failure of the spring inside the latch mechanism. When this bound breaks, the latch can no longer appoint with the strike plate and keep the door closed. If one of your doors has this result and you're wondering how to change a doorknob, read this footstep-by-step guide and learn the whole process.

Tools Required

Materials Required

  • Doorknob set

Project step-by-step (6)

Step 1

Remove the Old Doorknob

  • Use a screwdriver to remove the 2 screws holding the erstwhile latch mechanism to the edge of the door.
  • Loosen and remove the screws holding the inner and outer door knobs in place on each face of the door.
  • Remove each doorknob, making certain to keep the screws in a safe place nearby.
  • Slide the latching mechanism out of the door once both knobs are out.
  • Unscrew and remove the strike plate from the door jamb.

Remove the Old Doorknob

Stride 2

Ensure Correct Backset and Insert New Latch

  • Check your former latch for a number stamped somewhere on it, either two-3/4 or 2-iii/8 inches.
    • This is the doorknob's "backset," which is the distance from the door'due south border to the center of the doorknob pigsty. All standard doorknobs have a backset of either ii-3/4 or two-3/eight inches.
  • Be sure to choose a new doorknob with the correct backset, matching your door and old latch.
    • If you lot're non sure, bring your old latch to the dwelling improvement store when shopping for a new one.
  • Insert the new latch into the hole in the door'due south edge. Be certain to orient it correctly to match the direction of door swing.

Ensure Correct Backset and Insert New Latch

Step 3

Install First New Knob

  • Examine the two new knobs, and so option up the one with an extending rod designed to interlock with the latch and the other knob.
  • Agree this new knob in position over the hole in the door, sliding the rod into the latch.
  • Make certain the knob is centered over the hole, then thread in its screws and tighten them down.

Install First New Knob

Stride four

Tighten the Latch

  • Thread the latch plate screws down, locking the latch mechanism in identify.
  • Exam the latch spring past pushing it in with your fingers several times. If the spring is working, the latch should spring back up once again each fourth dimension information technology's pressed down.

Tighten the Latch

Step v

Install Second New Knob

  • Hold the second knob in identify, making sure it's interlocked with the rod mechanism on the starting time knob.
  • Thread in the screws for the second knob, locking information technology in place.

Install Second New Knob

Step vi

Install the Strike Plate

  • Lay the new strike plate over the latching hole in the door jamb, matching its position with the hole and the marks likely left backside by the onetime strike plate.
  • Make sure the bent border of the strike plate faces the direction of the door swing.
  • Tighten the strike plate screws.
  • Test the new knob when everything's installed by opening and closing the door several times.

Install the Strike Plate