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How to
replace or fix a doorknob
Repairing or Replacing
a Doorknob
Just as new knobs can give a kitchen a brand-new look,
door knobs can really update the feel and look of your
home. Are your doorknobs in good shape? Could they use a
little updating? Are they lose or malfunctioning? If your
doorknobs are dingy, you will be surprised at how simply
changing them can really add to the look, feel, and
cleanliness of your home.
Doorknobs are not too expensive and relatively easy to
install. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors,
and locking mechanisms. If you are changing out an old
door knob, make sure your replacement is the same size.
Most doorknobs are standard and interchangeable, but you
want to make sure.
Essentially, you can approach replacing or fixing a door
knob in the same way. Typically, if your doorknob is loose
or is in need of repair, you can simply replace the whole
thing, or you can take it apart and tighten it up. Either
way, the steps will be the same.
How to replace or fix a doorknob:
Out with the old:
1. Take the old
doorknob out of the door by first removing the trim (the
metal ring on the door surrounding the knob). Using a
screwdriver, unscrew the two screws that hold the trim to
the door. If the trim does not come off when you unscrew
it, you may need to use a scraper or flat-head screwdriver
to ease it off.
2. Next remove the two
screws on either side of the door knob mechanism. These
are what hold the mechanism (and the two doorknobs)
together.
3. Take a good look at
how the doorknobs come apart. This will help when you
install the new ones.
4. Take the old
doorknobs out and set them aside.
5. You will be left
with just the bolt (or the locking mechanism). Remove the
two screws that hold this in the door, and remove the
bolt.
6. Does the strike
plate also need to be replaced? Take a look at it. If it’s
in good shape (and matches the color of the new doorknob)
then keep it. If not, remove the two screws that hold it
to the doorjamb and set it aside.
In with the new:
1. Take the bolt
section and place it into the opening. Doorknob bolts have
one side that is slanted. Make sure the slanted side faces
the direction in which the door closes.
2. Screw in the bolt
section with the screws provided.
3. You should have two
doorknobs and two trims. Take the first trim and put it up
to the door, covering the bolt section.
4. Take one of the
doorknobs (the one with the mechanism that fits in the
bolt—usually a square hole) and put it through the trim
and the bolt.
5. Take the other
doorknob and trim piece and put it on the other side of
the door. Make sure you align these correctly. Remember
the two long screws you took out of the old doorknob?
Well, this one needs those too, so make sure they all line
up.
6. Put in the long
screws. Begin to tighten each just a little; going back
and forth between both sides to make sure that the knob is
coming together evenly.
7. You will now need
to put the strike plate onto the door jamb.
Strike plate:
1. Take a pencil and
mark up the end of the bolt.
2. Close the door and
turn the handle so that the bolt gently hits the doorjamb.
Repeat this a few times.
3. This should leave a
mark on the doorjamb. The mark will show you where you
need to place the strike plate. You may need to use a
chisel to adjust the previous hole.
4. Place the strike
plate in the correct area, and attach it with the screws
provided.
5. Test the lock a few
times from both the inside and the outside to ensure that
it has been assembled properly. Adjustments may need to be
made.
6. If the strike plate
seems loose, you may need to buy longer screws to get a
tighter fit.
TIPS:
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When you take apart your old
doorknob, keep all the pieces together or even reassemble
them. Having this as a reference when you put in your new
doorknob will be really helpful.
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Have patience. Doorknobs have a lot
of tiny little pieces, which can disappear and cause
contusion, so go slow. You’ll do just fine!
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