Installing a New Door Knob

Prepare the Door

Tap a nail in or use a pencil to mark the center of where to drill the latch hole on the outer edge of the door. Then drill that hole, using a 7/8-inch spade bit. Turn to the facing side of the door, and drill a hole for the knob assembly using a hole saw bit. The size of the hole and its location on the door will depend on the specific knob to be installed, with the width of the knob and latch assembly being the main consideration. The height of the knob should be dictated by comfort, although for visual reasons it is best to have all the knobs in the house at the same height. The holes should join together, forming a sort of T shape. Any touching up to these holes should be done with a file.

Installing the Latch

Place the latch to fit over the hole drilled on the outer edge of the door, and trace its outline with a pencil. Using a 1-inch chisel and a hammer, carefully tap the wood out of the area traced to create the depression that the latch will be set into. Try the fit, and if the latch is not flush with the door, chisel the space a little more. If the depression is too deep, use wood putty to bring it back into line. Mark appropriate holes for mounting the latch, take the latch out, drill the holes and then screw it into place.

Installing the Knobs

Door knobs usually come in two halves that easily fit together. Slide these into place from either side of the door, making sure that the locking mechanism in the center is properly aligned. Mark appropriate holes for mounting the knobs, take the knob out, drill the holes and then screw them into place.

Resources

• Home Depot
• ACE Hardware
• Lowes