How to Replace a Door Knob

Door Handle

There are many reasons for changing an existing door knob, including safety, décor and functionality. New home owners should replace their front door knob upon moving in. When you’ve lived in a house for a number of years you tend to lose keys and have replacements made. As a new homeowner, you don’t know how many keys are floating around. These step by step instructions will guide you on your new adventure to home ownership safety repair.

Things You'll Need

• Door knob
• Philip's screwdriver
• Flathead screwdriver

Instructions

1. Begin by opening the door and removing the screws on the interior side of the door with a Philip's screwdriver or a flathead screwdriver (depends on screws).

2. Unscrew and pull out the striker. The striker is the piece that goes through the center that holds the door handle on each side.

3. Remove one side of the door knob first by pulling outward. Proceed to remove the other side of the door knob by pulling outward.

4. Take the newly purchased door knob out of the package. The door knob, screws, and the striker should all be included. If you find missing parts return the item and purchase another one.

5. Insert the striker into the center while inserting the two screws to hold it in place. Screw the screws into place.

6. Put each side of the knob through the striker. At this point, one side of the door knob will go in first then the other side of the door knob will slide through the striker into the other side.

7. Screw the knob into place. You now have a newly installed front door knob that no one else has the key to.

Tips & Warnings

• Browse antique stores for an older style that you can't find in "big box" stores.

• Make sure all parts are accounted for before installing the new door knob.

Resources

• AskTheBuilder
• Antique Hardware
• House of Antique Hardware