How to Replace Old Doorknobs
Replacing old doorknobs can be an economical way of changing the interior design for accents to a room. Although there have been many changes to the "look" of the doorknob, the interior workings have generally remained a standard since the early 1950s. By following a basic process, you can change old doorknobs in a matter of a few minutes. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Buy new doorknobs from your local home store or hardware shop. Many vendors now carry replacement knobs and handles without the interior mechanical workings for the lock or holding mechanism, as that part has not changed in many years.
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Use the slotted screwdriver to remove the old doorknob by withdrawing the two screws located at the 3 o'clock and the 9 o'clock position on the doorknob cover plate. These screws run through the lock or holding mechanism and screw into the front facing cover plate of the doorknob on the other side of the door. Older doorknob screws use slotted head screws while newer fixtures will use a combination screw that accepts either the slotted or Philips head screwdriver.
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Set the old knob set aside because they may have value in stores where house restoration items are sold. Sometimes, these house "salvage" stores will purchase old doorknobs for resale.
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Install the new set of doorknobs by first placing the lever side doorknob into the door opening. The lever side is the doorknob that has the mechanical workings that actually turn the holder in and out of the door jam catch plate. This lever will help to hold the doorknob in place while you fit the mating doorknob on the other side of the door.
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Place the mating knob into the door opening and insert one of the new screws and start the screw with your fingers. Turn the screw a few times with the screwdriver to seat the screw, but keep the fixture loose as this will help to start the second screw.
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Install the second screw into the cover plate of the doorknob and turn it with the screwdriver. It may take a few times to start the screw properly as with the cover plates now over the door opening, it may be difficult to find the threads in the doorknob. Tighten the two screws and align the cover plates so they cover the hole in which they have been inserted.
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Test the action of the new doorknobs. If they are a bit tight or restrictive in the movement, try loosening the screws a turn or two. This will free up the door lock or holding mechanism a bit and make it easier to turn.
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Tips & Warnings
Doorknobs screws should always be placed on the interior side of the door. In other words, if the doorknob is for a closet, install the screws from the inside area of the closet. This way they will not show to the exterior side of the room.
