How to Replace a Residential Front Door Entry Hand Set
The front door of a home often makes a statement, yet what kind of statement is your door making when it has a dirty or dented handle in need of replacement? There are a wide variety of options available to the handy---and sometimes not so handy---homeowner, and every lockset will come with its own specific installation instructions. In essence, most handles are installed in the same basic way. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Hammer
- Flathead screwdriver
- Phillips screwdriver
- Drill
- Lockset (new)
- Putty
- Paint
- Chisel
- Measuring tape
- Manufacturer's instructions
Instructions
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1
Open the door for access to the front, side, and back of the existing handle. Look on the back side of the knob and remove any screws that are holding it in place. If screws are not visible, pop off the cover plate with a screwdriver to reveal them. Look for a small tab or notch to release the cover plate. If a cover plate was installed, unscrew the two screws underneath it. Remove the door knob by sliding the handle off the back and pulling the cylinder unit and handle out of the front.
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2
With the door open, on the side of the door remove the two screws holding the latch in place. Carefully pry around latch plate with a screwdriver to loosen then slide the unit out of the hole. Now there should be nothing left in any of the door handle holes. Inspect the area for damage, rot, and debris. Clean and/or patch if necessary.
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3
Refer to the instructions for your chosen lockset to install the new handle. Typically, it will first entail the insertion of the new latch. If the plate for the latch is larger than the old one, use a chisel to carefully remove the extra wood so the plate will fit flush. Slide the latch into the hole, then secure loosely with two new screws (do not yet tighten).
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Depending on your lockset, you may or may not have to adjust the backset (if it is even adjustable). The backset is the measurement taken from the side of the door to the middle of the knob. This measurement will vary according to your door. Adjust according to manufacturer's recommendations and continue.
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With the latch in place, slide the exterior part of the handle and unit in through the front hole. Check that the keyhole is aligned correctly (vertically). Place either the supplied plate or cover plate/knob unit on the back side of the door. Don't forget any gaskets that were included. Insert the two long screws and tighten until the unit is fastened but not yet tight. Check to make sure the handle is functioning. It should work smoothly without any squeaks, grinding or sticking. If it is doing anything unusual, you may need to shift the handle up or down to better align the cylinder and latch.
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Now remove the existing strike plate located on the door frame. The new lockset should include a new one. Check that the new plate will fit into the current recessed notch. If it won't, remove extra wood with a chisel. Install the new strike plate. Secure but do not tighten screws. Shut the door to make sure the door handle latch aligns with the new strike plate. The latch plate should not rub or make contact with the strike plate. Adjust as needed (some plates have special adjustment features).
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7
When you have made adjustments, tighten all screws and recheck alignment. Make sure the door will lock and unlock in both closed and open positions. Check that the keys work. Keys inserted into new locks may feel a bit "sticky" but will loosen with time. Fill any gaps left around the door or strike plate due to the different size of replacement parts with putty and paint if needed.
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Tips & Warnings
Make sure the replacement knob is the correct size for your door. Door handle holes and placement will vary. Take your time to adjust the new lockset properly.
Use care when working with chisels. Follow manufacturer's instructions. Check for adjustable backsets and plates.
Resources
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