Doorknob Tools

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With the proper tools, a doorknob is quick and easy to install on your own.

A standard doorknob and accompanying lockset consist of several parts. This includes the knobs, the cylinder, the latch and the mortise plate. Installing a doorknob in your home may seem like a complicated task at first but with the right tools it is a quick and easy process, without the expense of a contractor. Does this Spark an idea?

  1. Pencil

    • Trace where you will bore holes for the knobs and the latch. Position your markings correctly along the length of the door. This way, when the parts are installed, they will line up properly with the bored hole and the door frame. Use the knob to trace the size of the hole to be drilled along the face of the door. Use the latch to trace the size of the hole to be drilled, to intersect your first hole, along the side of the door. Trace around the rectangular perimeter of the mortise plate to fit over the latch.

    Drill

    • With marks traced over the wood, you're going to drill through the door. A hole saw is a power drill with a hollow, cylindrical bit attached to the end of your drill. Drill through the wood using the correct bit. As hole saws can only burrow to a certain depth, you may need to attack the hole from both sides of the wood. Now attach a spade bit to your power drill to bore through the hole marked for your latch.

    Chisel

    • Chisel out the interior of your rectangular marking made by tracing around the perimeter of the mortise plate. The mortise plate fits over the protruding latch and should be flush with the wood of the door once you install it. First, use the chisel to dig around the perimeter and then dig out the interior. This method will help ensure you don't create a space too large for the mortise plate to fit into. Always veer towards chiseling out a too-shallow hole. You can always go back and burrow out a deeper a hole.

    Screwdriver

    • With the proper holes marked and bored, all that's left is to install and secure the miscellaneous pieces of the door knob and lockset. The only tool you'll need is a simple screwdriver. Fit in the latch with the mortise plate over it and screw it into place. Then insert the interior and exterior knobs onto each side of the door so that they lock into place with the latch. Screw the knobs into place and you're finished.

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