How to change a door knob

EricL

Difficulty: Beginner

Replacing a door knob is a simple D.I.Y. project that can make your home more secure and stylish.

Here is a guide on how to remove and install a privacy door knob set. This includes a door knob with a lock.

Steps

Step 1

Purchase a new privacy door knob set.

Make sure your new and old door knobs are the same size.

Step 1.1 Purchase a new privacy door knob set.png

Step 2

Remove the interior door knob and the cover flange.

Door knobs typically have a release mechanism located in a hole around their necks near the interior side of the door. Locate this hole. Insert a paper clip and press to release. Pull the knob's round handle away.

Now remove the cover flange. This is a round flat disc that covers the screw plate attached to the door. Insert a flat head screwdriver in the small flat slot on top of the flange and lift to release.

Note that some flanges can also be removed by twisting or unscrewing in an anti-clockwise direction. Examine your flange and proceed accordingly.

Step 2.1 Locate door handle release latch.png Step 2.2 Press locking latch with paper clip.png Step 2.3 Pull away door knob.png Step 2.4 Locate the cover flange slot.png Step 2.5 Remove cover flange.png

Step 3

Remove the exterior door knob and the door latch.

You will see a metal screw plate attached to the door once you have removed the cover flange. Use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the mounting screws from the plate. Take it off the door.

The exterior door knob located on the other side of the door should have come loose. Hold and pull the knob away from the door.

Now unscrew the door latch and remove it from the door.

Step 3.1 Remove screws from metal plate.png Step 3.2 Remove metal plate from door.png Step 3.3 Pull door knob out.png Step 3.4 remove screws from latch.png Step 3.5 Remove old door latch.png

Step 4

Install the new exterior door knob and the door latch.

Insert the new door latch into the door, ensuring it sits flat against the door's side.

Locate the exterior door knob. This is the knob’s round handle which includes an axle and mounting posts.

Align the knob’s axle with the door latch. Slide the knob into place. Make sure the knob and the latch are level.

Now secure the latch plate to the door using the provided screws.

Step 4.1 determine direction of latch.png Step 4.2 Insert new latch into door.png Step 4.3 Insert door knob into latch body.png Step 4.4 Ensure alignment of door knob and latch.png Step 4.5 ensure assembly is level.png Step 4.6 Screw in latch.png

Step 5

Install the new interior door knob and the cover flange.

Align the interior door knob's round handle with the exterior door knob's axle. Slide the interior door knob in place, ensuring it rests flat against the door's surface.

Now align the cover flange with the knob’s mounting posts. Install the mounting screws by hand and then use a Phillips head screwdriver to secure them firmly.

Step 5.1 Align door knob with lock.png Step 5.2 Align cover flange with mounting post.png Step 5.3 Mount screw by hand.png Step 5.4 Tighten screw to secure cover flange.png

Step 6

Replace the striker plate.

Twist the door knob inwards and outwards to make sure the door latch works smoothly.

The latch should be aligned with the striker plate. This is the metal plate on the door frame that contains a hole for the door latch.

Note the exact position of the old striker plate and unscrew it to remove it from the door. Place the new plate on the same position and secure it with screws.

Test the door knob again to ensure all parts are working smoothly. Make sure the door is open when testing the knob’s locking function.

You have now successfully replaced a door knob.

Step 6.1 Observe striker alignment.png Step 6.2 Remove old striker plate.png Step 6.3 Install new striker plate.png Step 6.4 Turn door knob to test.png Step 6.5 New door knob installed.png

Materials

Privacy door knob set, like Ikonic Brushed Nickel Ruby Privacy Set.

Tools

Phillips head screwdriver
Flat head screwdriver
Paper clip.

Images

Step 1.1 Purchase a new privacy door knob set.png Step 2.1 Locate door handle release latch.png Step 2.2 Press locking latch with paper clip.png Step 2.3 Pull away door knob.png Step 2.4 Locate the cover flange slot.png Step 2.5 Remove cover flange.png Step 3.1 Remove screws from metal plate.png Step 3.2 Remove metal plate from door.png Step 3.3 Pull door knob out.png Step 3.4 remove screws from latch.png Step 3.5 Remove old door latch.png Step 4.1 determine direction of latch.png Step 4.2 Insert new latch into door.png Step 4.3 Insert door knob into latch body.png Step 4.4 Ensure alignment of door knob and latch.png Step 4.5 ensure assembly is level.png Step 4.6 Screw in latch.png Step 5.1 Align door knob with lock.png Step 5.2 Align cover flange with mounting post.png Step 5.3 Mount screw by hand.png Step 5.4 Tighten screw to secure cover flange.png Step 6.1 Observe striker alignment.png Step 6.2 Remove old striker plate.png Step 6.3 Install new striker plate.png Step 6.4 Turn door knob to test.png Step 6.5 New door knob installed.png