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 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 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 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 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 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.

        

Materials

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

Tools

• Phillips head screwdriver
• Flat head screwdriver
• Paper clip.

Images

                                                  

[Dave-1]

Afternoon @EricL 

Nice showing how to switch a door handle over. I do have a question tho When I "switched" over my old door knobs from a round style such as these to a paddle style handle I ran into a problem with the hole not being large enough for the handle. I ended up having to use a file to enlarge the hole for the spindal and the two screws either side. (can go see if I actually have the pics if needed lol ) How would you suggest for others to do this but less filing?

Went and had a look at my facebook pics and yep, had them

Dave

So I filed the hole out to make it fit. You can see on the second pic the circle of the cover plate. Maybe I could have clamped a piece of timber over the door and hole then used the right sized hole saw to cut it. mmm Think maybe I just worked it out lol

Dave

[MitchellMc]

Hi @Dave-1,

I'd recommend clamping a scrap piece of timber to the door over the previous hole and then drilling a new hole through it and the door with a hole saw. The scrap piece of timber allows you to position the holesaw's drillbit in the middle of the existing hole. Alternatively, you can purchase one of these kits: Ryobi Wood & Metal Door Lock Kit.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[EricL]

Hi @Dave-1 

Either of those two methods you mentioned would work. Modifications are sometimes needed, but other times you get lucky with the door fittings, and everything just fits perfectly. It's very important to bring your old door fittings with you to compare it to the new door handle you'll be putting in. 

Eric

[Dave-1]

Afternoon @EricL 

Yeah would have to agree with you on that. I had "presumed" that all holes for doors were alike..... hahahahahah No, no they are not. I think I lug more bits and pieces to Bunnings to match what I have now then before

Dave

[carpenterson]

Does this apply to main doors as well? I'm planning to replace the current one I have but don't know yet where to start.

[MitchellMc]

Hi @capenterson,

If your front door has a door knob similar to this then it would be the same process. This type of knob is commonly found on front doors, and then a separate deadlock is in place for security. If you can take a picture and upload it, that will allow us to provide more information.

Mitchell