Door handle or knob replacement isn't as difficult as it may seem when you first see the complex parts of it. Instead, it could be a simple yet interesting DIY project if you know how to install a door knob. Unless you have made the right measurements, you can install or replace (how to replace old door knob) it yourself without the need to hire someone else.
Incorporating new styles and modern furniture hardware within the household is always a good idea to keep its aesthetic up to date. Door knobs, in this case, can provide the home with an elegant look with a finishing touch. This article is the right guide if you want to know every step for the installation or replacement of a door knob.
So, let's buckle up and jump right into this article to learn how to install a standard knob with the least amount of effort.
How To Install A Door Knob? 7 Steps
If you are a newbie and don't know much about the installation of door furniture like the door knobs, the following are the steps that you should follow to install them with ease:
Step 01: Remove The Old Door Knob
If you are replacing the old door knob with a new one, you would first need to remove it. Most of them are screwed. Thus, you can use a screwdriver to unscrew them from the top and the bottom. After removing the screws, carefully lift the knob and pull it out. Depending on the style of it, you may also need to remove the latch plates.
Installing a new door knob would require drilling new holes in the door. It is always recommended to make the measurements that come along with it in an instruction kit. This way, your door knob will fit well on the door, and there will be no miss adjustments.
Step 02: Install The Latch Plate On Top Of The Latch
Depending on the hole in which the latch sits in the door, it can be circular or rectangular. It is totally your choice as to what shape of latch plate you want to install on the door. If it comes rectangular and you want it to be circular. Then, take the measurements of your latch plate and buy a circular one that could be installed on top of the latch.
In most cases, door latches are rectangular, as they are easy to install and more durable. The latch plate is installed on top of the latch and allows it to rest on the narrower part of the door without scratching it.
Step 03: Slide The Latch Inside The Edge Of The Door
The door knob replacement requires you to put the latch inside the door edge. This hole is made on its narrower part. When inserting the latch, make sure that its flat side is facing the door jamb. If it doesn't face the jamb, you may face difficulty in closing the door once it is installed.
Sometimes, the latch doesn't slide all the way inside the edge; therefore, the best thing to do is to use a wooden block and a hammer to slide it in. Tap the latch into the hole with the help of a hammer until it fits properly and reaches the end of the hole.
Step 04: Screw Up The Latch Plate
The latch plate usually has two screw holes on it. It is screwed to the door to make sure that it doesn't get loose with time. Therefore, you can use a screwdriver to screw it up.. As many screws are there on the latch plate, you should screw them all to ensure proper fitting.
Many people buy separate screws for their door knob replacement. However, these screws come with the door knob as a set. Therefore, make sure to search for the screws within the door knob box before buying a new set.
Step 05: Screw Both Half Of The Door Knob In Through The Latch
One-half of the door knob has a square steel peg that sticks out of its side. This step involves inserting it first and placing the squared peg through the latch mechanism at one end of the door. Make sure that you insert it properly so that the other half can get aligned to it.
Now is the time to lift the other half and align it with its first half; simply insert it in the other side of the hole. If both of them are not aligned, they would be loose and shaky. Place hands on both sides of the knobs and press firmly so that they fit properly through the hole.
Step 06: Attach Both Door Ends With Screws
Once you have aligned the door knobs, make sure to screw both ends with a screw. Almost all of them come with a design in which they are screwed with 2 screws at the top and bottom. Thus, make proper use of screwdrivers to tighten them up against it for proper functionality.
If the doorknob you bought is too small for the screw holes and you don't know how to properly install door knobs in it, then make use of wood putty or filler. Please fill up the holes with it and let them dry for at least 30 minutes. Then you can screw them tightly against the door.
Step 07: Screw The Striker Plates
The Striker plate is where the latch fits and helps the door to open and close. Once you have installed the door knob, install it on the door frame with screws. Usually, it has holes on the top and bottom. However, if the striker plate is too small for the latch, then you should buy a compatible one.
Finally, test the door knob by opening and closing the door multiple times to make sure that the latch slides easily into the door jamb and gets closed properly. If, somehow, the knob is a little loose, tighten up the screw or make use of that wood putty if the holes are too big for the screws.
Conclusion
So, we hope you are now well up on how to install a door knob. Fitting or replacing it is an easy DIY project if you follow the right procedure. You need to replace the old door handles (how to replace door handles) or knobs, latch, and striker plates. Once they are removed, you can screw up the new door knob that fits into the holes. If the knob is loose after installation, you can tighten up the screw to make sure that they fit firmly against the door.
FAQs
How to fit door knobs in place of old ones?
Replacing the old door knobs with the new ones is pretty easy. The easy steps include removing the old one from the door by unscrewing it using a screwdriver and making sure that the new one is the same size as the previous one. Then putting the new door knob in place of the old one and screwing it up for it to be functional.
How to put a hole in the door for a door knob?
Most of the door knob requires a hole of 2 1/8 inches in the door. Thus, you can use a drill bit of the same size to make a hole in the door. Please make sure that the drill is aligned with the door level so it doesn't slide away. Make holes from both sizes to make the drilling process easier and faster.
How to change door knobs easily?
The door knobs come in standard size most of the time. Therefore, you can buy any of it from the market and install or replace it in place of the previous door knobs. It requires proper holes in the door and screwing of the new door knob and the striker plate on the door. Once it is installed by screwing it up with the screwdriver, you can turn it to make sure that it is working.