DIY: How to Replace a Doorknob

Replacing a doorknob is an easy way to improve the appearance of a door as a part of a greater home improvement, or just to fix problems with a singular door. While replacing or installing a doorknob is not especially difficult, it helps to have a guide. In this article, I describe how to replace a doorknob.

What Equipment Is Necessary To Replace A Doorknob?
To replace a doorknob, you’ll likely need both flathead and Phillips-head screwdrivers. You may wish to have sandwich baggies nearby, as well as some sticky notes and a permanent marker. These will contain screws and you will be able to note where each screw came from. I also suggesting having a digital camera present while replacing a doorknob – it is a good idea to take pictures at each step so that you know what everything is supposed to look like when replaced.

Doorknob Replacement Considerations
Make sure that you have enough time to finish the project after you start it. For example, don’t try to replace a doorknob half an hour before you normally go to bed when you have work the next morning. If installing the doorknob takes longer than you assume it will, you don’t want to be in a position where a door must be left without a doorknob for one or more days. Replacing a doorknob, at least if it is the first time you’ve done so, is best left as a weekend project, just in case.

Replacing A Doorknob Step #1 – Detach The Trim
Look at the doorknob that you are replacing. The trim is the circular item attached to the door that does not move when the doorknob is turned. Do you see two screws on either side of the doorknob? If so, unscrew those. If not, try gently prying the trim away from the door.

Replacing A Doorknob Step #2 – Remove The Doorknobs
Under the trim, there should be two more screws. These screws are longer and attach the doorknobs on their respective side of the door. Separate and remove the doorknobs from the door.

Replacing A Doorknob Step #3 – Remove The Bolt
Time to remove a few more screws. Remove the two holding the bolt in place and then remove the bolt.

Replacing A Doorknob Step #4 – Exchange The Strike Plate
On the door frame is a strike plate. Does it match your new doorknob? If so, you can leave it. If not, unscrew it and remove it from the door frame. Replace the old strike plate with a new one. If you’re pressed for time or forget this step, it’s no big deal. You can do this whenever.

Replacing A Doorknob Step #5 – Replace The Bolt
Take the bolt from the new doorknob set and screw it into the door. Think about it and make sure that you are orienting the new bolt in the right direction. The slanted or curved face of the bolt should face the direction in which the door is closed so that it can click into place.

Replacing A Doorknob Step #6 – Install The New Doorknobs
From this point forward, most of this process will be the reverse of what you’ve already done. Put a trim piece against the door and insert the new doorknob. It’s best to do this first with the doorknob with the mechanism matching the bolt’s mechanism. Do the same thing on the other side, making sure that there is alignment such that the doorknobs can be held together with the long screws. Finish the rest of the installation and make sure that your new doorknobs work. Check for wiggle, make sure that the trim is screwed in tightly enough, and make sure that the lock works, if one is present.

As you can tell, replacing or installing a doorknob is not very difficult, provided that you have the right tools, keep everything organized, and that the new doorknob works correctly. Good luck in your new doorknob installation, and thank you for reading!