How to Change a Door Knob

If your door knob isn't working properly, or no longer fits the rest of the rest of your décor or hardware, you can replace it. Luckily, most door knobs are interchangeable, which will save you the time and effort of altering the door to accommodate a new knob.

Step 1: Look for trim around the body of the door knob. It should be located between the actual door knob and door. If the screws that hold the door knob together are exposed there is no trim to remove.

Step 2: Unscrew and remove the screws holding the door knob together. There should be two long screws that span the width of the door to hold together the two exterior parts of the knob.

Step 3: Remove the exterior body and knob of the door knob and discard them.

Step 4: Look for the two screws on the side of the door that hold the actual locking part of the door knob into place. Remove those screws and remove and discard the rest of the door knob as well.

Step 5: Remove the strike plate that is directly opposite the door knob. There should be two screws that hold it into place. Discard these pieces as well.

Step 6: Place the new bolt into the cavity left by the old door knob. Screw the new lock assembly into place, using two screws that attach into the side of the door.

Step 7: Place each side of the external door knob on the door. Thread the assembly through the bolt and into the door cavity, making sure that when the door is turned the bolt moves. Use two long screws to secure the two halves of the door knob together.

Step 8: Add any door knob trim used to cover the two long screws.

Step 9: Screw the new striker plate to the door frame opposite the door knob. Make sure that the bolt latches securely into the striker plate.

TIP: Depending on the placement of the striker plate, you may have to fill the holes from the old striker plate with wood putty. Wait until the putty dries completely, then drill new pilot holes and install the new striker plate.