Learn How to Replace a Doorknob

Replacing a doorknob is a fairly easy do-it-yourself repair. I was surprised to find this out when my closet doorknob broke. The best tip I have for anyone doing this or any type of replacement work is to take a lot of pictures as you take the original apart. There are many little parts that can get mixed up and it is a wonderful help to be able to go back to your own images of the doorknob assembly. I didn't get to do this when I changed my closet doorknob because it broke before I got to take any pictures.

The first step is finding the right replacement doorknob kit. I went to Lowe's, but most hardware and some department stores carry replacement doorknobs. Is it for an exterior or interior door? If it is for an interior door - do you need a locking doorknob or not? One easy way to choose - get the same style (locking or not locking) of knob you are replacing.

You don't need very many tools or supplies to replace a doorknob. The supplies you will need to complete the task are:

• Screwdrivers

o Phillips

o Flathead

• Replacement doorknob kit

Steps to replace a doorknob:

1. Most doorknobs will have two long screws that are easily visible on the base. The long screws go through the base and into the knob assembly on the other side of the door. These long screws have to be removed first so the base and knob can come off of the door.
2. When the base trim ring has been removed you can ether check to see if the bolt (the part that goes from the door into the door jamb) needs to be replaced or just go ahead and replace it with the new one.
3. Make a mental note of which way the slant goes on the old bolt. You will need to know when you put the new bolt in place.
4. To replace the bolt look for two screws attaching the long rectangular part to the hole in the door and remove them.
5. Place the new bolt in position and replace the two screws.
6. If you have a locking doorknob make sure the key hole and locking side are on the correct sides of the door. It is surprisingly easy to get this backwards.
7. Slide the long part of the new doorknob (it should be square) through the center hole of the bolt assembly.
8. Line up the screw holes on the doorknob with the screw holes on the bolt assembly.
9. Put the two long screws in place. They will go right through the bolt assembly and into the other side of the knob.
10. To change the metal strike plate on the door jamb (so it all matches.) remove the two screws holding it in place. Put the new strike plate over the hole in the door jamb and put the two screws back in place.
11. Test your new doorknob.

Sources

http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/how-to-change-a-door-handle/index.html

http://www.ehow.com/how_3283_change-doorknob.html

http://www.lowes.com