Do you have a busted door knob or want to change the locks after buying a new home so you can be sure that only you have the key? Thankfully, replacing a door knob isn’t that hard or expensive, and you don’t need a locksmith to get the job done.
You can buy a door knob kit relatively cheap from any home improvement retailer or your local hardware store, or simply order one online and it will be there in no time. And don’t think you need all day to get the job done. This is something that even the most inexperienced handyman can do in under an hour—probably under 30 minutes.
Here are some step-by-step instructions in making sure you do the job right:
Take off the damaged door knob
Get a screwdriver and undo the mounting screws on both sides of the know. Many times, the screws are concealed, but you should be able to find the shank of the interior doorknob where there will be a tiny slot or hole. Push the tip of a narrow-blade screwdriver or nailset into the hole, tug on the knobs (both sides) and they will slide right off. Then pry off the round decorative plate, called the rose, to expose the screws that hold the lockset onto the door.
Remove the Latch Plate
The first thing you need to do is unscrew the two screws from the latch plate on the inside of the door, enabling you to easily pull the latch out. Whether you are working with a dead bolt on a front door or just a simple bedroom door, the process is the same.
Add New Latch Plate
Next, insert the new latch plate on the inside edge of the door where the old one was just removed. The tapered side of the turning lock should be facing the strike plate on the door frame. Then, secure the new latch plate in place.
Add Door Knob
Put on your new door knob (one side at a time), by bringing the spindle through the latch and centering it so both sides are equal. Secure the knobs on both sides and screw in the new plate. Once done, test to ensure it works from both sides.
Polish
Finish the job by polishing your new door knob so it looks great.
