Exposing How To Install A Door Knob

One of the ways to save money as a homeowner is to do small home repair jobs yourself. Knowing how to install a door knob will give the confidence and experience to tackle future home repair jobs. If you want to learn how to install a door knob, then these instructions will help you to get it done the right way.

If you are installing a door knob in a new door with no existing hole then you will want to mark the spot where the knob will be installed. Many purchased knobs come with a template to make this task easier. Mark the spot on the edge of the door by nailing in a small nail about halfway and then pulling it out. Now use a drill with a spade blade to drill into this hole for the latch. The size will depend upon the knob you purchased.

Now use larger diameter hole saw to make a hole on one side of the door, fitting the size of the drill hole saw to the lock size. Turn the door over and drill the hole the rest of the way through. Use a file to rid the hole of any rough edges.

Put the latch plate on the edge of the door centering it over the hole you drilled. Trace around the plate and then remove it. The latch is installed in a recess so use a chisel to take out enough wood to be able to set the latch plate into the hole. Drill holes for the latch plate screws. Then screw in the latch plate.

For directions for how to install a door knob in an existing door, simply remove the screws in the existing knob and slide it apart. If the door was painted you may have to pry the plate gently off of the side of the door.
Pull the doorknob halves apart and put one into each side of the door hole. Fit the two sides together, lining up the lock mechanism. Place the two long screws into the holes and tighten them.

The final step is installing the striker plate which is on the door frame. Mark the place where the lock hits the door frame. Place the plate on the door frame and trace the inside area and outside perimeter. Then remove the plate. Chisel out the inside area marked so that it can accommodate the lock. Place the plate over the hole and screw in the two screws to hold it in place.

Close the door and test the lock to make sure it lines up well and that the locking mechanism is working properly. Now that you know how to install a door knob from scratch, simply replacing a door knob will be easy.