How To Replace Door Knobs & Door Handles

When properly maintained, door knobs and door handles can last for decades. Sooner or later, though, they will weaken, become faulty, and require replacement. When that happens, it’s important to know how to replace door knobs and door handles.

The general consensus is that you should change your door hardware every seven years. While some types can last a lot longer without problems, you don’t want to wait until your door knob or door handle is practically falling off before replacing it.

If you've never replaced door hardware before, you may not be sure what to do. Fortunately, it’s a relatively simple DIY task when you have the right tools and direction. In this article, the team at Access Residential Hardware shows you how to replace door knobs and door handles as well as troubleshoot common installation issues.

Why Is It Important to Replace Door Knobs and Handles?

There are several reasons why you want to keep your door knobs and handles in good working order.

Security: Door knobs and handles that are old or damaged can compromise the security of your house or office by making it easier for intruders to break in. A new, high-quality door knob or handle can improve the locking mechanism and provide better security.
Functionality: Worn-out or broken knobs and handles can make it difficult to open and close doors, leading to inconvenience and frustration. Replacing them can ensure that your doors function properly and smoothly.
Aesthetics: Door knobs and handles can contribute to the overall look and feel of a room or space. Replacing them can help refresh the appearance of your home or office and make it look more modern and appealing.

Tools You Will Need

For most door knobs and door handles, you’ll need the following tools:

Screwdriver
Pliers
Tape measure
Hammer (optional - could be required if the latch or strike plate requires adjusting)
Drill (optional- may be needed if the new door knob or handle requires a larger hole than the existing one)

It is important to note that the specific tools required may vary depending on the type of door knob or handle that is being replaced. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for guidance on the tools and materials needed for your specific door knob or handle.

Step One: Remove the Old Door or Handle

To remove an old door knob or handle, follow these steps:

Locate the Screws or Fasteners: Look for screws or other fasteners holding the door knob or handle in place. These are typically located on the interior side of the door or on the plate around the knob or handle. Some door knobs may have a set screw on the base of the knob.
Remove the Screws or Fasteners: Using a screwdriver, remove the screws or other fasteners holding the old knob or handle in place. In some cases, the screws may be covered by a decorative plate or cover that can be removed by gently prying it off.
Remove the Old Knob or Handle: Once the screws or fasteners are removed, the old knob or handle should be easy to remove. Simply pull it off the door, being careful not to damage the surrounding hardware.
Remove Any Remaining Hardware: Depending on the type of door knob or handle, there may be additional door components that need to be removed, such as a latch, strike plate, or faceplate. These can typically be taken off using pliers or a screwdriver.

Be careful when removing the old door knob or handle, as there may be sharp edges or other hazards. In addition, some older door knobs may contain lead or other hazardous materials, so proper precautions should be taken when handling them.

Step Two: Install the New Door or Handle

Before installing the new hardware, check the manufacturer's instructions to ensure that all necessary components are included. Assemble the new door knob or handle according to the instructions, making sure that all screws and fasteners are tightened. Then take the following steps:

Insert the New Latch or Spindle: If the new door hardware includes a latch or spindle, insert it into the appropriate hole on the side of the door. The latch or spindle should slide in easily and be flush with the edge of the door.
Attach the Exterior Knob or Handle: Place the exterior knob or handle onto the spindle, aligning any screw holes with the holes on the faceplate or decorative plate. Insert screws into the holes and tighten them using a screwdriver.
Attach the Interior Knob or Handle: Follow the steps above for the interior door hardware.
Install Any Additional Components: If additional components need to be installed, such as a strike plate or faceplate, follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Step Three: Test the New Door Hardware

Once you’ve got everything installed, test the new door hardware to ensure that everything works. You can start by turning the knob or handle to confirm that it operates smoothly and without resistance. Then follow the steps below:

Turn the knob or lever to engage the latch or bolt. Make sure that the latch or bolt fully extends into the strike plate or latch plate, and that the door cannot be opened without turning the knob or lever.
Inspect the alignment of the strike plate or latch plate to make sure that the latch or bolt is properly aligned and fully engaged. If necessary, adjust the position of the strike plate or latch plate using a screwdriver and hammer.
If the new door knob or handle includes a lock, test the lock to make sure that it operates correctly. Insert the key, turn it to lock and unlock the door, and make sure that the bolt fully extends and retracts.

By following these steps after installing new door hardware, you can ensure that it is properly installed and functioning as it should, providing you with security and peace.

Replacing a Door Knob or Handle on a Smart Lock

Changing a door knob or handle for a smart lock requires a few additional steps compared to replacing traditional door hardware. Here is a general overview of the steps you’ll need to take:

Remove the existing door knob or handle.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions to install the smart lock mechanism, which may include a motorized deadbolt, a keypad, or other components. This may involve drilling additional holes in the door or making modifications to the existing holes.
Install the exterior escutcheon, which is the component that sits on the outside of the door and provides access to the smart lock. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to install it, including any screws or bolts necessary to secure it to the door.
Install the interior escutcheon, which sits on the inside of the door and allows you to lock and unlock the door manually. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Connect the components. Depending on the type of smart lock you are installing, there may be additional components that need to be connected, such as a hub or a Wi-Fi module. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to connect these components.
Test the smart lock to make sure that it is functioning correctly. This may involve programming user codes or testing the motorized deadbolt to ensure that it locks and unlocks the door smoothly.

Troubleshooting Door Hardware Replacement

In most cases, replacing a door knob or door handle is a relatively straightforward process, but sometimes unexpected issues arise during the installation process. Here are some common troubleshooting steps to follow if you encounter problems:

Make sure that the new door knob or handle is compatible with your existing door, including the size and shape of the hole, the thickness of the door, and the type of latch or bolt mechanism.
Confirm that the new door knob or handle fits properly in the hole and aligns correctly with the latch or bolt mechanism. If it doesn't fit, you may need to adjust the position of the latch or bolt or make modifications to the door or hardware.
Verify that the latch or bolt mechanism aligns properly with the strike plate or latch plate. If it does not, you may need to adjust the position of the strike plate or latch plate using a screwdriver and hammer.
Make sure that the screw holes in the new door knob or handle match up correctly with the existing screw holes in the door. If they don’t, you may need to drill new holes or make modifications to the door or hardware.
Check for any interference between the new door knob or handle and the door frame or trim. If there is interference, you may need to make adjustments to the hardware or the door frame or trim.

By following these troubleshooting steps, you can identify and address any issues that arise during the installation of a new door knob or handle, ensuring that it operates correctly and provides the appropriate level of security.

Shop High-Quality Replacement Door Knobs & Handles

Replacing door knobs and handles is a simple and effective way to improve the security and functionality of your doors. Whether you are replacing an old, worn-out knob or handle, upgrading to a smart lock, or simply giving your doors a fresh new look, the process is relatively straightforward and can be completed with a few basic tools.

At Access Residential Hardware, we sell door knobs and door handles from leading manufacturers like Yale, Baldwin, Schlage, and Emtek. The wide variety of styles ensures compatibility with practically all living spaces and the quality promises a long working life. For more information or to place an order, please call us at 866.752.9002, or fill out this contact form.