How to Change a Doorknob

Whether it's broken or you want to freshen up the look of your home, changing a doorknob is a simple process that can be done easily. First, you most likely must remove the old doorknob.

To do this, remove the screws that hold the doorknob in place. The screws are usually found on the interior side of the door. The doorknob may also have screws on the coverplate, which must first be removed in order to loosen the knob. If there are no screws, there is likely a slot on the side of the knob. To loosen this, use a paper clip or key to push in until you hear a pop from the inside, letting you know the doorknob is now loose.

To remove the underlying plate, use a screwdriver and carefully wedge it between the door and the plate and apply gentle pressure until it pops off. Then to remove the old screws and latch, use a power drill or screwdriver. Once the old knob is off, you can replace it with a new one.

Be sure to check and see if you need to readjust the "backset," the space between the center of the doorknob and the edge of the door. Then follow the removal directions in reverse. First installing the new screws and latch, then setting the doorknob in place, setting the screws in and then tightening. Make sure not to over-tighten the screws.