How to Replace a Doorknob

A broken doorknob can be a major inconvenience and safety risk for your home, especially if it is the doorknob for your front door. Whether you are looking to replace a broken unit or update the look and feel of your doors, it is important to understand how to replace a doorknob before starting any work. As a leading provider of quality door products, the team at Country Lumber knows that replacing a doorknob can sometimes be more difficult than it appears. That is why we have compiled some information to help you get the job done right.

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4 Steps to Replace a Doorknob

The exact steps required to replace a doorknob may vary based on the type of doorknob, lever, or handle being replaced. Exterior doorknobs are usually a bit more challenging to replace for the sake of added security, while interior doorknobs are typically easier to replace as they are often a cosmetic change. In most cases, the following steps will need to be completed to successfully replace a doorknob:

1. Remove the Old Doorknob

First, you will need to locate and remove the screws holding your current doorknob in place. While screws can be in a variety of different locations depending on the doorknob, they are typically covered by a plate that will need to be carefully removed. Once this plate is removed, you can then remove each screw with a screwdriver. Once the screws are removed, you will be able to pull the old doorknob off the door on each side.

2. Remove the Old Latch

With the old doorknob removed, you should be able to see the inner latch of the doorknob in the door. The latch is held in place inside the door by a plate, which can be removed by unscrewing the fasteners on the edge of the door. Once the plate is removed, you can easily slide the latch out.

3. Insert the New Latch

Before inserting the new latch and doorknob, be sure to inspect each unit and ensure that you are inserting them in the right direction. Some latches can be extended or recessed to better suit a door frame and not cause damage to a strike plate, so it is important to determine which type of unit you are working with. Insert the new latch into the slot at the edge of the door and screw the new latch plate in place.

4. Insert the New Doorknob

Your new doorknob will feature a piece for each side of the door. One of these pieces will have a spindle extending from it, so you will need to locate it before inserting the new doorknob. Push the spindle through the new latch, which can be seen inside the door. Assemble the other piece of the doorknob onto the open side of the spindle and use the provided screws to fasten the doorknobs together. If a cover plate was provided with your doorknob, fasten this in place to hide the screws.

To learn more about our selection of doors, doorknobs, or other products, get in touch with the team at Country Lumber. We can be reached through our online contact form and will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding our products or the details of your project.

How to Replace an Exterior Door

Exterior doors are a key feature for any home, especially for the front entrance. Doors make an immediate impression on guests as they are often the first thing they see or interact with when entering your living space. Exterior doors are often subject to heavy use and can be a common site for impacts, especially when moving large objects in or out of the house. After some time has passed, your door may become worn or damaged and need to be replaced. Though the replacement process often appears to be simple, it can be complicated. That is why the team at Country Lumber has provided some information on how to replace an exterior door. Keeping to a set process will ensure optimal efficiency, safety, and results.

Learn how to change a doorknob.

Steps to Replace an Exterior Door

To ensure the best possible fit when replacing your exterior door, perform the following steps:

1. Remove the Old Door and Door Hardware

Remove the doorknob and lock systems from your old door as they will not serve any purpose in a door that isn’t attached anywhere. Remove all screws and pins for all door hardware and pull them out of their slots. Once this hardware is removed, use a hammer or screwdriver to pop the hinge pins out of the hinges. Start from the bottom and work your way up, pulling the door out once all pins are removed.

2. Transfer or Replace the Hinges

Unscrew each hinge from the old door and fasten these to the new door. If you are completely replacing the door hinges, you should remove the old hinges from the door frame and the door, replacing them with the new hinges.

3. Measure and Prepare the New Door

Measure the door and check the “handedness” to ensure that it aligns with your dimensions and preferences. Install the hinge pins to the door and ensure that the hinges are installed in the door frame.

4. Hang the New Door and Check the Fit

Lift the door and line the hinge pins up with the hinge placements in the door frame. Line up the pins and tap them back into place with a hammer. Once the door is placed on the hinges, ensure that the knob placement lines up with the strike plate on the door frame. Ensure that the door does not drag, does not leave too much space in any area, and that it is centred in the frame.

5. Install the New Hardware

Reinstall the doorknob (or install a new one) by pushing the latch into the side of the door and threading the doorknob axle through it. You may need to adjust the length of the latch if it does not fit or line up properly. Attach the opposite side of the doorknob and then fasten each side in place with the screws. From here, reinstall any locks or other hardware.

To learn more about how to replace an exterior door or to learn more about our products, get in touch with the Country Lumber team. We can be reached through our online contact form and will be happy to answer any questions you may have.