How to Change a Door Knob Like a Pro in 5 Easy Steps

Knock, knock—it’s time for a change

Photo: bmak / Adobe Stock
Photo: bmak / Adobe Stock
Dan Simms
Written by Dan Simms
Contributing Writer
Updated May 23, 2024
SKILL LEVEL
Simple
COMPLETION TIME
15 minutes
COST
$20–$200
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What you'll need:
TOOLS
  • Screwdriver
  • Cordless drill or screwdriver (optional)
  • Hammer (optional)
  • Chisel (optional)
  • Pencil (optional)
SUPPLIES
  • New door knob set

Whether you want to make your door more secure or simply update its look, changing out a door knob is a straightforward task that requires minimal tools and time–but still has a big impact. Whether you’re upgrading the hardware on an interior or exterior door, you can use this guide on how to change a door knob to finish the task in just 15 to 30 minutes. Plus, you’ll save between $50 and $100 over having a professional do the work for you.

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  1. Remove the Old Door Knob and Hardware

    A man removing old doorknob
    Photo: xu wu / Moment / Getty Images

    The first step is to take off your old door knob, along with the hardware. Start by removing the screws from the door handle with your screwdriver. If possible, avoid using your drill to help prevent stripping out the screws. If the screws turn easily, then you can use the drill to speed things up.

    If you need to remove a door knob without any visible screws, first gently pry off the face plate that sits just behind the knob. This is called a rose plate, and it hides the screws on your door knob. Once the rose plate is off, you should see a small release lever behind the plate. Press the lever, and the door knob should come off in your hands, revealing the mounting plate behind it. Unscrew those mounting screws with your screwdriver.

    Next, unscrew the strike assembly from the front edge of the door and pull it out. Then remove the strike plate from the doorjamb.

  2. Insert the New Strike Assembly

    Check to see if the hardware on the new latch matches up with the old one. If so, push the new strike plate into the hole on the front edge of the door. If not, see if matching hardware came with the set, or adjust the hole using your hammer and chisel. To chisel a larger hole, push the latch assembly in and draw a line around it so you know where to remove the extra wood. Screw it into the door.

  3. Secure the Door Knob

    A man installing new doorknob
    Photo: LifestyleVisuals / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

    Push the outside handle in first, and then add the inside handle. Make sure to line up the holes, which usually have a unidirectional C-shaped latch inside. Start turning the two long screws by hand, and once they’re started, use the screwdriver or carefully use the drill to tighten them.

    Avoid over-tightening the screws, as it will bind the latching mechanism and prevent the handle from working correctly. But make sure the handle fits snugly and doesn’t jiggle, otherwise you’ll find yourself needing to fix a loose door knob in the future

  4. Install the Strike Plate

    Screw the strike plate to the door jamb. Adjust the corners around the plate with your chisel and hammer, if necessary. Most modern door hardware has standard-sized strike plates, but you might need to make adjustments if your old strike plate was a different shape or a different size from what’s commonly used today.

  5. Check and Adjust the New Door Lock

    A woman testing new doorknob
    Photo: KDP / Moment / Getty Images

    Close and open the door a few times to ensure it latches and locks. If the handle works but the door doesn’t latch, you may have to adjust the strike plate up or down, forward or back, until it closes properly. That’s it—you’re done!

Cost to Change a Doorknob

​​The cost to change a doorknob depends on the type and quality of the doorknob and whether you hire a professional. Basic doorknobs can cost between $10 to $30, while more decorative or higher security options can range from $50 to $300. If you hire a professional, labor costs vary, depending on the complexity of the job and local rates.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Replacing a door knob is a pretty straightforward process that shouldn’t give you much trouble at all. If you’re working with a modern door and buy a standard-size door knob as a replacement, you can get this done with minimal tools and little to no experience.

There are some cases where you might want to call in a professional, though. For example, if you’re working with an older or antique door, and you find that the strike plate or latch assembly aren’t the same size and shape as the new ones, chiseling out a space to install them could prove to be difficult or intimidating.

You might also want to consider hiring a locksmith near you to replace your door knob if you’re upgrading the hardware on an exterior door, as security is always a concern with improperly installed door knobs. Finally, installing smart door knobs can be much more challenging, especially if you need to wire them, so consider calling in a pro for any more complicated work like this.

Deirdre Sullivan contributed to this article.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most modern door knobs will all fit in standard, modern doors, so if you know your door was made in the last 50 years or so, you should be fine buying a standard replacement door knob. The only exception would be a thumb latch handleset for an exterior door, as this type of door knob may not fit your door without drilling a mounting hole for the bottom of the handle. Antique or custom doors might also have different sizes and knob mounting holes, so call in a professional if you don’t believe your door is a standard one.

Most homeowners, even those without extensive DIY experience, should be able to replace an interior door knob in about 15 minutes, while it could take up to 30 minutes or so to replace an exterior door knob and deadbolt set. Your project might take longer if you need to drill additional mounting holes for thumb latch handles or if you need to chisel out a new shape for your strike plate or strike assembly.

New door knobs likely won’t have much of an effect on property value, but they can improve your home’s curb appeal and interior decor, which might lead some buyers to offer more for your home. However, in terms of personal value, adding new door knobs can be a game changer. New door knobs not only function better than older ones in most cases, but they make your home secure, and there’s a lot to be said about the peace of mind a new exterior door knob can provide.

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Learn more about our contributor
Dan Simms
Written by Dan Simms
Contributing Writer
Dan is a writer and property manager and can be found sharing his home improvement tips on sites like EcoWatch and Today’s Homeowner. He loves sharing his years of hands-on experience and love of DIY to help homeowners bring their visions to life.

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