How to Replace a Door Knob or Door Handle
Replacing a door knob or handle is a basic job that usually needs only a Phillips screwdriver. Remove the old set, check that your new one matches your door's thickness, backset and function, then fit the latch, the outside half, the inside half and the strike plate in that order. If the new set is the same type as the old one and fits the existing holes, you do not need to change anything else on the door.
Kwikset 96900-463Best overall
Estmoon Most keys included
Gobrico 12061-01Lightest in the lineupBefore you buy: measure and match
Most replacement trouble comes from buying a set that does not fit. Spend five minutes measuring before you order, and the rest of the job is simple.
Start with function. An entry set locks with a key outside and usually pairs with a deadbolt. A privacy set locks from inside with a thumb turn, which suits bedrooms and baths. A passage set never locks and works for closets and hallways. If you swap a passage knob onto a bathroom door, you will lose the lock, so match what the door does today.
Then check the three measurements in the table below. Our best door hardware page lists the thickness and backset range for each set, so you can compare them against your numbers.
| Measurement | What it is | Common value |
|---|---|---|
| Door thickness | Edge-to-edge width of the door | 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 in |
| Backset | Door edge to the center of the large bore hole | 2-3/8 or 2-3/4 in |
| Bore hole | Diameter of the large hole through the door face | 2-1/8 in on many sets |
| Function | Entry, privacy or passage | Match the old set |
What you need
Gather your tools first so you are not hunting for them with a door half apart. A new set usually ships with the latch, strike plate, screws and a template.
- Phillips screwdriver (and a flat-tip one for prying covers)
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- The new knob or handle set
- Painter's tape to hold the latch in place, if needed
- A flashlight for checking the strike plate area
Step by step: remove the old set
Open the door and prop it so it will not swing while you work. Keep the old parts in a small bag until the new set is working, in case you need to compare anything.
Work through these steps in order:
- Find the screws on the inside knob or handle. Some are visible on the rosette (the round plate). Others hide under a small cover or behind a slot you can pry open.
- Unscrew them and pull the two halves apart. Take the outside half off the door face.
- Remove the two screws holding the latch plate on the door edge, then slide the latch out of the hole.
- Unscrew the strike plate from the door frame.
- Wipe the holes clean and check for damage or loose wood.
Install the new knob or handle
Check the latch first. Many sets have an adjustable latch that fits either a 2-3/8 or 2-3/4 in backset. For example, the Kwikset Tylo set on our ranking adjusts between those two sizes with a twist during installation, and it fits doors 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 in thick. Set the latch to match your door before you slide it in.
Slide the latch into the edge hole with the angled side facing the direction the door closes. Screw the latch plate in flush. Then fit the outside half of the set, passing the spindle through the latch. Place the inside half on the other side and thread the screws in by hand first, so they do not cross-thread.
Tighten the screws evenly. Do not overtighten, because that can make the knob stiff. Test the turn a few times with the door open. Finally, fit the strike plate and close the door to confirm the latch lines up with its hole.
If the latch catches on the frame, loosen the strike plate and shift it slightly, or deepen the hole with a chisel. Be careful with sharp tools and keep your hand behind the blade.
Handles, deadbolts and keys
Replacing a lever handle follows the same steps as a knob. The difference is handing. Some levers are reversible for left-hand or right-hand doors, and others are not. Several sets on our door hardware comparison list reversible handing, so you can check this before you buy.
If you are replacing an entry set, think about the deadbolt as well. A combo pack gives you a matching lever and deadbolt. Grade 3 is the residential baseline for ANSI/BHMA security testing, and cycle ratings on our ranked sets run from 200,000 to 250,000.
If you are doing two or more doors, a keyed-alike set lets one key open all of them. The Estmoon set on our page, for instance, comes in a two-pack with 12 identical keys. Check the key count in the box, since some sets include only two.
Safety and common mistakes
Wear safety glasses if you need to drill or chisel, since wood chips and metal bits can fly. Only drill if your door is not already bored for the new set, and use the template that comes in the box.
Keep fingers clear of the latch edge when you test the door. Never remove a lock from an exterior door unless you can secure the home again that day. If you cannot finish, put the old set back.
These are the mistakes that cause most returns:
- Buying a privacy set when you needed a passage set, or the reverse
- Skipping the backset measurement on older or custom doors
- Overtightening screws until the latch binds
- Forgetting to remove protective film from the new parts
- Installing the strike plate before checking latch alignment
Frequently asked questions
Can you change door knobs in an apartment?
Often yes, but check your lease first and ask your landlord or property manager. Many leases require approval for lock changes, and the building may need a copy of the key. Keep the original hardware so you can put it back when you move out.
Can you change a door handle without changing the lock?
Yes, if the lock is a separate deadbolt. On most entry doors the deadbolt sits above the handle and works on its own, so you can swap the handle or lever and leave the deadbolt alone. If the lock is built into the knob itself, you replace the whole set.
How long does it take?
Most people finish a single door in 20 to 40 minutes. The first one takes longest, because you are learning how the parts fit together.
Do I need to drill new holes?
Usually not. Standard doors already have a large bore hole and an edge hole. You only need to drill if the door is blank or the old holes are a different size from the new set.