How to install a door knob and lock is one of the most common queries we get from readers. Because you don’t have to mortise the door or the door frame, changing existing door hardware is a simple process (like you would for a first-time installation).
If you know what you’re doing, installing a new knob or lock may take as little as 15 minutes. Remove the old knob or deadbolt. The removal of the old hardware is usually a simple procedure. Most manufacturers will have two accessible screws on the interior of the unit. You may now remove the internal and exterior components after backing them out. A lock that requires the key to be turned halfway before reaching the screws is an example of this, and the fasteners are often hidden behind secret releases or covers. The latch or lock is typically fastened into the door’s end with two screws. Once you’ve removed them, the latch should come loose. New Hardware To minimize difficulties with hole size/ spacing, it is beneficial to get new locks from the same manufacturer as the previous ones.
Whatever the case may be, you should be able to answer the following questions:
- Is there one or two holes in the door?
- What is the backset (the distance between the door’s edge and the hole’s center)? The backset is normally 2-3/8′′ or 2-3/4′′ wide.
- What is the distance between the centers of the two holes on a two-hole door?
- What is the diameter of the hole if you’re putting in a deadbolt? It’s normally 1-1/2′′ or 2-1/8′′ in diameter.
Make sure the new hardware will fit into the holes in your door, or you’ll have to go back to the home improvement store.
Changing a Deadbolt
Many deadbolts feature a “this end up” arrow (or even the word) imprinted on the side to indicate which way they should be orientated, and many can be changed for any backset distance.
For example, on the lock below, turning the face of the deadbolt to the opposite position is all that is required.
Slide the outer cylinder into position once you’ve screwed in the deadbolt.
Only put the metal collar on holes that are 2-1/8′′ in diameter. If the hole diameter is more than 1-1/2′′, it should be discarded.
Because the rod that extends through the latch is asymmetrical, it can only be used in one direction (the correct way).
The silver-colored component beneath secures the inner assembly, which is held together by two lengthy screws. If a faceplate is present, it is snapped on next.
A small set screw is often used to fasten the thumb turn in order to keep everything together as one piece and skip this phase, although the screw heads will be visible.
The new strike plate must be installed on the door jamb as the last step in installing a lock.
Installing a Door Knob
First, the old door knob or deadbolt needs to be removed. Next, a new door knob or deadbolt should be measured and cut to fit the door. Afterwards, the new door knob or deadbolt should be installed into the door. Finally, the door knob or deadbolt should be tightened and secured.
As a first step, adjust the backset on the latch. Unlike a deadbolt, this is normally accomplished by flipping a pin into the proper position.
Make sure the face of the latch contacts the strike plate, not the other way around, when you install it on the door.
Place the outer knob on the latch and pass the rod through it. Place the knob on the cabinet’s interior and tighten the two screws.
Finish the process by installing the replacement strike plate on the door jamb.
Moreover, it provides a more secure system since the new key cannot be duplicated. In addition, the new key is easier to manage since it allows you to track who has access to your locks.
