As a homeowner, encountering a loose or detached doorknob can be a common inconvenience. The absence of a properly functioning doorknob not only hinders the accessibility of a room but also poses a potential safety hazard. Fear not! Replacing a doorknob is a straightforward task that can be accomplished with minimal tools and effort. In this comprehensive guide, we will provide step-by-step instructions on how to put a door knob back on, empowering you to restore the functionality of your door and regain peace of mind.
Before embarking on this repair journey, gather the necessary tools. You will require a screwdriver (Phillips or flathead, depending on the type of screws used), a small wrench, and possibly a hammer or mallet. Additionally, ensure that you have replacement screws on hand to secure the doorknob firmly. With the right tools at your disposal, you can proceed to the next step of the process: removing the old doorknob.
Gather Necessary Tools
Before you begin the process of putting the doorknob back on, it’s crucial to gather all the necessary tools. Having the right equipment on hand will streamline the process and ensure a proper installation.
Here’s a comprehensive list of tools you’ll need:
| Tool | Usage |
|---|---|
| Phillips Head Screwdriver | Tightening and loosening screws |
| Flat Head Screwdriver | Adjusting spindle and latch components |
| Allen Wrench | Tightening set screws on the doorknob |
| Hammer (optional) | Gently tapping the spindle into place |
| Toothpick or Paperclip | Probing and aligning the latch mechanism |
| Tape Measure or Ruler | Measuring the backset of the doorknob (distance from the edge of the door to the center of the knob) |
| Level | Ensuring the doorknob is installed horizontally and vertically straight |
Once you have all the necessary tools assembled, you can proceed with the steps to put the doorknob back on.
Remove Existing Doorknob
Using a Flathead Screwdriver
Identify the two small screws located on the side of the doorknob’s faceplate. Use a flathead screwdriver to gently loosen and remove these screws.
Using an Allen Wrench
Locate the small, hexagonal set screw on the doorknob shaft, usually near the base. Insert the appropriate size Allen wrench into the set screw and turn it counterclockwise to loosen it. Once the set screw is loose, pull the doorknob straight towards you to remove it.
Using a Phillips Screwdriver
Some doorknobs may have a single screw located in the center of the faceplate. Use a Phillips screwdriver to loosen this screw and carefully remove the faceplate. Then, follow the steps outlined in either the flathead screwdriver or Allen wrench methods to remove the doorknob.
| Tool | Description |
|---|---|
| Flathead Screwdriver | Loosen and remove the two small screws on the side of the faceplate. |
| Allen Wrench | Loosen the small, hexagonal set screw on the doorknob shaft. |
| Phillips Screwdriver | Loosen the single screw located in the center of the faceplate. |
Prepare the Door Knob
The first step is to gather the necessary tools and materials. You will need a screwdriver, a pair of pliers, and possibly a new knob. If you are replacing an existing knob, you will also need to remove the old one.
To remove the old knob, start by unscrewing the screws that are holding it in place. Once the screws are removed, you can gently pull the knob off of the door.
With the old knob removed, you can now prepare the new one. If the new knob is not already assembled, you will need to do so now. This typically involves inserting the spindle into the knob and securing it with screws. Once the knob is assembled, you can insert it into the door. Make sure to align the knob with the holes in the door and then screw it into place. Once the knob is secure, you can reattach the handles. To do this, simply insert the handles into the knob and tighten the screws. Your door knob should now be operational.
Install the Spindle
The spindle is the cylindrical metal rod that connects the doorknob to the latch mechanism. To install the spindle:
- Insert the spindle through the hole in the doorknob.
- Align the flats on the spindle with the matching flats on the latch mechanism.
- Insert the spindle into the latch mechanism until it clicks into place.
- Secure the spindle in place with the set screw.
- Repeat steps 1-4 for the other doorknob.
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Tighten the Set Screw
Once the spindle is in place, tighten the set screw to secure it. The set screw is usually located on the side of the spindle, near the latch mechanism. Tighten the set screw with a hex key or a small screwdriver.
Tool Description Hex key A small, L-shaped tool with a hexagonal head Small screwdriver A small screwdriver with a flat or Phillips head - Test the Doorknob
- Align the spindle with the square hole on the knob shaft. Make sure the shaft is facing the correct direction.
- Secure the knob by tightening the set screws with a small screwdriver. Ensure they are snug but not overly tightened.
- Slip the escutcheon plate (the decorative cover) over the spindle and align the screw holes.
- Secure the escutcheon plate with the provided screws. Tighten them until the plate is securely attached to the door.
- Repeat steps 1-4 for the other side of the door.
- If the doorknob is not latching properly, adjust the latch plate on the door jamb using a screwdriver. Loosen the screws slightly, move the plate, and retighten them.
- Check the alignment of the doorknobs by closing the door. If they do not align correctly, adjust the strike plate on the door jamb as needed.
- Screwdriver
- Door knob
- Screws
Once the set screw is tightened, test the doorknob to make sure it is working properly. The doorknob should turn smoothly and the latch should engage and disengage properly.
Mount the Interior Doorknob
To mount the interior doorknob, follow these steps:
Troubleshooting:
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Doorknob not latching | Adjust the latch plate on the door jamb |
| Doorknobs not aligned | Adjust the strike plate on the door jamb |
| Loose doorknob | Tighten the set screws or escutcheon plate screws |
How To Put Door Knob Back On
Tools you will need to put a door knob back on:
1. Remove the old door knob. To do this, unscrew the screws that are holding the knob in place.
2. Insert the new door knob into the hole in the door.
3. Screw the screws back into place to secure the new door knob.
4. Tighten the screws until the door knob is secure.
5. Test the door knob to make sure it is working properly.
People also ask about How To Put Door Knob Back On
How do you put a door knob back on without screws?
You can use a door knob spindle to put a door knob back on without screws. A door knob spindle is a metal rod that fits through the hole in the door and connects the two knobs together. Once the spindle is in place, you can simply tighten the set screws to secure the knobs.
How do you put a door knob back on a hollow door?
To put a doorknob back on a hollow door, you will need to use a special tool called a hollow door reinforcement plate. This plate will help to distribute the weight of the doorknob and prevent it from pulling through the door. Once the plate is in place, you can follow the steps above to install the doorknob.
How do you put a door knob back on a metal door?
To put a door knob back on a metal door, you will need to use special screws that are designed for metal. These screws will have a sharp point that will pierce the metal and create a strong hold. Once the screws are in place, you can follow the steps above to install the doorknob.
