How to Change a Doorknob in 15 Minutes (Easy DIY)

Your doorknob is broken. Maybe it’s loose, stuck, or just old and ugly. You could call a handyman and pay $100+ for a 20-minute job. Or you could fix it yourself.

Changing a doorknob is easier than you think. You don’t need special skills or fancy tools. Just a screwdriver and about 15 minutes of your time.

This blog walks you through every step. We’ll cover what to check before you buy, what tools you need, and how to install your new doorknob without any headaches. We’ll even tackle those annoying problems that pop up, like stuck screws or holes that don’t line up.

By the end, you’ll have a brand new doorknob installed. And you’ll have saved yourself a nice chunk of money.

Let’s get started.

Before You Start: What to Check First

Don’t rush to the hardware store just yet. A few quick checks will save you time and money.

Measure your door thickness: most interior doors are 1⅜ inches thick; exterior doors are 1¾ inches. Grab a ruler and check.
Check the backset: This is the distance from the door edge to the center of the knob hole. Standard sizes are 2⅜ inches or 2¾ inches. Measure it.
Look at your current setup: Does your door have a deadbolt? A privacy lock? Note these details so you buy the right replacement.
Test the knob: Turn it a few times. If it’s loose, wobbly, or won’t latch properly, you need a new one.
Snap a photo: Take pictures of your current doorknob from different angles. You’ll thank yourself when you’re shopping.

Tools & Materials You’ll Need

You don’t need a fancy toolbox for this job. Most of these items are probably in your junk drawer already.

Essential tools:

Screwdriver (Phillips and flathead)
Tape measure
Flashlight or phone light

Optional but helpful:

Hammer
Awl or small nail
Lubricant spray (like WD-40)

Materials:

New doorknob set (make sure it matches your measurements)
Your old doorknob (keep it nearby for reference)

That’s it. Simple, right? The whole job takes about 15-20 minutes once you have everything ready.

Step-by-Step: How to Change a Doorknob

step by step how to change a doorknob

Follow these easy steps to remove your old doorknob and install a new one in about 15 minutes; no special tools are required.

Step 1: Remove the Old Doorknob

Start on the inside of the door. Look for two screws on the faceplate; they’re usually easy to spot.

Unscrew them with your Phillips screwdriver and pull the inside knob away from the door.

Now grab the outside knob. It should slide right out once the screws are loose. If it sticks, wiggle it gently.

Some doorknobs don’t have visible screws. Look for a small slot or pinhole on the inside knob’s neck. Push an awl or small nail into it while pulling the knob. It’ll pop right off.

Step 2: Take Out the Latch Plate

See that metal plate on the door edge? That’s the latch plate. Remove the two screws holding it in place. Pull the whole latch mechanism out of the door.

Set it aside; you might need it for reference.

Step 3: Prep for the New Knob

Clean out the holes. Wipe away dust, old lubricant, or paint buildup. This helps your new knob fit smoothly.

Check if your new doorknob came with a new latch.

If yes, you’ll install that.
If not, you’ll reuse your old one (make sure it’s in good shape).

Step 4: Install the New Latch

Slide the new latch into the door edge hole. The curved part of the latch should face the direction the door closes. Line up the faceplate and screw it in tight.

Test it. Push the latch in with your finger. It should spring back smoothly.

Step 5: Attach the Outside Knob

Feed the outside knob’s spindle through the latch mechanism. Line it up carefully, it needs to go straight through.

Push it flush against the door.

Step 6: Secure the Inside Knob

Slide the inside knob onto the spindle from the other side. Match up the screw holes. Insert the screws and tighten them, but don’t overtighten. You want it snug, not stripped.

Step 7: Test Everything

Turn the knob a few times. Does it feel smooth? Open and close the door. Does the latch catch properly? Lock and unlock it if it’s a locking knob.

If something feels off, loosen the screws slightly and adjust. Sometimes the knob just needs a tiny shift to work perfectly.

Done. You just changed a doorknob.

Common Problems & Easy Fixes

1. No visible screws?

Look for a small pinhole on the knob. Press it with a paperclip, pull the knob off, then remove the cover to access the screws.

2. Knob won’t come off?

Press the release pin firmly and pull while wiggling. Break paint seals with a flathead if needed.

3. Screws just spin?

Pull the knobs slightly apart while turning the screw.

4. The New knob doesn’t fit?

Check the backset (usually 2⅜” or 2¾”) and door thickness. Adjustable latches help.

5. Door won’t latch or stay closed?

The latch is likely backward. The angled side must face the doorframe.

6. Lock works backward?

Swap the knob orientation and reinstall.

7. Knob feels loose?

Tighten screws evenly; don’t overtighten.

8. Can I reinstall the old knob later?

Yes, as long as you don’t enlarge holes or modify the door.

Special Situations

Doorknob Won’t Come Off: Spray stuck screws with WD-40 and wait five minutes. Try again. Still stuck? Tap the screwdriver gently with a hammer while turning.
Holes Don’t Line Up: Check your backset measurement; you might have the wrong size knob. If it’s close, carefully file the hole with sandpaper until it fits.
Loose Doorknob After Installation: Tighten the screws more. Still loose? Check if you installed the knob backward. The longer spindle side usually goes outside.
Old Door with Worn Holes: Buy a knob with a larger faceplate to cover damage. Or fill holes with wood filler, let dry, then drill new holes.
Lock won’t work: Take off the inside knob and flip it 180 degrees. The mechanism might be upside down.
Door won’t latch: The latch hits, but won’t catch. Loosen the strike plate screws on the door frame. Shift it up or down slightly, then retighten.

Conclusion

Done. You just changed a doorknob in about 15 minutes.

You saved yourself $100+ in handyman fees. And now you can handle any doorknob in your house, bedroom, bathroom, or front door. Same process, same tools.

No special skills needed. Just a screwdriver and these simple steps.

Got questions? Drop a comment below. Want more DIY guides? Check out our other home repair tutorials.

Nice work. That new doorknob looks great.