How to properly install door knobs and levers.

By monica.reedy

Tuesday, September 27, 2022

Here are all the steps you need to follow to properly install a door knob or lever in just a few minutes.

Updating your interior door knobs and levers is the perfect project to take on when every detail matters for your home. Coordinating a new style and finish with your lighting, plumbing and other décor is an easy way to give your home a finishing touch. And with the right durability and security, it also can help you protect what matters most. Fortunately, door hardware installation is one of the simplest DIY projects.

Before we get to the step-by-step guide, be sure your door is properly drilled and aligned with this door prep checklist.

Next, gather your door hardware installation tools. It’s simple – all you need is a tape measure and a screwdriver. Keep in mind that an electric drill is not recommended for installation as it can easily strip the screws and damage your hardware.

Door lock installation checklist

Now you're ready to get started installing your door knobs or levers. The first step is to ensure you have all the parts. Here's a checklist to help. If there are any terms you don’t understand, check out these definitions for parts of a door lock.

Outside housing: The "exterior" portion of your hardware with the spindle extending from the back

Inside housing: The "interior" portion of your knob or lever. For privacy knobs and levers, you'll want to be sure the push-button lock is on the inside

Latch: The spring-operated bolt with a beveled face to permit a latching action when the door closes

Round drive-in faceplate: An optional faceplate that may replace the rectangular faceplate already attached to the latch if your door calls for it

Strike plate: The metal plate that will be affixed to the door frame

Short screws: Used to secure the latch and faceplate to the door

Tapered long screws: Used to secure the inside housing to the outside housing

Pin tool: Used only for installing lever door handles that are curved and may need to change handing

Door Knob and Lever Installation instructions

1You'll begin by preparing the latch.

The latch comes with a pre-attached rectangular faceplate. If you’re using the rectangular faceplate, continue to Step 2 now.

If you need to replace it with a round drive-in faceplate, follow steps a-c below. You'll need a flat head screwdriver, hammer and block of wood with this setup.

a. Remove faceplate by gently prying it away from the rest of the latch component with a flat head screwdriver.

b. Twist and remove remaining support plate.

c. Install round drive-in faceplate with just a snap.

2Now we install the latch. If you're using the standard rectangular faceplate, slide the latch into place with the bevel facing the doorjamb and secure with the two short screws.

If you’re using the drive-in faceplate, slide the latch into the latch bore with the bevel facing the doorjamb. Gently tap it in to place, using a block of wood to protect the latch, until the faceplate is flush with the door edge.

Installing round faceplate latch

3Next, you'll install the strike plate on the doorjamb using the two short wood screws.

4Begin installing the lever or knob by placing the outside housing first. Remember, this is the part with the spindle extending from the back. If you're installing a lever, you'll want to make sure the lever is pointing away from the door edge.

5Align the spindle with the slot in the latch and slide into place.

6Now install the inside housing. If you're installing a lever, orient the lever just as you did with the outside housing, pointing away from the edge of the door.

7With the screw holes in a vertical position, align the square in the back of the door knob or lever with the square spindle. Slide the inside housing into place.

8Secure with the two remaining screws.

To see all these steps in action as well as how to change the handing and test your lock, watch our installation video below. You can also try these interactive instructions for installing privacy and passage door hardware.

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