How Do I Replace Doorknobs and Deadbolts?

A great way to refresh the look in your home and on the exterior of your home is to replace doorknobs. Additionally, upon the purchase of a new or previously lived in home one of the first task you complete should be replacing dead bolts. There’s an impossible way of knowing if any copies of your keys exist whether it be friends, neighbors, or contractors. Replacing deadbolts is a simple, inexpensive way to ensure peace of mind, while replacing doorknobs accomplishes the same goal while refreshing the look of your doors. The crew at Handyman Connection of Blue Ash has put together some steps and tips when it’s time for you to replace doorknobs and deadbolts.

Step 1: Determine Materials & Counts

Begin by counting the number of doors you will need replacement hardware for. Don’t leave out basement doors, garage doors, or other doors that may lead outside. When going to the hardware store, we would recommend finding as many knobs and deadbolts with “keyed alike” sets, so that you can use the same key for as many doors as you’d like to keep you organized and to keep it convenient. A store associate can help direct you to what you’re looking for.

Step 2: Remove Old Bolts & Knobs

Once you’re back home from the store, begin loosening the existing knobs and bolts. You can remove the screws found on the inside of the door with a screwdriver. If you’re having trouble locating them on the deadbolt, try turning the lock to reach them. After the screws are loosened and removed, take off the latch and the throw by sliding it through its hole. Discard of the old bolt and knob by finding a place to recycle the materials or saving it for another project should you need them.

Step 3: Install Door Knob

Now that the door is barren without a knob or deadbolt, it’s time to install the new knob and bolt. Start with the knob, and install the latch with a screwdriver. Be sure that the screws are secured very tightly, but not too tightly as it can strip the wood. Line up the outdoor and indoor knobs according to the holes along the door, and insert the screws tightly. And that’s it! Not too tricky.

Step 4: Install Dead Bolt

Finally, it’s time to install the deadbolt. Tackle this the same way by installing the throw and lining it up with the key side of the bolt. That way it will fit through the hole in the center of the throw. Insert the screws in the appropriate holes and tighten them up with the screwdriver. Typically, deadbolts will have an arrow on the side illustrating which direction the deadbolt should be facing. Upon installation, make sure the deadbolt is rotated to the proper position and that the arrow is facing the right direction.

You’re done!

Depending on the types of knobs and bolts you purchase, it could be a little more complicated, but it’s fairly simple once you’ve gathered the proper tools and take a look at your doors. When purchasing your knobs and deadbolts here in Blue Ash, make sure you purchase knobs and bolts that are the same size as previous, so that you don’t have to manipulate the door and add extra work to your plate.

At Handyman Connection of Blue Ash, our goal is to help make your house a home by helping with any and all home maintenance projects – no matter how big or small! Give us a call with any questions or schedule a consultation.