Buying a Replacement Doorknob Lockset
Tips on How to Buy the Right Replacement
Doorknob
By: Mark J. Donovan
|
|
Doorknobs can experience wear and
tear over the years. In some cases they may simply no longer work well, or at
all. In other cases their finish can erode away due to high levels of moisture
exposure. This is often the case with doorknobs located in bathrooms or exterior
doorknobs. Fortunately there are scads of replacement doorknob locksets
available on the market to choose from, and that you can install yourself.
Replacing a doorknob is easy to do, however it is important that you buy the
right replacement doorknob.
|
Your best bet is to remove the old
doorknob and take it with you to a home improvement center or hardware store.
Usually a screwdriver is all that is required to remove and replace a doorknob.
The first step in buying a replacement doorknob is determining the type of
doorknob lockset you need to replace. More specifically determine if it is a
mortise lockset or a cylindrical one. A mortise doorknob lockset consists of a
mechanical box that slides into the door. It is a more complicated lock and
requires unique preparations to be installed correctly. The cylindrical doorknob
lockset is more common and includes a long cylindrical tube that penetrates
through the door and attaches to both the interior and exterior doorknobs.
|
|
The next step in buying a replacement
doorknob is understanding the “handing” of the door and doorknob. There are two
basic “handing” door types. Doors are either considered to be right hand doors
or left hand doors, and not all doorknob locksets are reversible. As a result,
it’s important that you buy the correct replacement doorknob for the type of
door it is going on. To determine the type of door “handing” stand in front of
the door so that you can pull the door towards you to open it. |
Use your closest hand to reach out
and pull on the doorknob. Do not use the arm that would have to cross your body
to open the door. If it is your right hand that pulls the door open, then the
door is a right “handing” door. If it is your left hand that pulls the door
open, then it is a left “handing” door.
|
Next, when buying a replacement doorknob lockset consider the thickness of
the door. Make sure to buy a replacement doorknob that is designed for the
thickness of the door it is to be installed on. Doors typically come in two
standard thicknesses, either 1-3/8 inch or 1-3/4 inch. Doors that are 1-3/4
inch thick are usually associated with exterior doors, and doors that are
1-3/8 inch thick are most commonly affiliated with interior doors.
Another key item to consider when buying a replacing doorknob lockset is the
backset dimension.
|
Photos by Mark Donovan
|
The backset dimension is the measurement from the center of the doorknob
hole to the edge of the door. If you select the wrong replacement doorknob
lockset the cylindrical tubular latch mechanism may not be long enough to
penetrate through the strike plate opening. Alternatively, it may be too long.
Common backset doorknob dimensions are 2-3/8 inch and 2-3/4 inch.
With adequate consideration of these key features when buying a replacement
doorknob lockset you should be able to purchase the right one and install it
with ease.
For information on Installing Interior Door Trim,
see the
Installing Interior Door Trim Ebook
from HomeAdditionPlus.com. The Installing Interior Door Trim Ebook provides
easy to understand, detailed step-by-step instructions, on how to install interior door
trim around an interior or exterior door. Pictures are included for every key
step in the process!
How to Finance your Home Project -
can help provide funds for your new home improvement project if financing is
required.
Related Articles on Interior Doors
Solid Wood Doors and Masonite Doors from Amazon.com
Get Free
Door Price Quotes,
No Obligation! Fill out our 3-5 minute quick and easy form, and
receive a free price quote on doors from one of our prescreened and licensed
door contractors. This process is free and there is no obligation to continue
once you receive your door replacement price estimate.
|
