Replacing door hardware is one of the quickest ways to update the look and function of interior and exterior doors. Worn knobs, sticky locks, and outdated finishes can all be swapped out in about 15 minutes per door with just a screwdriver.

How to Replace Door Knobs, Handles, and Deadbolts

Replacing an Interior Door Knob

Remove the Old Knob

Look for a small slot, hole, or tab on the side of the knob or the rose plate (the round plate against the door)
Insert a small flathead screwdriver or the release tool (included with most new knobs) into the slot and press while pulling the knob off
Remove the rose plate — it may unscrew, pry off, or have hidden screws behind a decorative cover
Remove the two mounting screws that hold the latch mechanism
Pull out the latch assembly from the edge of the door

Install the New Knob

Insert the new latch assembly into the edge bore, with the angled face of the latch bolt facing the direction the door closes
Secure with the provided screws
Install the exterior knob half through the latch mechanism, aligning the spindle
Place the interior knob half and tighten the mounting screws — snug but not over-tight
Test the knob and latch operation from both sides
Adjust the strike plate on the door frame if the latch does not engage properly

Replacing an Exterior Door Knob or Lever

The process is identical to interior knobs but with additional considerations:

Backset measurement: Measure from the edge of the door to the center of the existing bore hole. Standard backsets are 2-3/8 inches or 2-3/4 inches. Buy a knob matching your backset.
Bore hole size: Standard is 2-1/8 inches. If the new hardware has a different size requirement, you may need to enlarge the bore with a hole saw.
Security rating: Exterior knobs and levers should be ANSI Grade 2 or Grade 1 for security. Grade 3 is for interior use only.

Installing a Deadbolt

If your exterior door has an existing deadbolt, replacing it follows the same remove-and-install process as a knob. If adding a new deadbolt where none exists:

Use the paper template included with the deadbolt to mark the bore locations on the door face and edge
Drill the 2-1/8 inch face bore with a hole saw
Drill the 1-inch edge bore for the bolt with a spade bit, meeting the face bore
Chisel a mortise for the bolt plate on the door edge
Install the bolt assembly, then the exterior and interior cylinders
Mark and chisel the strike plate location on the door frame
Drill a 1-inch hole in the frame for the bolt to extend into
Install the strike plate with 3-inch screws that reach the wall stud (the short screws included with most deadbolts only grip the door jamb, which is not secure)

Smart Locks

Smart locks (keypad, fingerprint, or Bluetooth) install the same way as standard deadbolts. Additional considerations:

Verify the lock is compatible with your door thickness (standard is 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 inches)
Install fresh batteries before mounting
Set up the lock’s programming (codes, Bluetooth pairing, WiFi connection) per the manufacturer’s instructions
Keep a physical key as backup

Matching Hardware Throughout the Home

For a cohesive look, use the same finish (brushed nickel, matte black, oil-rubbed bronze) on all visible door hardware, cabinet pulls, and light fixtures. Buy all door hardware from the same manufacturer to ensure consistent finish color.

Tips

Take the old hardware to the store if you are unsure about sizing
Clean the door surface around the old hardware before installing new — the outline of the old plate often leaves a mark that needs cleaning or touch-up paint
Lubricate the latch mechanism with graphite powder (not WD-40, which attracts dust) if it feels stiff

Replacing every door knob in a house is a weekend project that modernizes the entire feel of the home for $15 to $40 per door.