Replace Interior Doorknob

Tools:
power drill with hole saw attachment and 3/16-inch bit
assorted screwdrivers
pocketknife
piece of wood to fit in latch hole
safety glasses
replacement lockset

1. Put on the safety glasses and remove the small set screws on the sides of the doorknobs. Twist and wiggle the knobs to remove and pull the old shaft out (figure A).

2. Remove the trim piece (figure B).

3. Remove the latch plate and old latch mechanism. You may have to crack through some paint lines to break the seam. A pocketknife is a handy tool for cutting the paint seam (figure C).

5. The hole saw bit has a drill bit in the center that needs something to dig into for the hole saw to get started (figure E). Use a piece of wood that's carved to just fit through the latch hole.

6. Drill out a hole for the new lockset using the hole saw bit. Drill halfway through one side then finish on the other to avoid splitting the door (figure F).

7. Insert new latch mechanism, making sure the beveled edge faces the doorjamb (figure G). Secure with screws. Drill pilot holes if necessary using the 3/16-inch bit.

8. Insert new knobs and hardware and tighten set screws.