Doorknob Reinstallation

Tools:

portable workbench
woodworking clamp
carpenter’s pencil
chisel
combination square
screwdrivers
tongue depressor
mixing spatula
hammer
file
pull saw
sandpaper
utility knife
drill and paddle bit
sawing jig
rubber gloves
wax paper
safety glasses
doorknob
dowel rod
epoxy
wood filler

1. Disassemble the door’s handle and lock by first removing the screws on the side of the handle and sliding out the mechanism (figure A).

2. Reattach the damaged veneer and cracked areas of door by mixing up epoxy and filling the cracks using a tongue depressor.

3. Place a piece of wax paper over the area and secure the damaged door with a woodworking clamp while the epoxy hardens (figure B).

4. Since the original opening for the lock mechanism was incorrectly cut, you'll need to use a section of dowel to fill the opening so you can start over.

5. Pick a dowel of the appropriate diameter and cut about a 4-inch section. Score grooves along the length of the dowel piece to give the epoxy something to bond to. A good way to do this is by clamping a handsaw upright on a workbench and carefully dragging the dowel across the teeth of the saw.

7. Cut away any excess dowel with a pull saw. Cut as close as possible to door without damaging it. Fill all remaining depressions with adhesive filler.

8. Smooth down the area with a rasp followed by sandpaper (figure D).

9. Drill new hole through dowel for lock using a paddle bit. Orient the doorknob and mark the edge of the mortise while holding the lock plate in position on the door edge.

10. Score out the cut for the mortise using a utility knife. Make sure to stay inside the lines you drew.

11. Chisel out a mortise, about 1/8-inch deep, using a chisel and hammer (figure E).

12. Pre-drill holes for mounting lock plate and attach with screws. Reassemble doorknob mechanism and re-hang door.