Handles and knobs are now a huge part of our household. From cabinet pulls, drawer handles to doorknobs, these are possibly everywhere for obvious reasons. However, just like the difference in varieties, there’s a quite noticeable variation to care about when installing each of them. Today’s focus is going to be on doorknobs, the ones that come with hidden screws. Let’s find out how to install a door knob with hidden screws without messing it up.
Here’s How to Install a Door Knob with Hidden Screws
The doorknobs that come with hidden screws can also have some differences depending on varying models. And so, it can be a bit tricky to be very specific with one general method. However, let’s go through a process that should be helpful for most of the cases, with slight changes possible depending on your version of doorknob.
The Tools That You’ll Need
- Screwdriver with a tiny flathead.
- Allen wrench.
- A paper clip or firm wire.
- Philips screwdriver.
Start by Examining Your Knob
You need to focus on the lock side of existing doorknob first. Since you are trying to install a doorknob with hidden screws, your previous one must also be the same. You should be able to find a tiny hole slot or hole. This is basically known as the detent access holes in doorknob. If you can’t find anything like that, maybe looking for a recessed screw should work. To get rid of these screws you will need a suitable size Allen wrench here.
Releasing the Previous Knob
Now to remove the previous knob, you’ll need to release it first. This can be a bit confusing. Because you’ll need to understand how the knob is fastened to figure out proper releasing method. A few cases can take place here.
First of all, if there’s a slot noticeable, then you’ll need a flat head screwdriver. Simply use it to push inside the detent. And that should release the doorknob just like that.
If you see a tiny hole instead, then you’ll need a paperclip. Make it straightened for use. A firm wire will also work here. You need to use it to spring the hole. And then the knob should come out. In case both of these methods are not suitable for your doorknob, then recessed hex-head screw should be the one. To deal with it you’ll use the Allen wrench. Simply use it for turning the screw in a counterclockwise manner. And this will make the knob free to get released easily.
Get the Rose Out
Now to get rid of the backing plate from door, you may need to detach rose first. Because usually, the rose hides screws that are holding plate in place. So, make sure you get the rose out gradually.
To do so, you need to figure out the thin slot. This should be located right between the plate and door. Simply insert the flat head screwdriver’s tip into this area. And then slightly apply force. This will make the rose pop out easily.
Unscrew with Screwdriver
Now use a Philips screwdriver for unscrewing the screws. These screws should be running from one backing plate to the other one in opposite side through a bore hole. Basically, the screws are in charge of holding whole knob and latch assembly in places surely. Once you unscrew these, remove the spindle, latch, backing plates, and old knobs one by one.
Installing New Latch
Now you need to replace the latch plate. This is basically the metal pieces that stay attached to door jamb. Through this basically the latch passes once your door is entirely close. Some also call it a strike plate. When installing the new latch, you need to make sure sides that are curvy the striker is facing in a similar way to previous one. This will make the door latch correctly.
Install the New Knob
Here comes the main part of this entire installation. Now place the new knob onto its place. You need to start from the outside locking part of your door to do so. Now the rose could be already part of new knob. Or else you may have to install it separately before placing the knob.
So, take that into account and go for whatever is required. Once you are done placing knob from outside, you’ll need to focus on the one inside. Repeat the same process for installing inside knob. Make sure you position the mounting screws and spindle properly. These need to go through the latch assembly start from outside.
And then it should finish by the inside part. Use the screwdriver from Philips once again and tighten all screws to keep knobs and plate in place. Now simply slide the knob on spindle’s end part. Keep on turning it. Once the detent clicks and becomes aligned to access hole or slot, you can stop. Use the Allen wrench to tighten the recessed screws if necessary, at this point. And you should be done.
Conclusion
And that was basically all about how to install a door knob with hidden screws. You can now very well remove the previous doorknob and also install a new one. This task actually does not need much effort and time. So, hiring someone for a doorknob replacement is actually possible to skip.
It’s going to save you less but surely some money. And at the same time, you’ll be able to do such installation whenever there’s a need. Just make sure you pay attention to all the necessary steps of this process. Since here hidden screws are used, you need to be careful not to mess things up. And once you assure that, everything should fall into its right places while giving satisfying results.