How to Change a Door Knob With a Clip

Things You'll Need

Wire clip tool or large paper clip
Flat screwdriver
Phillips screwdriver
New doorknob kit

Replace broken doorknobs to keep your home secure.

Many doorknobs have visible screws that allow for easy removal. Some doorknobs don't have visible screws. The screws are hidden from view beneath a decorative trim ring or cover. Screws still hold the doorknob together but they can't be accessed until the plate is removed. A tiny knob clip inside the shaft of the door knob must be pressed to release one of the knobs. Once the knob comes off, the screws can be exposed by removing the decorative trim ring.

Step 1

Find the wire tool in a new doorknob kit. If it didn't come with one, unfold a large paper clip.

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Step 2

Open the door. Stick the end of the clip into the knob hole on the side of the knob shaft. Depress the knob clip inside this hole.

Step 3

Pull the knob off the knob shaft.

Step 4

Slide a flat screwdriver beneath the decorative trim ring or cover. You may have to tap the handle of the screwdriver with a hammer to get this cover to pop free. Sometimes it sticks to the finish paint of the door. Pull the cover off the knob shaft to expose the screws.

Step 5

Remove the screws with a Phillips or flat screwdriver.

Step 6

Grab both sides of the doorknob and pull them apart. The actuating shaft will pull out of the door latch assembly.

Step 7

Undo the two screws holding the latch assembly to the edge of the door. This is the edge that locks into the door jamb.

Step 8

Pull the latch assembly out of the door.

Step 9

Place a new latch assembly into the door. Screw in the screws that hold it to the door's edge.

Step 10

Insert the actuator shaft of the new doorknobs through the latch assembly.

Step 11

Insert the screws that hold the two sides of the doorknob together. Use the screwdriver to do this.

Step 12

Put the new decorative trim ring or cover over the doorknob shaft and snap it in place.

Step 13

Place the knob onto the shaft until the knob clip locks the knob in place.

Warning

Be careful when prying off the decorative trim ring or cover. You might mar the door with the screwdriver.

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