How To Fix A Loose Or Broken Door Knob

Loose doorknobs are such nuisances. Not only does it defeats its purpose of providing security, but it can also be noisy as it jiggles when trying to open it. When you don’t fix it, your doorknob will continue to be an inconvenience until it falls off.

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There are many reasons why a doorknob or handle loosens or is broken. It can be because of the usual wear and tear through time, or some screws in the door plate are loose or missing. It can also be because its locking mechanism is already malfunctioning.

But fixing a loose or broken doorknob is easy if you have the right and follow the correct steps. Here, we provide you with the procedures you can follow to fix that doorknob that’s been causing you inconvenience.

What You Will Need:

Flat-head screwdriver
Phillips-head screwdriver
New doorknob set (if old needs to be replaced)

Step 1: Remove the broken doorknob

The first thing to do is to remove the old doorknob. Depending on their type, doorknobs have either exposed or hidden screws.

For exposed screws, use a screwdriver to loosen the screw set and remove the handle. Once both knobs have been removed, remove the latching mechanism. Also, unscrew and remove the strike plate from the door jamb.

Step 2: Tighten the screws

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Once the base and rings have been removed, you can see the screws that run through the door from the inside backing plate into the outside. These screws are the ones that hold the whole doorknob together.

Tighten these screws separately while holding the outside backing plate in place. Put back the base and the handle back on.

If your doorknob is just loose, tightening the screws could easily fix the problem. However, if the locking mechanism is already broken, you might need to replace it with a new doorknob.

Step 3: Install a new latch and doorknob

First, install a new latch on the inside edge of the door. Secure it with the screws provided.

Look at the two new knobs and take the one with the extending rod that is designed to interlock with the latch and the other knob.

Place the new knob over the hole in the door and slide the rod into the latch. Ensure the knob is centered in the hole, then thread in and tighten the screws.

Step 4: Test

Secure your doorknob by using a wooden putty for any loose screws.

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Close and open the door many times to ensure that the latch slides smoothly against the door jamb and closes properly.

Turn the door handle to check if any is loose. If there are, tighten the screws or correct the screw holes with wood putty.

There you have it! Following these quick and easy steps could fix your loose or broken doorknob in no time. There are many home repairs that you can fix without hiring a professional. You can fix a broken AC or fix any type of lamp if you know the basic steps.

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