Fixing a Loose Doorknob

Written by Doris Donnerman (last updated August 18, 2021)

1

If you have a loose doorknob, there is no need to call in the professionals. With the right tools you can easily fix a squeaky, loose doorknob. The first thing you need to do is get your hands on an Allen wrench or a regular screwdriver.

Before you can begin tightening the doorknob you must determine what type of lock your door has. Looking at the side of the door, with the doorknob perpendicular to the door, look at the shape surrounding the lock to determine what route you will take in tightening the doorknob. Most homes are equipped with cylindrical locks or tubular locks (characterized by the lock being encircled by an oval or circle) but doors found in warehouses often have a lockset. Locksets are rectangular in shape. If you have cylindrical locks or tubular locks all you need to do is secure the lock properly, and in turn the doorknob will tighten. If you do own a lockset then a few more steps are necessary.

First, remove the lock panel with the screwdriver in order to expose the inner workings of the lock. Unscrew one of the doorknobs to expose the end of the other and to view how it interacts with the lockset. Tighten the connection between the exposed knob spindle and the lockset. Hold the doorknob that is still attached closely against the paneling of the door as you screw the other doorknob back into the spindle and lock set. Screw in the doorknob until it is tight against the paneling of the door.

If you have correctly tightened the doorknob, it will move freely but it will not jiggle in the frame of the door. If you wish to alter the placement of the doorknob, you should follow this same process and then alter the placement by shifting placement during the tightening of the knob against the paneling of the door.

Author Bio

Doris Donnerman

Doris is a jack of all trades, writing on a variety of topics. Her articles have helped enlighten and entertain thousands over the years. ...

MORE FROM DORIS

Weatherproof Your Dog's Doghouse

If you keep your dog outside, you may have to deal with keeping your dog comfortable with the weather. Take the ...

Discover More

Cookie Dough Log

Want a great dessert treat that's appropriate for any occasion? Try a cookie dough log for a change of pace.

Discover More

Designing a Deck

A deck can be a great addition to any home, as long as it is designed properly. You don't need to spend a lot of money to ...

Discover More

Find the Right Tool Right Away Finally, a homeowner's set that includes all the tools needed to complete basic DIY projects at an affordable price! The tools are stored in a molded case for security and portability. Check out Stanley 65-Piece Homeowner's Tool Kit today!

More Home Improvement Tips

Installing a Storm Door

During the hotter months of the year, a storm door can be an invaluable asset. But what do you do when you do not ...

Discover More

Repairing a Strike Plate

Over time just about everything in your home will need to be repaired, even the little strike plate on your door. ...

Discover More

Installing a Hinged Patio Door

Patio doors are a great way to bring the great outdoors inside your home, and one of the most popular choices are hinged ...

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is 9 + 0?

2013-02-23 13:04:34

David

Very difficult to follow without illustrations.