When you move into a new home, it's wise to change the locks. Begin by removing the screws holding the doorknob in place. The screws will be located on the interior side of the door. On some doorknobs the screws will be beneath the escutcheon plate, in which case the knob will have to be removed by pressing a clip in the shaft of the knob. After you remove the screws, the doorknob can be pulled apart (figure A). Remove the striker by unscrewing it and pulling it out. Reverse the removal procedure to install a new doorknob. Be sure to orient the new striker in the correct direction or the door won't close properly. In most cases the holes for the new doorknob will match your existing holes. Depending on your door, you may need to adjust the backset, the distance between the edge of the door and the center of the doorknob. Most doorknobs can accommodate different backsets. If you encounter resistance when you try to slide the new knob together, turn the lock back and forth so that the shaft fits properly. Don't use cheap doorknobs. In addition to protecting your home, doorknobs also make an impression on visitors. Options include lever-handle doorknobs (figure B), doorknobs with deadbolt strikers for added security (figure C) and remote-controlled deadbolts (figure D).
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