Install a New Door Handle and Deadbolt

⏱️30 min💰$40–150🟢Beginner⭐4.7 (221 reviews)

Old locks get sticky and aren't as secure as modern ones. Replacing is straightforward — 30 minutes per door.

Measure before buying

Measure the backset (distance from door edge to hole center — typically 2-3/8" or 2-3/4"). Measure door thickness too — most locks adjust, but check.

Remove the old hardware

Unscrew the two screws on the interior side. Pull both halves apart. Remove the two screws on the latch plate in the door edge and slide the latch out.

Install the new latch

Slide the new latch into the hole. Orient the sloped face toward the way the door closes. Screw the plate flush with the door edge.

Install the handle halves

Line up the exterior handle with the latch (the square shaft goes through the latch). Hold it in place while you attach the interior half with its two screws.

Repeat for deadbolt

Same process — install the deadbolt latch, then the two halves of the deadbolt. The thumbturn goes on the interior.

Test

Close the door. Handle should turn smoothly; deadbolt should throw freely into the strike plate. If it binds, loosen the screws slightly — you likely overtightened.