How to Replace a Door Handleset

Open the door so you can see both door handlesets and the latch. Locate the screws that hold them to the door.

Use a screwdriver to remove the screws and pull the door handlesets off the door. You will usually have three pieces: the handlesets and the middle piece.

Insert your screwdriver into the hole in the door and push outward to pop off the latch. If you have a latch plate that is screwed to the door, you have to unscrew it first before removing the latch from the door.

Unscrew the screws on the strike plate, which is located on the door frame. The strike plate functions as a catch for the door latch. Remove the strike plate.

Use a tape measure to determine the diameter of the top hole in the door for the latch and the distance from the top hole to the bottom hole for the prong at the bottom of the hand grip. Purchase new handlesets with the same measurements so they can easily fit in your door.

Insert the new latch in place through the hole in the side of the door. If the new latch has a latch plate that is of a different size from the old one, use a pencil to outline its shape on the door and use a chisel to remove 1/16 inch from the door so the latch plate will sit flush with the door. Screw the latch plate in place.

Align the two prongs of the the door handleset that is attached to the center piece with the two holes in the door. Push the latch in completely and insert the center piece until it sits in the middle of the door. Push the other door handleset from the other side of the door until it fits snugly with the center piece. Screw the door handlesets in place.

Hold the strike plate in its position and outline its shape on the door frame. Use a chisel to carve out 1/16 inch from the door frame so it will sit flush with the door frame, if necessary. Screw the strike plate in place.