Project Summary
- Duration of Work: 10 minutes
- Overall Duration: 10 minutes
- Proficiency Level: Novice
- Projected Expense: $0
Wobbly doorknobs are a frequent issue with doors that are used often in a household. Occasionally, the doorknob or lever may become loose, causing it to rotate around its spindle. In other instances, the mounting ring and faceplate of the lockset may loosen and detach from the door’s surface. The method of repair will vary based on the specific design of your doorknob or lever and the way it is secured to the spindle and the door.
Contents
Requirements You’ll Need
Devices / Instruments
- Flat or Phillips screwdriver
- Hex key (if required)
- Paperclip or a pointed tool (if necessary)
Materials
- Adjustment screw (if necessary)
Instructions
Repair a Twisting Door Handle
When a doorknob rotates loosely on its spindle, it is typically due to a set screw that has become loose, losing its hold on the handle spindle. This issue is most commonly found in older doorknob designs, as newer models utilize a different mechanism to secure the knobs to the spindles. Inspect the area around the doorknob’s collar to locate the set screw that is threaded into it. This screw could be a flathead, Phillips-head, or occasionally a recessed hex-head screw. Use the appropriate screwdriver or wrench to tighten the screw, which will help secure the doorknob to the spindle. If the set screw is missing, take the doorknob to a hardware store to purchase a replacement.
Secure a Loose Faceplate with Visible Mounting Screws
On many modern and budget-friendly locksets, the faceplate—the circular component that rests against the door—features two visible screws that can become loose over time, leading to a wobbly doorknob mechanism. When this happens, simply tightening the screws can restore stability to the door. Lever-style handles typically allow for easy access to the mounting screws. However, for round doorknobs, you might need to remove the knob to reach the faceplate screws with your screwdriver. The doorknob might be secured with a set screw or a detent button or slot. Use a screwdriver to tighten the faceplate. If the screws have completely come loose from the mounting threads on the other side of the door, you might need to start threading them by hand before using the screwdriver.
Tip
Exercise caution when securing the mounting plate to avoid excessive tightening. Over-tightening can lead to the inner mechanism becoming jammed, rendering your lockset inoperable.
Secure a Loose Faceplate Using Concealed Mounting Screws
On modern high-end locksets, the screws that attach the lockset mounting plate to the door may be concealed beneath an outer faceplate. To access these screws, you need to remove the doorknob or lever by pressing a spring-loaded catch, referred to as a detent, and sliding the knob or handle off the spindle. There are three typical methods to access and activate the hidden detent that holds the handle in place: 1. **Small Round Hole**: This is commonly seen in lever-style door handles. To activate the detent, use the end of a metal paperclip or an awl, inserting it into the hole and pressing down the detent while twisting to remove the door handle from the spindle. 2. **Slotted Hole**: This is usually found in round doorknob hardware. To activate the detent, insert a small flat-blade screwdriver into the slot to press and release the detent while twisting to remove the doorknob from the spindle. 3. **Button**: This type of detent is often seen in more affordable round doorknob hardware. It features a button that is nearly flush with the doorknob shaft. To activate it, press the button with an awl or the tip of a small flat-blade screwdriver while twisting to remove the doorknob from the spindle. Next, remove the faceplate, which is a decorative trim that covers the lockset mounting ring. This may be a simple friction-fit ring that you can pry off the spindle, often with a small notch to assist in the process. In other cases, the faceplate may be threaded and can be unscrewed by turning it counterclockwise. Finally, tighten the long screws that secure the lockset’s mounting ring to the door. These screws usually extend through the door and attach to the lockset mounting plate on the other side. Ensure they are snug, and once the lockset is secure, reinstall the decorative faceplate and the doorknob.
