Learn how to install a door knob as dummy door knobs which includes how to remove a closet door handles, replace door knob, and more! 

Over the last five years, we’ve upgraded all the bedroom door knobs in our home. I don’t want to brag or anything but I do feel like I know how to replace a door knob now!

This project for installing a dummy door handle is a bit different than how to change a door knob for privacy or passage doors. But, honestly, no matter what type of closet door handles or bedroom door knobs you are wanting to replace… you can do it! 

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I was able to partner with Nostalgic Warehouse last year when I transformed our hallway doors and, as a part of that, they sent me two extra door knobs (Studio Short Plate and Craftsman Knob in Brass) for our closet doors in our guest bedroom.

Before we jump right in to the tutorial, look at my closet door knobs!

So you can really appreciate them for their new look, let’s back up just a bit.

Closet Door Knobs BEFORE Photo

I’m such a huge advocate for quality upgrades in your house. Whether that be door hardware, baseboards, a new door itself or wood flooring, I firmly believe that these types of investments yield the biggest satisfaction longterm. 

Ok, so back to this project. Let me explain just a bit before we get to the dummy door knob installation tutorial. 

WHAT DOES DUMMY DOOR KNOB MEAN?

A dummy door handle is a full size door knob that doesn’t have a mechanism that sits within the door. As you can see from the picture below, the dummy door knob sits flush on the outward facing part of the door. These types of door knobs are common for double hung closet doors. 

Let’s get to the how-to!

How to Install a Doorknob

There’s a video how-to as well as photos below.

Supplies needed to replace door knob

• Studio Short Plate, Craftsman Knob
• Drill
• Level
• Screwdriver

The first thing you have to do when installing a new door knob is to remove the old one. 

How To Remove An Old Door Knob?

It’s a SIMPLE process. Grab a screwdriver with a head that matches the screw pattern of the screws that are holding the door knob in. Unscrew the screws and pull the door knob off. It’s really that simple. 

I knew I wanted to share a video tutorial with you guys for this project because it’s easier to explain what I’m doing verbally. So, the video can be watched below or over on my Youtube channel. 

How to install door knob video tutorial

The steps are pretty simple.

Steps for how to install doorknob

1. Remove the old door knob.
2. If the screw pattern of the old door knob and the new door knob are the same, screw in the new door knob.
3. If the screw patterns are different, find the center of the door, using a level, make sure your new door knob is level and mark the screw holes with a pencil.
4. Drill pilot holes for the new screws. 
5. Follow installation instructions for your new door knob and attach. 

Our new set completely covered the holes that the old door knob made, so we left the original holes as-is and installed over them. 

This project shouldn’t take you longer than thirty minutes or so. It’s really not that hard and doesn’t require that many tools, which is great for an entry-level DIYer. 

Looking for options for closet door knobs?

If you want to learn how to change a door knob but don’t have a door knob, let me help you! Sarah at Room for Tuesday, put together an amazing round-up of statement interior and exterior door knobs that will help inspire you.

This project has sparked the need and want to make more changes in my guest bedroom. The modern hanging DIY plant hanger will stay as will the DIY rug art, but I suspect some other things will go as I try to put my touch on the space a bit today.