STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

cc · Marc Jacobs

changing doorknobs

Elle · Hermes

CC - have you already tried putting the new knob in with the old latching mechanism part in? If that doesn't work it might be because your old knob has a lock and the new one does not (I'm assuming). You should be able to get a replacement latching mechanism at any Home Depot/Lowes type store for a couple bucks. Bring the old one and your new knob with you when you go!

As for the door being too big in the door for the knob the easiest solution I see would be to get a couple flat-ish wooden rounds/decorative medallions from a craft store (or home store, probably back by the moulding), paint them, and make the necessary holes if it doesn't have one in the middle already. Put those on first, and then install the knob - the tension from tightening the screws in the knob down should hold them in place.

-- Edited by Elle at 14:28, 2007-08-01

NCshopper · Hermes

I'd take your old knob and your new knob to Home Depot or Lowe's and ask them--I'm sure this problem comes up occasionally and they'll be able to help you find what you need to make it work.

As far as the plate/hole size goes, I'm not sure what to do, actually. You don't want to put anything between the door and the knob that will take up much space, because you still need the door mechanisms to be long enough to do their job inside the door. Again, ask at HD/Lowe's and they may have plates that they sell just for that job.

atlgirl · Gucci

I think the plate size is the determining factor. I'm not sure anything can be done if your plate is too small...not sure how it would work if it's too big.

I love the knobs Anthro sells too, but I think you really have to have the right kind of doors for them (or get new doors and cut - or have someone cut - the right size).

Suasoria · Chanel

Another idea: try keeping all the original working mechanisms intact, including the old backer plates, and just swap the knobs themselves. Usually they unscrew, and unless the new sets are really strange, the threads should be a standard size. Maybe.