Quck answer
To cut a doorknob hole, follow these steps:
1. Measure and mark the desired height of the doorknob on the door.
2. Measure and mark the center point of the doorknob hole horizontally.
3. Use a hole saw or a spade bit to drill a pilot hole at the marked center point.
4. Use a jigsaw to cut along the marked circumference of the doorknob hole.
5. Test the fit of the doorknob by inserting it into the hole and adjusting if necessary.
6. Secure the doorknob using the provided screws.
Remember to wear protective eyewear and follow all safety precautions when using power tools.
When you are installing a doorknob, which is more accurately referred to as a lockset, you will need to drill two holes into the door. One hole is for the knobs and the spring-loaded mechanism that they turn, and the other hole is for the barrel. Additionally, you will need to make a hole in the jamb where the barrel will fit. Lockset manufacturers have standardized their products, so you can use a 2 1/8 inch hole saw and a 7/8 inch spade bit to install most locksets. Your new lockset should come with a template that will make it easy to determine where to place the holes.
How to Create an Opening for a Doorknob
Items You Will Need
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Lockset template
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Tape
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7/8 inch spade bit or 1 inch spade bit
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Drill
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2 1/8 inch hole saw
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Lipstick
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Chisel
Step 1: Mark the Centers of the Holes
Take out the installation instructions that came with the lockset and cut out the template using a pair of scissors. Wrap the template around the edge of the door at the desired height for the knob, which is typically in the center of the horizontal rail that separates the panels. Secure the template to the door with tape, making sure that the center is about 36 inches off the ground, and mark the centers of the lockset and barrel holes by creating an indentation with the tip of a spade bit. Once you have made the marks, remove the template.
It is important to note that the template provides two options for the barrel hole, one for a 1 3/8 inch door and another for a 1 3/4 inch door. Choose the mark that corresponds to the width of your door.
Step 2: Drill the Hole for the Knobs
Insert a 2 1/8 inch hole saw into your drill and position the pilot bit on the mark you made on the front face of the door. Hold the drill steady to prevent any wobbling and drill through the door until the tip of the pilot bit emerges from the other side. Finish drilling the hole from that side to ensure clean edges on both sides of the door without any chipping.
Step 3: Drill the Barrel Hole
Refer to the instructions to determine which size spade bit to use for the barrel hole. Most interior locksets will require a 7/8 inch spade bit, but many exterior locksets will require a 1 inch spade bit. Position the spade bit on the mark you made on the edge of the door and drill a hole that extends into the larger hole on the front face of the door. Keep the drill horizontal and straight as you make this hole.
Step 4: Drill the Strike Hole
The best time to create the hole for the door strike is after you have installed the lockset. Apply a small amount of lipstick to the end of the barrel, close the door, and let the barrel hit the jamb. This will indicate the position for the strike. Center the 7/8-inch bit on the mark on the jamb and drill to a depth of about 3/4 inch. After drilling the hole, place the strike in position, trace its outline, chisel a mortise to inset it, and screw it to the jamb.
