What Kind of Door Knob Do I Have?
Before getting started, you should determine what type of door knob or lever you have currently installed on your door. There are four main door knob varieties used in most homes today. They are the entryway or keyed entrance door knobs that are found on exterior entry doors; privacy door knobs that are lockable from the inside that usually are on bedroom or bathroom doors; passage door knobs for closets; and dummy door knobs for small closet doors.
Locate Your Door Knob Screws
Look around the door knob for the screws that hold it in place. They may be located on the interior side of the door.
Some knobs have a thin hole where you insert a firm wire to press on a spring-activated pin called a detent. This pin will release the knob from the spindle that connects both knobs with the latch. Other knobs will have a slot for the detent, in this case use a small flat-head screwdriver to access the detent release.
Remove the Screws and the Knobs
Using a screwdriver (normally a Phillips), take out the screws holding the knob together. When both screws are out the knobs can easily be pulled apart.
Remove the Door Lock Cylinder
The final step is to remove the strike plate and door lock cylinder. After the screws are out, simply pull the cylinder straight out. Your door is now ready for you to replace the door knob with the new one.