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How to Install Door Knockers Correctly
Posted on 11 Apr 2022
Did you know that some buildings in Europe are using the same door knockers that were installed more than 1,000 years ago?
Although a door knocker sometimes feels like an old-school detail for the modern home, it can also be a way to enhance your décor while providing an alternative to the standard doorbell.
Many of today’s door knockers tend to be utilitarian, focusing on being as unobtrusive as possible. Although you might not want to install a pineapple-shaped knocker, today’s best designs use star, arched, or round plates to create a beautiful, contemporary finish.
Steps to Follow When Installing a Door Knocker
If you already have a door knocker, you can unscrew the old one and install the new product in a few minutes. You’ll need to ensure that the hardware positioning is the same. Most fixtures have one screw under the handle and another above .
When there isn’t an existing door knocker, here are the installation steps you can follow.
Step #1: Position the Door Knocker
Hold the door knocker up to the door to determine where you’d like to have it placed. Mark that spot with a pencil. It’s usually better to have the knocker somewhere between shoulder and eye level to look natural.
Measure the door width, then divide that figure in half to find the center point. Match up your pencil mark to that figure to ensure the knocker is centered.
Step #2: Transfer Your Measurements
This step requires you to measure the distance between the holes on the back of your door knocker. Use the first mark as a reference to transfer this information to your door.
It helps to measure horizontally across the door a second time to ensure your placement marks are centered.
Step #3: Drill the Pilot Holes
Use a small drill bit to place pilot holes on the two locations where your door knocker will be. Unless the manufacturer recommends otherwise, it’s a good idea to keep the holes at a half-inch or less each.
The holes that hold your door knocker must go through the entire door. That means you’ll need to drill away from any window frames to avoid damage.
Try to work carefully at low speeds so that you have time to react to a potential problem. Although a mistake is repairable, it’ll add extra time and costs to the door knocker installation process.
Step #4: Attach the Door Knocker Securely
Once the pilot holes are drilled and clean, you can insert the screws provided with your product from the interior side of the door. Place the product against the exterior, fasten the hardware, and continue with this step until you have a tight installation.
You can overtighten the hardware on door knockers if you’re not careful. Since that result can strip out the screws, consider hand-tightening to achieve the best results during this final step. The hardware should be loose enough to accommodate the natural swelling and contracting that occurs with the door.
