Emtek square knob installation is easier than you might think. With just a few simple steps, you'll have your new hardware installed in no time—no fancy tools or professional skills required. After doing one or two, you’ll be cranking through the rest like a seasoned pro.
What You’ll Need
Before you get started, gather your tools. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Hammer
- Sharp 1" Chisel
- Pencil
- Phillips Screwdriver
Step 1: Prep the Door for the Latch
First, make sure your door is ready for the new hardware. Most standard doors come prepped from the factory with a 2 1/8" bore hole for the knob and a 1" cross bore for the latch. But here’s the catch: the cross bore usually isn’t mortised for the latch faceplate, so you’ll need to take care of that yourself.
What Type of Latch Do You Have?
Emtek hardware comes with square corner latches by default, but you have options:
- Square Corner Latch (Standard): Easiest to install with basic chiseling.
- Rounded Corner Latch: Available upon request if your door is already prepped for rounded corners.
- Drive-In Latch: Perfect for doors without any mortise prep—just slide it in and you're done.
For this installation, we’re using square corner faceplates, so let’s mark the door where we need to chisel.
Step 2: Mortise for the Latch Faceplate
Using a sharp chisel, carefully carve out a recess on the door edge, about 1/8” deep—just enough for the latch faceplate to sit flush. A sharp chisel is key here; the cleaner the cut, the better the final look.
Pro Tip: Take your time with this step. A rushed job can lead to an uneven surface, making the latch sit awkwardly.
Step 3: Install the Latch
Now that the mortise is done, it’s time to install the latch.
- Insert the latch into the hole on the door edge.
- Secure it with the screws provided in the box.
Make sure the latch is facing the correct way—the sloped side should face the door frame so the door latches smoothly when closed.
Step 4: Attach the Door Knob
Now it's time to install the knob.
- Line up the two halves of the doorknob on either side of the door, making sure the spindles align through the latch.
- Secure the knobs with the provided screws.
- If your knob has a square backplate, double-check that it’s perfectly perpendicular to the door edge before fully tightening.
Heads Up: Some Emtek modern door knobs come with Allen head screws, while others use Phillips head screws. Either way, don’t overtighten—just make sure everything is snug and secure.
Step 5: Install the Strike Plate
The strike plate is what the latch catches onto in the door frame.
- Line up the strike plate with the latch hole on the frame.
- Screw it into place. If your strike plate has square corners but your frame has rounded prep, just chisel out the corners a bit for a snug fit.
Fine-Tuning for a Perfect Fit
After installation, close the door and check for any movement when latched. If the door feels loose, grab a flathead screwdriver and bend the tab inside the strike plate inward slightly. This will create a snugger fit.
That’s It! You’re Done!
You’ve successfully installed your Emtek door knob. Now, step back and admire your handiwork. If you’re installing multiple knobs, you’ll breeze through the rest in no time! Shop for a new Emtek square door knob now and upgrade your doors today!
See Also:
- Emtek Hardware
- Emtek Door Levers
- Emtek Deadbolts
- Emtek Doorknobs
- Emtek Handlesets
