What Size Hole Saw For Door Knob? [Answered]

Every door has a doorknob of some sort. You have made or bought the perfect door. However, it would be best if you also had a doorknob that works well with it. 

Selecting the right hole saw for the job could make or break your door. The right hole saw depends on the type, quality, and make of the door you wish to install the doorknob. Now isn’t that a real headache?

This article takes you on a journey of installing the right doorknobs. It talks about selecting the hole saw, drilling holes in the door, and what tools to use for cutting. 

Keep reading to help you get started on solving that hole saw headache.

So What Size Hole Saw For Door Knob?

The standard size hole saw for a door knob is 2 1/8 inches. 

Although this standard size, not every door follows the same specifications. The common thickness of a door is about 1 3/4 inches. 

In cases where you have thick doors, the specification for the hole size might change. Older doors are generally less thick than modern doors. Therefore, when changing door knobs, you would want to use smaller hole saws.

How do you cut a hole in a metal door knob?

Cutting a hole in a metal door is a tedious job. But with some useful tools and guidance, you can do this job easily.

So here is the guideline for you:

Step 1

Put the metal door on a sturdy surface or saw horses. An example of a sturdy surface is your workbench.

Step 2

Position the doorknob template on the edge of the door where you wish to install it. Take measurements to ensure you have to correct position. Trace the template of the door knob onto the surface of the metal door. Then, repeat the process on the other side and for your door latch.

Step 3

Make a small hole or dimple at the center, where the drill would go. The dimple helps steady the drill and ensures it doesn’t wander about it while drilling. Repeat the process on the other side

Step 4

Set up your drill.  Attach the hole saw to the drill. Your 2 1/8 hole saw should go along with your 1/2 inch drill. You should connect the hole saw’s mandrel to the drill’s chuck arbor. Doing this would secure it tightly, preventing accidents. Always ensure the hole saw is locked in place.

Step 5

Place the pilot drill on the small hole or dent you made earlier. Power up your drill, holding firmly, and start drilling. Drill till the pilot comes out at the other side of the door. When this happens, stop and remove the saw.

Step 6

Repeat this drilling process on the other side of the door. Just like in the previous step, use the pilot as your guide. Do this until you have completely sawed through the metal door and the hole is ready for your doorknob.

Step 7

Switch the hole saw and drill bit to the appropriate size for your door latch. Drill till the dimple on the door latch till all the holes connect.

Step 8

Using a metal file, file the edges of the cut hole. It would remove every imperfection. After filing, spray a primer to prevent rusting as well.

How do you drill a door knob?

Drilling is a door that may require while making the hole for the door knob. Also, there are other purposes why you need drilling for. With the following steps, you can do this job easily.

First, at the edge of the door, use tape to measure three feet from the bottom of the door. That spot is where the door knob goes.

Then, install the hole saw jig on the door.

Make sure you set the backset measurement to about 2 3/4 inches. The measurement might vary depending on the style of the door.

Power up your drill

• Attach a 2 1/8 hole saw to your drill, then point it towards the center of the jig.

• Now start drilling until the center bit punches a hole through the door. Stop. And repeat the process on the other side of the door. Do this till you finish the process.

Change the hole saw to 1 inch. 

• Use it to drill through the edge of the door, creating an area or a hole for the door latch. Ensure the drill is perpendicular to the door edge. Then remove the Jig. Place the latch plate on the door’s edge and screw the latch to the door using your drill. Using a pencil, outline it. Remove the latch plate. Using a hammer and a chisel, remove the wood inside the outline. Add your door knob and latch assembly, and make sure they seat perfectly.

How do you make a door knob hole bigger?

Sometimes it might happen that the knob hole that you made is smaller than the requirement. Making a door knob hole bigger is very simple. You just need the right tool and some guidance. Here is a simple step-by-step guide for you. 

Step 1

Measure the existing hole.

Carve out a piece of 1/2 inch plywood with the same measurements

Step 2

Using the two pieces of plywood, clamp the circles on either side of the door.

Make sure they line up with the holes on the doors.

Step 3

Select the hole saw that matches your new hole’s size on your door.

Power up your drill and attach the hole saw to it. Position your pilot bit over the space you want your new hole to be.

Step 4

Drill till your pilot bit comes out through the wood.

Stop and repeat the process on the other side until you cut through the door.

Step 5

Make sure the latch fits with the new hole. 

Install the locks.

What you need to Consider Choosing a Door Knob Hole Size

Door preparation	The type of door preparation needed for the knob will depend on the type of knob being installed. For the sake of example: a cross bore may be needed for a knob with a separate deadbolt
Door thickness	It will determine the size of the bore hole needed for the knob. A thickness of 1 3/8 inches is standard for interior doors, while 1 3/4 inches is standard for exterior doors
Plate size	The size of the plate also need to be considered. The plate should cover the existing hole in the door and provide a secure base for the knob

What do you use to cut a door knob hole?

We have gone through the cutting of the door knob hole. It is pretty easy, right?

For emphasis and the first-timers or beginners, we will itemize the tools you would need. 

Metal and wooden doors differ a little in the tools used.

Cutting a door knob hole in a metal door?

Tools you would need to cut your hole

• Hole saws
• Drilling machine (1/2 inch)
• Doorknob template
• Files
• Primer
• Door knob template

Cutting a hole in a wooden door

Tools you would need

• Jig
• Drill (1/2 inch)
• Latch plate
• Hammer and Chisel
• Hole saw
• Spade bit

Is there a standard door knob size?

There is no standard door knob size. Door knobs can come in various shapes, sizes, and colors. However, there is a standard hole size to which most door handles adhere.

The number one rule when getting a door handle is to ensure the hole diameter matches your door knob.

Are door handles universal?

No. Door knobs or door handles are not universal. However, there aren’t a lot of differences or variety in sizes.

Door knobs can be short, large, or sleek. There are a few things you would need to consider when getting your door knob. They are:

• Backset
• Quality of the door knob
• Hole size

FAQ

Conclusion

Door knobs are fairly essential to the door. Without a door knob, do you have a door? Just as the doorknob is essential to the door, so is the hole saw to the doorknob.

Without your hole saw, it would be difficult to create door knob holes for the door knobs.

A couple of “how-to steps” are mentioned in the article. These steps are guidelines that would help you install doorknobs and, ultimately, door knobs on metal and wooden doors. Giving you the ultimate experience.