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How to Install a Door Knocker

Dressing up your door is easy. We spell it out in a few easy steps. Depending on the model you choose, your doorknocker will require either surface or through-the-door mounting. With some chutzpah and a power drill, you can install it yourself. Here's how to do each type.

Note: Be sure to follow doorknocker manufacturer's instructions precisely, and do not follow these unless they match the manufacturer's.

1. Mark the mounting site.
   Stand outside the closed door and determine where you want to position the knocker vertically (you'll want to hang the door knocker between eye and shoulder level). Then measure the door from side to side to find its horizontal center. Use a pencil to mark your spot.
2. Place the knocker.
   Surface-mount knockers usually have two holes in them, through which you'll insert wood screws. Center the knocker on the X and use your pencil to mark the two places where the screws will pierce the wood.
3. Start the screws.
   Remove the knocker from the door. Place the pointed tip of one screw on one of the pierce spots; use a manual screwdriver to drive the screw one or two turns into the wood. Unscrew it and repeat on the other spot. This will make it easier to mount the door knocker just where you want it.
4. Install the door knocker.
   Place the knocker on the door, lining up its holes with those you've started in the wood. One at a time, insert the screws into the starter divots and turn with your screwdriver until they just hold. Adjust the knocker so it sits where you want it. For an easy finish, use a power drill with a screwdriver attachment to drive the screws into the door.
   Note: Slowly! Too fast and you could strip the screw-heads or mar your knocker's finish.

1. Measure your door's thickness.
   Mounting a doorknocker requires at least one all-thread bolt-the kind without a head-that is ½" longer than the door is thick (a typical outside door is 1¾" thick). If your doorknocker doesn't include bolts, or if those that come with it are too short, buy new ones from a hardware store. If the bolts you have are too long, you can cut them to size using a hacksaw
2. Mark the mounting site.
3. Drill your holes through the door.
   Using a power drill with a bit slightly larger than the bolts, bore a hole straight through the door at the place where you've marked. If your knocker requires two bolts, drill the second hole as well. Standing on a sturdy stepladder will help you hold the tool straight if you're drilling above eye level.
4. Install the doorknocker.
   Once the latch is in place, attach the mounting plates.
   1. Put the two short screws through the small holes in the exterior mounting plate. The head of the screws should be on the side of the mounting plate that will face away from the door. It says "Gainsborough Australia."
   2. Attach the screw posts to these short screws on the opposite side of the mounting plate.
   3. Thread the screw posts through the latch mechanism in the door. The exterior mounting plate should be flush with the door.
   4. Hold the interior mounting plate against the inside of the door. Position it so the two small holes in the plate are aligned with the screw posts coming through the door.
   5. Thread the long screws through the small holes in the mounting plate and into the screw posts. This will affix the interior and exterior mounting plates to the door

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