How to Change the Backset on a Door Latch

Most door latches on the market today are adjustable, so that you can change the backset between 2-3/8" and 2-3/4". This brief article will explain how to adjust the backset on a door latch. This method is applicable to all Designers Impressions door knobs and levers, as well as most Callan door knobs and levers. It may also apply to other brands, depending on the configuration of the door latch.

 

What is a "Backset"?

The backset of a door knob or lever is the distance from the edge of the door to the center of the door knob or lever.

 

The vast majority of residential doors are prepped with a 2-3/8" backset (while most commercial doors are prepped for a 2-3/4" backset).

 

 

How to Measure the Backset for Door Hardware

Since the door most likely will already have a hole drilled for the door knob or lever (called the "hole-bore"), you can not measure to the exact center-point of where the door hardware will be installed.

To measure the backset, follow these steps:

1. Measure from the door edge to the nearest point of the hole-bore.
2. Measure from the door edge to the furthest point of the hole-bore.
3. Calculate the midpoint of those two numbers.

In almost all cases, the midpoint number should be either 2-3/8" or 2-3/4".

 

 

How to Adjust the Backset of the Door Latch

 

Locate the tab on the top of the door latch

Depress the tab

 

Depress the latch bolt

 

Pull the latch horizontally to extend to a 2-3/4" backset*

 

 

Here is a video showing the procedure in full: