RELIABILT Door Knobs
RELIABILT door knobs in round and egg-shaped designs for passage, privacy, and dummy applications.
RELIABILT door knobs are the most affordable round-knob option at Lowe's, starting at $8 for individual passage knobs and $5-8 per knob in multi-packs. Available in round (traditional) and egg-shaped (transitional) profiles. All knobs use a standard 2-1/8" bore hole and fit doors 1-3/8" to 1-3/4" thick. Three finishes: satin nickel, matte black, aged bronze. The round knob is the best seller for whole-house hardware upgrades where budget matters.
Available functions include passage (no lock), privacy (interior push-button lock), dummy (no latch, surface-mounted), and keyed entry (key-operated lock). Each function uses the same exterior appearance so all doors in the house look uniform regardless of lock type.
Round vs Egg-Shaped Knobs
| Round Knob | Classic sphere shape. Most affordable. Easy to grip. Works with every interior style from traditional to modern. |
| Egg-Shaped Knob | Oval profile, slightly more contemporary. Same price as round in most cases. Better grip for wet hands (bathrooms). |
Both styles use the same internal mechanism and fit the same bore holes. The choice is purely aesthetic.
How to Choose RELIABILT Door Knobs
Start by counting the doors in your home and categorizing each by function. Passage knobs (no lock) are for hallways, closets, and open rooms. Privacy knobs (push-button or turn lock on the interior side) are for bedrooms and bathrooms. Dummy knobs (no latch, surface-mounted) are for closet doors that use magnetic or ball catches.
All RELIABILT door knobs fit a standard 2-1/8" bore hole and work with doors 1-3/8" to 1-3/4" thick. If your doors already have bore holes from previous hardware, any RELIABILT knob will drop right in. For new doors without holes, you will need a hole saw kit (2-1/8" for the face bore and 1" for the edge bore).
Pick one finish for the entire house. Mixing satin nickel in the kitchen with matte black in the bedrooms creates a disjointed look. If you need keyed locks on exterior-facing doors, add individual keyed-entry knobs in the same finish, or use knob-deadbolt combo sets for one-key convenience.
For whole-house upgrades on a budget, contractor packs bring the per-knob cost down to $5-8. Count your doors, decide on passage vs privacy for each, and order packs accordingly. Buy a few extras for future replacements.
Quick Installation Tips
For replacement jobs, remove the old knob by locating the release slot or detent on the interior knob. Press it with a flathead screwdriver to release the knob from the spindle. Remove the rose plate screws, pull out the old latch, and reverse the process with the new RELIABILT knob.
For new doors without bore holes, use a 2-1/8" hole saw for the face bore and a 1" spade bit for the edge bore. Mark the height at 36" from the floor (standard knob height). Use the template included in the RELIABILT packaging to align both holes precisely.
After installing, test the door by closing it slowly to confirm the latch engages the strike plate smoothly. If the latch misses the strike plate, adjust the plate position rather than forcing the door. A properly aligned latch clicks into place with no resistance.
Common Problems and Fixes
| Knob wobbles or feels loose | Tighten the two screws on the interior rose plate. If screws are stripped, replace with slightly longer #6 screws. On through-bolt designs, hold the exterior knob steady while tightening from inside. |
| Latch does not retract | The latch bolt may be installed upside down. Remove the latch, flip it so the angled face points toward the strike plate when the door closes, and reinstall. |
| Door does not latch shut | The strike plate is misaligned. Loosen the strike plate screws, close the door to find the correct position, and re-secure. Filing the strike plate opening slightly can also help. |
| Privacy lock stuck | Insert a flathead screwdriver or the emergency key (thin rod included with privacy knobs) into the small hole on the exterior side and push to release the lock. |
Long-Term Care for Door Knobs
Clean knobs with a soft cloth dampened with warm water and mild soap. Avoid abrasive cleaners, steel wool, or chemical sprays, as these damage the finish. For satin nickel and aged bronze, a microfiber cloth removes fingerprints without scratching.
Once a year, apply a small drop of graphite lubricant or silicone spray into the latch mechanism through the edge of the door. This keeps the spring action smooth and prevents sticking. Do not use WD-40 as a long-term lubricant because it attracts dust and eventually gums up the mechanism.
Check mounting screws annually. Door knobs loosen over time from daily use. A quick quarter-turn with a screwdriver prevents wobble and premature wear on the internal spindle.
If the finish begins to show wear from heavy use, avoid trying to repaint or refinish the knob. Replacement knobs are inexpensive enough that swapping the worn unit for a new one is faster and looks better than any touch-up attempt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace a Kwikset or Schlage knob with a RELIABILT knob without redrilling?
Yes. All three brands use the standard 2-1/8" bore hole and 2-3/8" or 2-3/4" backset. RELIABILT knobs include an adjustable latch that fits both backset sizes, so they drop into existing holes with no modifications.
What is the difference between passage, privacy, and dummy knobs?
Passage knobs have a latch but no lock, used for hallways and closets. Privacy knobs add a push-button or turn lock on the inside, used for bedrooms and bathrooms. Dummy knobs have no latch or lock at all and mount with surface screws, used on closet doors with separate catches.
Are RELIABILT door knobs sold as singles or pairs?
Individual knobs are sold as a complete set for one door (interior and exterior knob, latch, strike plate). Contractor packs bundle multiple complete sets (4, 6, or 10) at a lower per-unit price.
For lever-style hardware instead of knobs, see door handles. Pair knobs with matching deadbolt combo sets for exterior doors. Buy in bulk with contractor packs for the best per-unit price. Compare with Kwikset in our hardware comparison.