How To Fit A Door Knocker

Our range of door knockers are suitable for any wooden, uPVC or composite door. The fixings we provide with each door knocker are suitable for use with composite doors, as well as traditional wooden doors. We do however recommend that you check with the manufacturer of the door, as fitting a door knocker may void the warranty.

Can I fit a door knocker to a metal door?

Sadly, if you have a metal door then fitting a door knocker becomes more complex and the style of door knocker that is suitable can be more limited. There are two types of metal doors, the first are constructed with sheet steel or aluminium and are hollow in the middle. If you have this type of metal door, then sadly you cant fit a surface mount fixing door knocker to it. This method of fixing requires a solid centre for a screw to grip onto which this type of metal door doesn't have. However, a through the door fixing in which a bolt goes all the way through the door and is attached with a nut on the interior surface of the door is suitable, meaning you could fit a dragonfly door knocker to the door. 

The second type of metal door is constructed with steel or aluminium sheets and has a solid infill. This means that the filling of your door is solid and any type of door knocker can be fitted to it, either a surface mount fixing door knocker or a through the door fixing. 

What height should I attach my door knocker?

Determining the correct height to attach your door knocker to the door is incredibly important, and often is influenced by the style of door you have. Too low or too high and it will become difficult for guests to use. Ideally, a door knocker should be fitted at eye or shoulder level, approximately 1.5 metres from the ground. This is usually possible with a solid door, however if your door has glass panes then you may have to fit the door knocker slightly lower at chest or waist height.

How do I attach my door knocker?

All of our door knockers are relatively simple to fit to your door, even if you have little or no DIY experience. Every door knocker that is available on our website is supplied with the correct fixing that is required, meaning that you don't need to rush out to your local hardware store and search for a suitable fixing! 

Our door knockers fall into two fixing types: 

• Surface mount fixing - securely screwed in from the front of the door with screws. 

• Through the door fixing - securely attached with bolts that go through the whole door. This fixing requires a hole being drilled all of the way through the door.

Surface Mount Fixing

This method of fixing involves screwing the door knocker into the door from the front, with no fixings visible from the rear side of the door. The following door knocker designs are attached using this method:

• Brass, Chrome, Nickel or Cast Iron Bumble Bee Door Knocker
• Brass, Chrome or Nickel Owl Door Knocker
• Brass, Chrome or Nickel Fox Door Knocker
• Brass Fox Cub Door Knocker
• Brass Shell Door Knocker

To fit this type of door knocker you will need the following tools:

• Pencil
• Tape measure
• Spirit level
• Electric drill with a 1-2mm drill bit
• Phillips head screwdriver

Simply follow the below steps to fit your surface mount fixing door knocker to your chosen door: 

Step One

The first step in attaching a surface mount fixing door knocker is to position the door knocker on your chosen door, ensuring that it level and at the correct height. Once in position, with a pencil, mark a dot on the door through each of the screw holes so that you have a visual marking on the door of where the knocker will be fixed.

Step Two

The next step is to drill small guide holes where you have marked on the door. These holes will ensure the screws go into the door easily without damaging the door's surface. You will require an electric drill and a 1-2mm drill bit. Be careful not to drill all the way through the door, for this type of door knocker you should have no visible fixings or holes on the rear side of the door. 

Step Three

Place the door knocker back into your chosen position on the door and using the screws provided, screw the door knocker into the door. Ensure that the screws are tight and the door knocker is securely attached before letting go!

Step Four

Now, step back and admire your new door knocker! 

Through The Door Fixing

Fitting a through the door fixing door knocker is slightly more complex. This method of fixing involves drilling holes all the way through your door and bolting the door knocker into position from the inside of the door. This type of door knocker results in the fixings being visible inside the property. Although this type of door knocker is more 'difficult' to fit than its surface mount counterpart, it is generally more secure and there are no fixings visible from the outside. The following knocker designs are attached using this method:

• Brass, Chrome and Nickel Dragonfly

To fit this type of door knocker you will need the following tools:

• Pencil
• Tape measure
• Spirit level
• Electric drill with an appropriate size drill bit
• Spanner or wrench

Simply follow the below steps to fit your through the door fixing door knocker to your chosen door:

Step One

The first step in attaching a through the door fixing door knocker is measure the spacing between the fixing positions on the door knocker. For our Dragonfly door knockers, you will require two holes; one for the door knocker itself and one for the striking plate. Once you have this measurement, select your chosen location for the knocker on your door and using a pencil, mark a dot on the door where each bolt will be located. 

Step Two

Using an electric drill and an appropriate sized drill bit, drill holes all the way through the door. Once you have completed this step, clean the holes that have been created so that they are free of dust and wood shavings. 

Step Three

Place the striking plate bolt provided with your door knocker through the correct hole, ensuring that the nut is on the inside of the door. Next screw the bolt into your striking plate to securely attach it to the door. Once the striking plate is securely fitted to the door, insert the second bolt into the designated hole and screw it into the door knocker. Use a wrench or spanner to tighten all bolts. 

Step Four

Now, step back and admire your new door knocker! 

Need more help?

If you have purchased a door knocker from Coates & Warner, shortly after placing your order you'll receive an email from us with additional fitting instructions. If you've fitted your door knocker and its in need of a clean, read our door knocker cleaning guide for a step by step guide to ensure you protect and maintain its finish! However if you require any further assistance with fitting your new door knocker, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us and a member of our friendly team will guide you through your installation either via email or over the phone.