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Are you tired of that old, broken knob? Ready to make some aesthetic upgrades? Removing a door knob is a simple DIY task that most homeowners can make in less than an hour with just a few tools. Our simple step-by-step guide explains how to remove a door knob with and without visible screws.
How To Remove Your Door Knob if You Can See Screws
With only two tools, you can easily remove a door knob with visible screws in a few simple steps. However, an optional drill or electric screwdriver will speed up the process.
Tools & Supplies:
- Flat-Head Screwdriver (Also Called Straight or Slotted)
- Phillips-Head Screwdriver (Shaped Like an x Or +)
- Drill or Electric Screwdriver (Optional)
1. Remove the Screws
Start by taking out the screws on the interior side of the door knob. Most knobs have two screws, one on either side of the cylinder. However, some models might have as many as three or as few as one. Remove the final screw carefully for the doorknob doesn’t fall out of the door.
2. Pull the Door Knob Apart
Once the screws are out, you can simply pull the entire knob apart. Holding one knob in each hand, pull them away from each other. In most cases, they will come apart easily. However, the exterior side knob can get stuck on the latch. Turn the knob back and forth as you pull it out of the door. The twisting motion is usually enough to free it from the latch.
3. Take Out the Latch
Next, remove the latch assembly. Remove the two screws and then pull the mechanism out of the door. If the latch sticks, tap the latch mechanism with your screwdriver to loosen it. For stubborn latches, slide the screwdriver into the cylinder hole in the latch and pull towards you until it comes free. Then remove the screwdriver and pull it out of the door.
4. Unscrew the Strike Plate
Finally, unscrew the strike plate from the door jamb. Also called the latch plate, you may also need to pry it out with a screwdriver. Stick your screwdriver into the latch hole in the plate and pry outward to prevent scratching the plate or damaging the door jamb.
How To Remove a Door Knob That Doesn’t Have Screws
It’s not a problem if you cannot see screws on your doorknob’s outside. You can still remove it, but it might take a little more time. There are actually hidden screw heads inside the knob covered by a decorative plate for athletics.
Tools & Supplies:
- Flat-Head Screwdriver (Also Called Straight or Slotted)
- Phillips-Head Screwdriver (Shaped Like an x Or +)
- Narrow Screwdriver or a Paper Clip
- Drill or Electric Screwdriver (Optional)
1. Remove the Interior Knob
If your door knob does not have visible screws, start by finding the small hole in the cylinder. Use either a narrow screwdriver or a paper clip to press the release pin inside the hole. While pressing the pin in with one hand, use the other to pull the door knob off. If it doesn’t come off right away, try pressing the knob in first or twisting as you pull.
2. Pop Off the Cover Plate
Next, you need to take off the cover plate. Also called the rose, this is the decorative cover plate that hides the screws and inner door mechanism. Look for the release tab on the plate and use a flathead screwdriver to pop it off the door knob.
3. Remove the Screws
With the cover plate out of the way, removing the doorknob screws from the mounting plate is easy. Most mounting assemblies have two screws, but some models may have more or less. Carefully remove the screws so the door knob doesn’t fall out of the door.
4. Take Apart the Door Knob
Then take the doorknob apart. Hold the mounting plate in one hand and pull the exterior knob out of the door with the other. If the knob sticks, twist the knob to loosen the latch assemble and it will come free.
5. Unscrew the Latch
Unscrew the latch assembly and pull the latch out of the door. Most knob latches have two screws. If the latch plate sticks in the door, you can pry it out with a screwdriver. Put the screwdriver into the cylinder hole in the latching mechanism and pull towards you until it pops out.
6. Remove the Strike Plate
Finally, remove the strike plate in the door jamb. Unscrew the screws and pull the plate out of the door. While it will usually come out easily, use a screwdriver to pry it free if it’s stuck.
How To Check if Your Doorknob Has Visible Screws
There are two ways to remove a door knob, depending on whether or not you have visible screws. If you don’t immediately see screws, you can still replace your doorknob. In most cases, it only takes a quick check to determine which type of knob you have.
First, you need to find the interior door knob. In most cases, this is inside whatever room that door closes off. On locking doorknobs, this is always the opposite of where you put the key. Then look for screws in the rose. The rose is the faceplate behind the knob that connects to the door.
If you don’t see screws in the rose, look for a small hole in the cylinder between the doorknob and the rose. Also called the tumbler, the cylinder runs through the door knob. The hole is your release for non-screw doorknob styles.
It is easiest to check for both with the door open. Sit on the ground and use your legs to hold the door steady. This is often a more comfortable position for changing a doorknob than kneeling or standing.
Door knobs with screws are still sold today, but models without visible screws have become increasingly popular over the last several decades. Doorknobs with hidden set screws are considered more stylish and are often used on interior doors.
If you don’t have the time or the tools to replace your door knob, we have experts across the country that can help. Find your local Best Pick® handyman now! You get the best research, the best recommendations, and the Best Pick Guarantee® – up to $2500 back if you are not completely satisfied!