Whether it’s broken, stuck, or merely old and you want to replace it, the process of removing a door knob without screws may seem complicated. Fortunately, this is a fairly simple task if you take a moment to orient yourself and put in a little effort. Many contemporary door knobs and locks use hidden mounting screws for a cleaner look.
Main Topics
How to Remove a Door Knob With No Screws
Even though it doesn’t have visible screws, your project is completely doable. Also, the process for removing the door knob is basically the same for a commercial door as it is for your bathroom door, and the following steps will explain how.
What Tools Are Required to Remove a Door Knob Without Screws
The list of necessary supplies is short. In most situations, you will only require one or two of the following:
Hex-head wrench (also called an Allen wrench)
Paperclip
Phillips screwdriver
Small flathead screwdriver
The tool you need depends on the door knob you are removing. It is a good idea to assess the situation before you begin the project to determine what you need. All of them are available at any hardware or home supply store.
1. Examine the Door Knob
Depending on the door knob, you may find a thin slot, a hole, or a recessed hex-head screw. If you don’t immediately see it, look at the shaft.
2. Use the Appropriate Tool to Remove the Door Knob
If there is a small hole, you can use a paperclip or thin Phillips screwdriver to press the release mechanism and you can remove the knob. If there is a thin slot, you will use a flat-head screwdriver to gently pry off the door handle. With a recessed hex-head screw, you will use your Allen wrench to turn the screw counterclockwise, remove it and pull off the knob.
3. Remove the Faceplate
Generally you will use the same tool to then remove the faceplate exposing the mounting screws.
4. Remove the Mounting Screws
The mounting screws secure the latch mechanism and lock to the door. Check the head to determine which screwdriver you should use. If it has a single groove, use a flat-head screwdriver. If there is a crossed groove, use a Phillips. With just a few counterclockwise twists, you can easily dismantle the remaining hardware from the door.
Note: When removing a Kwikset door knob without visible screws, it’s important to realize that it is a bit different than doing so with an ordinary door knob. Locate an angle on the outside door knob that you are able to use a sharp object to pry. Pry the faceplate and you will see a lever. By pushing the lever down, you will release the knob.
How Do You Choose the Right Door Knob?
Door knobs, levers, and locks are made with different purposes in mind. Therefore, they are assigned grades to specify their durability and strength. For outside doors, where you want to ensure trespassers can’t easily enter, you should choose no less than a grade 2 lock.
Common Questions You May Have
Although the process of removing a door knob is relatively straightforward, you may encounter aspects you didn’t expect. Perhaps you have additional questions.
How Do You Remove a Door Knob With Visible Screws?
The majority of doors have one to three visible screws either on the faceplate or the neck of the knob. This makes removing the door knob easier. Use either a Philips or flat head screwdriver to remove the screw. If you want to replace the door knob, remove the latch mechanism.
What If Your Door Knob Has a Faceplate Without Screws?
Look for a small notch where the faceplate meets the door. Use a flat-head screwdriver to carefully pry off the plate. If there’s no notch, turn the plate counterclockwise either by hand or with a wrench to loosen it. Slide it away from the door to access the mounting screws behind it.
Turn the screws counterclockwise and pull them out releasing the handles and the spindle. You can remove the screws on the side of the door over the plate to remove the entire mechanism.
In Conclusion
It’s important to understand that the process for removing a locked doorknob or a door lever, rather than a knob, is the same. For some people, removing a latch, lever, lock, or door knob without screws may seem challenging, especially since doing it improperly could result in damage to the door. With a little preparation and knowledge, however, you can easily accomplish this task. Plus, after doing it once, your confidence will grow and future DIY jobs will seem less daunting.
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