How to Remove Door Knob With & Without Screws? (Step-By-Step Tutorial)

Removing a doorknob might look like a tricky task, but with the right guides, you can get this out within a few minutes. Most doorknobs are held by visible mounting screws, but if you can see one, consider checking the neck of the knob for a slot.

For door knobs that don’t have slots, you might have to remove the cover plate at the back of the knob. If you can take off the cover plate, you should find removable mounting screws that hold the knob.

Tools Required for Removing Door Knobs

• Hex-head wrench
• Small flathead screwdriver
• Phillips screwdriver

How to Remove Door Knobs with Visible Screws

Step 1. Examine the Door for Exposed Screws

Most doors come with 1 to 3 visible screws. While learning how to remove door knob, you will find these fasteners on the part of the door that does not hold the keyhole. Check the top of the cover plate (that goes around the knob) or the neck of the knob for the screws.

If you still can’t find the visible screws, you might have to loosen or push a buried fastener on the doorknob’s neck.

Step 2. Unscrew the Mounting Screws and Remove the Knobs

After finding the exposed screws, use a flat head or Philip screwdriver to remove them from the doorknob. Naturally, a screwdriver that matches the head of the screw is the best tool for this job. Use the screwdriver by inserting it into the head and rotate with counterclockwise movements.

It is easy to misplace a screw. So, if you want to reuse this item, keep the loosened screws in a secure place.

Now that the mounting screws have come off, the knobs and levers will leave the latch without any hiccups. To remove the knobs, pull them in opposite directions to slip out of the assembly. But ensure to keep these fittings in a safe place.

Step 3. Work on the Latch Mechanism

If you plan to install a fresh knob, take out the latch mechanism. Then look for the screws that keep the latch plate secure. When you find them, whip out a flat-headed screwdriver and take out the screws. Since you have removed the plate, it can come off quickly through the door’s side.

How to Remove a Door Knob with Cover Plate

Step 1. Remove the Cover Plate

how to remove door knob without exposed fasteners involves examining the cover plate for a tiny cut out. When you find one, push the flat-headed screwdriver into the gap and carefully remove the plate.

There are various shapes of cover plates, so the process on how to remove the door knob might be different. The shape of these cover plates depends on the design of the doorknob itself. When you take out the cover plate, you will find the screws that secure the knob.

Step 2. Rotate the Cover Plate in a Counterclockwise Movements

Do you have a round cover plate that blocks the notch? Loosen the cover plate in a counterclockwise fashion with your hand or wrench.

After the cover plate comes off, move it along the knob’s neck and check for the mounting screws behind.

Step 3. Find and Unscrew any Hidden Screws

If the doorknob remains secured, inserting a screwdriver between the plate and screws comes as a tough task. Confirm if the faceplate hides any slot that sports buried screws. If you find the slot, remove the knob by pushing in a paper clip or removing a small screw.

Some knob designs offer exposed slots that free the exterior knob. Behind their cover plates, these models include screws that keep the internal parts in place.

Unscrew the fasteners hidden by the cover plate. You should rotate the mounting screws with counterclockwise movements and extract them from the door. At this point, the handles and spindles will become loose.

Step 4. Take Out the Latch Plate with the Latch Bolt

Since you want to remove the entire lock, you need to know how to remove the door knob latch. Begin by taking out the screws that hold the plate to the door. As soon as the latch plate is free, gently remove it and the mechanism underneath.

How to Remove a Door Knob without Screws

Expensive doorknobs and locks boast of a design that keeps the mounting screws hidden. When you take a close look at these models, you might think that the knob is stuck to the door itself. To avoid confusion, experts recommend that you have a perfect idea of the knob you want to work on. The reason is that if you don’t know how to remove the door knob properly, you might end up damaging it.

Step 1. Look for the Hidden Slot

Since your door offers hidden screws, head to the lever/knob’s neck and check for a tiny hole. If you meet one, you will have to hit a button or unscrew a tiny screw that stays inside the hole. After taking these actions, the handle will become loose.

On some models, you might not easily find a screw head. You can handle this problem by inserting a straightened paper clip – or any other tool – into the hole. As you place the clip into the slot, carefully pull the doorknob.

Step 2. Take Out any Hidden Screw

Does the top of the screw head match a Philips or flat head screwdriver? If yes, pick the compatible one that is preferably in a small size, and then loosen the screw. With a few counterclockwise movements, the handle should become free.

When the handle is loose, pull it out from the door. Does the spindle for the knobs still feel stuck? If this is the case, head to the back of the knob and pry out the cover plate that keeps the mounting screws.

Step 3. Tackle Hex – Head Screws with Allen Wench

An Allen wrench is the best tool for removing hex – head screws. Pick the one in the size that will pass through the hole smoothly. Most hardware stores stock up this tool in various sizes. So, if you want to learn how to remove a door handle without visible screws, try Getting a mini set of Allen wrench.

Conclusion

Knowing how to remove the doorknob stands as a daunting task for homeowners. But if you know the right steps to take, this task does not require much work and time. As you should know, the process on how to change a door handle with hidden screws involves extra care as any errors might lead to a damaged knob or handle.

With the above-mentioned guide, you should know how to remove a locked doorknob and how to remove the doorknob without screws.

We hope this post will help you carry out your project correctly. If you have any questions, feel free to drop them in the box below.