by Are you tired of your old door knob and looking for an upgrade? Or maybe you just want to change the style of your door knob for a fresh new look. Whatever the reason may be, removing an old door knob is a simple and easy process that anyone can do with the right tools and steps.
In this guide, we will walk you through how to remove an old door knob and give your door a new and fresh look.
Causes of needing to remove an old door knob
There may be various reasons why you need to remove an old door knob. It could be due to wear and tear, or damage, Over time, door knobs can become loose or stiff making it difficult to open and close the door properly. In some cases, they may even break completely, making it necessary to replace them.
Tools you will need
- Screwdriver (Phillips or flathead depending on your doorknob)
- Hammer
- Pliers
- Allen wrench (if your door knob has a set screw)
- A cloth or towel to protect the door and catch any falling pieces
A step-by-step guide to removing an old door knob
Step 1: Remove the Screws
Start by locating the screws on the doorknob. They are usually located on the interior side of the door, where the latch is. Use your screwdriver to unscrew them counterclockwise until they are loose enough to remove with your fingers.
Step 2: Remove the Knobs
Once you have removed the screws, gently pull apart both sides of the doorknob. The exterior side should come off easily, while the interior side may require some wiggling or slight force to remove it from the latch.
Step 3: Remove the Latch Plate
Next, you will need to remove the latch plate by unscrewing it from the edge of the door. A hammer and pliers may come in handy if the latch plate is stuck or difficult to remove.
Step 4: Remove the Strike Plate
The strike plate is located on the door frame and can easily be removed by unscrewing it from the frame. Use your screwdriver to unscrew it counterclockwise until it comes loose.
Step 5: Remove any Remaining Pieces
Make sure to check for any remaining pieces or screws on the door or frame. If there are any, remove them using your pliers or screwdriver.
Step 6: Clean and Prepare the Door for a New Knob
Before installing a new door knob, take some time to clean and prepare the surface of the door where the old one used to be. This will ensure a smooth and proper installation of the new knob.
How to take off the door knob without screws
It’s now not a problem in case you cannot see screws on your doorknobs out of doors. You can still eliminate it, but it’d take a little more time. There are genuinely hidden screw heads within the knob covered by using a decorative plate for athletics.
Tools and materials:
You will need the following tools and materials to do this DIY project:
- 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)
Step 1: Remove the Interior Knob
First, use a flat-head screwdriver to pry off the decorative plate on the interior side of the door knob. You may need to wiggle or gently twist it to loosen it. Once removed, you should see the mechanism that holds the knob onto the spindle.
Step 2: Pop Off the Cover Plate
Using a narrow screwdriver or paper clip, push it into the small hole on the cover plate until it catches onto something. This should release the cover plate and allow you to slide it off.
Step 3: Remove the Screws
With the cover plate removed, you should now see two screws. Use your Phillips-head screwdriver to unscrew them counterclockwise until they are loose enough to remove with your fingers.
Step 4: Take Apart the Door Knob
Once the screws are removed, gently pull apart both sides of the doorknob. The exterior side should come off easily, while the interior side may require some wiggling or slight force to remove it from the spindle.
Step 5: Unscrew the Latch Plate
Use your flat-head screwdriver to unscrew the latch plate from the edge of the door.
Step 6: Remove the Strike Plate
Lastly, remove the strike plate from the door frame using your screwdriver. And that’s it! You have successfully removed an old door knob without visible screws.
Maintenance Tips for door knobs
Now that you have successfully removed your old door knob, it’s important to take care of your new door knob to increase the longevity. Here are some maintenance tips for door knobs:
- Keep the mechanisms clean and lubricated: It is also important to clean and lubricate the door knob especially the moving parts to avoid such things as stiffness of the door knob or any problem with the door opening.
- Tighten screws and bolts: Screws and bolts can also loosen up over time especially because they are usually subjected to a lot of force. Ensure to check and tighten them often.
- Fix any issues immediately: If you notice any problems with your door knob, such as stiffness or difficulty turning the knob, address them right away to prevent further damage.
- Use gentle force when opening and closing: Avoid using excessive force when opening and closing the door, as it can cause damage to the knob.
- Replace worn-out parts: If any part of the door knob becomes too worn out or damaged, replace it immediately to ensure proper functioning of the knob.
Related: How to fix sagging exterior door
FAQs:
How do you unstick an old door knob?
If your old door knob is stuck or difficult to turn, try using some lubricant such as WD-40 to loosen it.
Why do door knobs get stuck?
Door knobs can get stuck due to wear and tear, rust or dirt buildup, or improper installation. Regular cleaning and maintenance can help prevent this issue.
Why won’t my doorknob come off?
A door knob may not come off because the screws may be too tight or perhaps the part that holds it in place is jammed. In this case, you may need to use more force or seek professional help for removal.
How do I uninstall a door lock?
To remove a door lock, you can follow the same process of removing an old door knob. It will also be necessary to unscrew the knobs, latch plate as well as strike plate. However, for a door lock that employs a key, you may also have to first unscrew the cylinder and pull it out of the lock mechanism before pulling it out completely.
Conclusion
Removing an old door knob is a simple process that anyone can do with the right tools and steps. Whether your door knob has visible screws or not, by following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily remove it and prepare for a new one. Remember to take care of your new door knob through regular maintenance and address any issues immediately to ensure its longevity
