Removing your doorknob can be trickier than you'd expect it to be. If you need help because you can't remove your door knob, we're here with a breakdown of the process to help you through the most troublesome steps.
Step 1: Removing the Actual Doorknob
We'll worry about the rest of the hardware later, but first, we must focus on the knob itself. The trick is to find the small part of metal sticking out of the doorknob. It's a little tab on the shaft part of the knob, sometimes flush with the surface, and is usually in a rectangular or circular shape. Once you find it, you need to depress it with an instrument like a flat screwdriver or a paperclip. Then you can slide the doorknob off of the base mounting assembly. Whew! Now that we've got the knob out of the way let's keep going.
Step 2: Removing the Rosette
Okay, now that the doorknob is out of the way, the rosette can be removed. You'll need to look for a little slot on the rosette, which is usually located at the bottom. Once you've found it, take a flat screwdriver and gently pry between the slot and the edge of the rosette. Do it gently, so you don't scratch your door or hardware! Be wary of paint that might have made the backplate stick to your door. Once you do this, the rosette should pop right off of the back plate. If you can't find a slot, you might have a brand where you have to twist the rosette off instead - but the same process will follow - twist, then it should pop right off.
Step 3: Removing the Back Plate
We're almost finished! The last step of the process is to remove the back plate that holds the two sides of the knob set together. Loosen the two screws, and then gently twist the back plate to remove it.
Whether you need to replace your door knob, repaint your door, or remove your door hardware for any other reason, use this step-by-step guide to take you through the process We hope this helps avoid potential frustration and gets you back to removing your doorknob in no time. If you're strugging to remove your door knobs, read on for a few reasons why it may be difficult to remove.
Why Is Your Doorknob So Difficult?
If you're running into a lot of trouble removing your doorknob, it's probably because of the type of doorknob you have. You may have a concealed screw-mounted doorknob. These are a common source of confusion or frustration because of the placement of the screws, but there are many reasons why mounting screws are placed on the other side of your door, opposite the knob. First, there's their visibility, and hiding the screws inside your door enhances your doorknob's aesthetic appeal. Secondly, if the screws were on the outside of your door alongside your doorknob, they could easily be removed by someone trying to enter your home or your room illegally. While these are great reasons to have a concealed screw-mounted door knob, it doesn't make removing it any easier.
Still having trouble? We're here to help. Give us a call at 307-886-9449, and we'll get through this together!
6 Comments
Laurie
I am trying to replace a door knob with no visible screws. I found the detent in a hole on the knob and was able to remove both knobs. I had to use the key on the outside knob while depressing the detent. The inside rose was already loose and came off easily. The outside is tight, has no small slot anywhere around the base. There are no screws under the rose on the inside, so I am assuming they are on the outside. How do I get the rose off? The inside does appear to have threads on the base of the assembly though the rose did not screw onto it. I did try to see if it did. I am at a loss. I have had to remove the latch in order for the door to open and close. I am currently securing it with the deadbolt. I have to be able to remove the existing door knob in order to replace it. Please help. I was not able to find any brand name on any part of the door knob that I accessed. The was what appeared to be a capital E that looked like it was three Es of lessening size.
Babette Murphy
I have an Interior door knob where normally there would be a little slot on the rosette, there is a Little metal wedge about the size that the slot would normally be. It will not move in out, or side to side, and the entire rosette seems completely stuck in place; it will mot bufmdge. Any ideas? Thanks!
Karen
Trying to replace door knob to laundry room. Has 2 screws - removed thinking would come out. It doesn't. Still as tight as ever. Similar knob on bathroom (off laundry so side by side) - it also has 2 screws. Removed and immediately came out no problem. It's old - 60s probably but maybe 50s - laundry was built on to an old house from 1800s. No pins or places to push to release. I've tried everything I can think of and nothing. Any suggestions?
Bonnie
Hi: We have very old (25 years) door knobs on out side doors that we want to replace. They old knobs have the recessed tabs that have worn to the point that they have disappeared and rusted. There is nothing to push in with a screwdriver and the outside knob won't pull off. We have tried WD40 in that little slot but it is really stuck. Any ideas?
Christine Whitman
I have a door knob that has no small hole, no visible screws and no visible latch. I have no idea how remove this door knob. Any thoughts?
Margie Dailey
What are my options when nothing is working to release the detent? I have tried a nail which was shown on UTube, an assortment of hexagon screwdrivers, sharp pointed metal, even tiny sharp pointed scissors...nothing is releasing the assembly.
Christian Jowett
Hello, Just read your tips on removing a brass door knob. This one has no obvious screws or slots both sides of the door spin freely: the outside and the brass that holds it in place on the inside. However, I just can’t remove it. Please help! Best wishes, Christian