by Jerry Watson

Created on: August 08, 2009

How To Remove a Doorknob

Irrespective of knob type or shape, doorknobs fit into two basic categories: exterior knobs and interior knobs. Fortunately, you remove both types using the same basic steps. You remove the doorknobs from both sides by removing screws in the escutcheon also called a rose, or the clamp plate under the knob, then remove the latch or bolt assembly.

To remove interior doorknobs

1) Using a pointed object like an ice pick, a small slot blade screwdriver, or a nail set, depress the detent or tab in the stem of the doorknob. You may have to look underneath the knob itself toward the door to find this small depression. Sometimes you can rotate the knob to find it instead of standing on your head.

2) While holding the tab or detent in with the sharp object, pull the knob straight toward you and it will slide off the actuating stem.

3) Grasp the trim ring around the actuating stem and twist it 1/8 turn to remove it. It will only turn one way so if it will not turn in one direction, try the opposite. Pull the trim ring, or rose, straight toward you to slide it off the actuating stem as you did the knob. You can also use a very small thin bladed screwdriver to pry it loose from the door but you risk damage to the door finish in doing so.

4) Unscrew the two screws holding the base plate or clamping plate in place. Some base plates rotate after loosening the screws so that the screw heads pass through a key hole slot as you pull the base plate free. On other base plates, you have to remove the screws.

5) Now, pull the doorknob assembly and actuating stem on the opposite side free of the door.

To remove exterior doorknobs

1) The removal for these doorknobs is basically the same as for interior doorknobs.

2) Remove the two screws that go through the trim plate or rose on the interior side of the doorknob.

3) Pull the interior doorknob free of the latch or bolt assembly and exterior doorknob.

4) The exterior doorknob assembly will usually pull free of the door at this point. You may have to wiggle it to work it free of the bolt or latch assembly.

5) You may have to depress the end of the latch or bolt while extracting the exterior doorknob.

6) Now you can remove the two screws that hold the latch or bolt in place, work the latch or bolt assembly free of the door, and pull it straight out.

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