Difficulty
Beginner
Duration
Under 2 hours
Need to replace a door knob to update your door or remove one that's broken or stuck? You'll have to first disassemble and remove the existing one. This simple task can be done in less than an hour and only requires a few tools. Use this guide and see how to take off a door knob. Plus, learn how to remove a door knob with hidden screws.
Assess Your Door Knob
First, you'll need to figure out what type of door knob you have. This will help you purchase the right type of door knob for your exterior or interior door.
- There are four types of door knobs used in the home: entrance or keyed entry knobs (used on exterior doors), dummy door knobs (used on shallow closet doors), privacy door knobs (used in bedrooms and bathrooms) and passage door knobs (used for closets doors.)
- Once you have identified your door knob, purchase a replacement door knob.
Locate the Door Knob Screws
- The next step to removing your door knob is to identify where the screws are located.
- Many knob mounts are designed to conceal the screws for a more streamlined look, so you may have to look closely. Inspect the top, base and along the sides for an opening.
- If you see a small pinhole or slot instead of conventional screw holes, this means your knob has a hidden lever which is also known as a detent.
Unscrew Your Door Knob
- Begin by holding the door knob securely in place.
- Using a Philips-head screwdriver, turn counterclockwise to unscrew a knob with standard hex-head screws.
- If your knob has a pinhole or small slot opening, use a flathead screwdriver to push it inward. A paperclip or small pin can also be used if the screwdriver is too big.
Remove Your Door Knob
After you’ve unscrewed or loosened the latch, tug on the door knob until it pops out of place or disengages from the base, also known as the rose.
How to Remove a Door Knob Without Screws or a Latch
- Locate the hole underneath the doorknob shaft. You should see a tiny slot or hole.
- Push the tip of a narrow screwdriver into the hole.
- Tug on the knob and it will slide right off.
Remove the Rose
- If the rose doesn’t come off with the knob, you’ll need to remove it separately.
- Wedge a pin or the tip of your flathead screwdriver under the small opening between the rose and the surface of the door.
- Gently pry it off or pull and twist it away from the door.
Shop The Home Depot for door knobs, interior doors and more. Need help identifying a tool or material for removing a door knob? Find products fast with image search in The Home Depot app. Snap a picture of an item you like and we'll show you similar products.
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