1. How to Remove an Old-Fashioned Door Knob * bigfinish.com

Removing old-fashioned door knobs can be a daunting task, especially if you’re not familiar with the process. However, with the right tools and a bit of patience, you can easily remove any door knob, regardless of its age or style. Most door knobs are attached to the door with a set of screws that are hidden beneath a decorative cover plate. To remove the cover plate, simply use a screwdriver to remove the screws that are holding it in place. Once the cover plate is removed, you’ll be able to see the screws that are attaching the door knob to the door. Use a screwdriver to remove these screws, and then carefully pull the door knob off of the door. If the door knob is stuck, you may need to use a pair of pliers to gently pry it off.

In some cases, the door knob may be attached to the door with a spindle instead of screws. To remove a door knob that is attached with a spindle, you’ll need to use a spanner wrench. Place the spanner wrench over the spindle and turn it counterclockwise to loosen the spindle. Once the spindle is loose, you’ll be able to pull the door knob off of the door. If the door knob is stuck, you may need to use a pair of pliers to gently pry it off. Once the door knob is removed, you can replace it with a new one. To install a new door knob, simply reverse the steps that you used to remove the old one.

Removing an old-fashioned door knob is not a difficult task, but it does require some patience and care. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily remove any door knob, regardless of its age or style.

Tools and Materials

Before delving into the process of removing an old-fashioned door knob, it’s imperative to gather the necessary tools and materials. These tools are indispensable in ensuring the effective and safe removal of the knob while preserving the integrity of both the knob and the door.

Screwdriver

A screwdriver is the primary tool required for removing the screws that secure the door knob to the door. It’s crucial to select the correct size and type of screwdriver that matches the screw heads. Commonly used screwdrivers are Phillips head and flat head screwdrivers. Determining the correct size and type will ensure that you can fully engage the screw head without damaging it during the removal process.

Selecting the appropriate size and type of screwdriver is paramount to prevent damage to the screw heads and ensure their successful removal. A well-chosen screwdriver will allow you to effectively engage the screw head, minimizing the risk of stripping the head or damaging the surrounding material.

Additionally, multiple screwdrivers of varying sizes may be required to accommodate different screws used in the door knob assembly. Having a range of screwdrivers on hand will ensure that you are equipped to handle any variations in screw sizes.

Recommended Screwdriver Sizes:

Phillips Head Screwdriver:	#1, #2
Flat Head Screwdriver:	1/8″, 3/16″

Safety Precautions

Before you start, it’s important to take a few safety precautions to avoid injury or damage to your door.

Wear Gloves and Safety Glasses

Wearing gloves will protect your hands from splinters and sharp edges, while safety glasses will protect your eyes from flying debris.

Disconnect the Power

If you’re removing a doorknob from an electrical door, be sure to turn off the power to the door before you start working. This will prevent you from being electrocuted.

Remove the Door Stop

The door stop is the small piece of metal that keeps the door from opening too far. Remove the door stop using a screwdriver or drill. This will give you more room to work and prevent the door from hitting you while you’re removing the doorknob.

Support the Door

Once the door stop is removed, support the door with a wedge or chair. This will prevent the door from falling on you while you’re working.

Step	Description
1	Remove the screw that is holding the doorknob in place.
2	Pull the doorknob straight towards you to remove it from the door.
3	If the doorknob is stuck, you can use a screwdriver or a hammer to gently tap it loose.

Removing the Knob

Removing the knob is a relatively simple process that can be completed in a few minutes. First, you need to identify the type of knob you have. There are two main types of knobs: keyed knobs and non-keyed knobs. Keyed knobs have a lock that requires a key to open, while non-keyed knobs do not.

To remove a keyed knob, you will need to insert the key into the lock and turn it counterclockwise. This will release the lock and allow you to remove the knob. To remove a non-keyed knob, you will need to use a screwdriver to remove the screws that are holding it in place. Once the screws are removed, you will be able to pull the knob off of the door.

Removing the Screws

To remove the screws, you will need a Phillips head screwdriver. Insert the screwdriver into the screw and turn it counterclockwise. Be careful not to strip the screw. Once the screw is loose, you can remove it by hand. Repeat this process for the other screw.

Once the screws are removed, you can pull the knob off of the door. If the knob is stuck, you can gently tap it with a hammer to loosen it.

Screw Type	Bit Type	Head Shape
Phillips	Phillips	Cross-shaped
Slotted	Flathead	Slotted
Torx	Torx	Star-shaped

Disassembling the Knob

Step 1: Remove the visible screws. Check for any visible screws on the faceplate or doorknob handle. Use a screwdriver to remove them carefully. If you encounter any resistance, apply gentle pressure to prevent damaging the screws or the door.

Step 2: Inspect the doorknob assembly. Once the visible screws are removed, inspect the doorknob assembly. Look for any hidden screws or components that may need to be disassembled.

Step 3: Remove the spindle. The spindle is the cylindrical rod that connects the two halves of the doorknob. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws that secure the spindle in place. Once the screws are removed, the spindle can be pulled out.

Step 4: Separate the doorknob halves. With the spindle removed, you can now separate the two halves of the doorknob. Gently pull the two halves apart, being careful not to damage the mechanism or the finish on the doorknob.

Type of Doorknob

Spindle Removal Method

Passage Knob

Unscrew the set screws on the side of the knob

Privacy Knob

Insert a small flathead screwdriver into the hole in the knob’s faceplate and press the release button

Locking Knob

Use a key to unlock the knob and then remove the screws on the side of the knob

Cleaning the Knob and Components

Before attempting to remove the door knob, it’s crucial to clean the knob and its components to remove any dirt or debris that may hinder the process. Use a soft cloth and a mild cleaning solution or soap and water. Gently wipe down the knob, paying attention to any crevices or tight spots where grime may accumulate. Ensure the knob and its parts are completely dry before proceeding.

Removing the Lock Bolt

Identify the small hole on the side of the door knob. Insert a small, flathead screwdriver or Allen wrench into the hole and turn it counterclockwise. The lock bolt will retract, allowing you to unscrew the inner knob.

Unscrewing the Inner Knob

Locate the screw on the inner knob’s base and unscrew it using a Phillips head screwdriver. Once the screw is removed, the inner knob can be pulled straight off the door shaft.

Releasing the Door Shaft

The door shaft is typically held in place by a set screw. Locate the set screw on the side of the door shaft and loosen it with an Allen wrench. Once the set screw is loosened, the door shaft can be pulled out of the door.

Removing the Outer Knob

After the door shaft is removed, the outer knob can be unscrewed. Grip the outer knob and turn it counterclockwise to detach it from the door.

Replacing the Door Knob

To replace the door knob, follow the steps in reverse order. Securely tighten all screws and the set screw to ensure a firm hold.


Step 1:	Clean the knob and components
Step 2:	Remove the lock bolt
Step 3:	Unscrew the inner knob
Step 4:	Release the door shaft
Step 5:	Remove the outer knob
Step 6:	Replace the door knob

Reassembling the Knob

Once all the components are cleaned and polished, it’s time to put the knob back together. This process is generally the reverse of disassembly, but there are a few points to keep in mind.

Step 1: Align the Keyway

The keyhole in the back of the doorknob must align with the keyway in the lock.

Step 2: Insert the Stem

Place the stem through the hole in the back of the door and into the back of the doorknob.

Step 3: Secure the Washer

Place the washer over the stem inside the doorknob.

Step 4: Screw on the Nut

Tighten the nut onto the stem, securing it to the doorknob.

Step 5: Insert the Rose

Insert the rose (the decorative plate around the knob) over the stem.

Step 6: Align the Screw Holes

The rose has two screw holes that must be aligned with the holes in the door. To do this:

Hold the rose against the door with the keyway aligned.
Use a pencil to mark the location of the screw holes through the holes in the rose.
Drill small pilot holes at the marked locations on the door.

Step 7: Screw in the Rose

Screw the rose into the door using the provided screws.

Step 8: Check Operation

Turn the doorknob to ensure it operates smoothly. If any parts feel loose or wobbly, re-tighten the screws or adjust the components accordingly.

Installing the Knob

Once you have the door knob removed, you can install the new one. Here are the steps on how to do it:

Insert the spindle: Take the spindle and insert it through the hole in the door. Make sure that the spindle is long enough to reach the other side of the door and that the knob will be centered when it is installed.
Attach the knob: Take one of the door knobs and slide it onto the spindle. Make sure that the knob is facing the correct direction.
Tighten the set screw: On the side of the knob, there will be a small set screw. Use a screwdriver to tighten the set screw. This will help to keep the knob in place.
Repeat for the other side: Repeat steps 2 and 3 for the other side of the door.
Test the knob: Once both knobs are installed, test them to make sure that they are working properly. The knobs should turn smoothly and easily.
Adjust the latch: If the latch is not working properly, you may need to adjust it. There will be two screws on the side of the latch. Use a screwdriver to loosen the screws and adjust the latch until it is working properly.
Tighten the screws: Once the latch is adjusted, tighten the screws to hold it in place.

Adjusting the Latch

The latch mechanism ensures that the door stays securely closed when latched. Over time, the latch may become misaligned or worn, causing difficulty in opening or closing the door. To adjust the latch:

Inspect the latch plate on the door jamb. If it’s not flush with the door frame, use a screwdriver to adjust the screws until it’s level.
Check the strike plate on the door frame. It should be aligned with the latch tongue when the door is closed. If not, use a chisel or drill to move the strike plate slightly.
Adjust the latch height by loosening the screws holding the latch assembly to the door. Slide the latch up or down to achieve the desired height.
Tighten the screws to secure the latch assembly.
Test the latch by opening and closing the door. It should latch smoothly and securely.
If the latch still doesn’t work properly, it may need to be replaced. Remove the screws holding the latch assembly and insert a new one.
Lubricate the latch mechanism with a silicone-based lubricant to ensure smooth operation.
If the latch continues to malfunction despite adjustments, consult a professional locksmith for assistance.

Troubleshooting Common Latch Problems

Problem	Solution
Door won’t latch	Adjust latch height, strike plate alignment, or replace latch
Door latches but is difficult to open	Lubricate latch mechanism or adjust strike plate alignment
Door rattles when latched	Adjust latch plate or strike plate alignment

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Removing a Door Knob That Won’t Budge

If the doorknob refuses to budge, try these tactics:

Apply penetrating oil to the base of the handle: Let it soak for a few hours to loosen any rust or corrosion.
Use a wrench or pliers to grip the base of the handle: Gently twist back and forth while pulling it away from the door.
Insulate the doorknob with a cloth: This will prevent it from getting scratched or damaged during the process.
Tap the handle lightly with a hammer or mallet: This can help loosen the handle.
Drill a small hole in the center of the handle: Insert a screwdriver or hex key and try to turn it.
Use a door knob removal tool: This specialized tool grips the handle and allows you to turn it without damaging the doorknob.

Dealing with a Stripped Screw

If the screw that holds the doorknob in place is stripped, try these methods:

Use a rubber band or adhesive tape on the screwdriver tip: This can provide extra grip.
Use a smaller screwdriver than the screw requires: This can sometimes grip the screw better.
Use a screw extractor: This tool grabs onto the stripped screw and allows it to be removed.
Drill out the screw and replace it with a new one: This is a last resort, as it can damage the doorknob.

Maintenance Tips

Regular maintenance of your door knobs can help keep them functioning smoothly and prevent the need for costly repairs. Here are some tips to follow:

1. Clean your door knobs regularly: Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe down your door knobs to remove dirt and dust. Avoid using harsh cleaners or abrasive materials, as these can damage the finish.

2. Lubricate your door knobs: Apply a small amount of lubricant to the moving parts of your door knobs to reduce friction and prevent squeaking. You can use a graphite-based lubricant or a silicone spray.

3. Tighten loose screws: Over time, the screws that hold your door knobs in place can loosen. Inspect your door knobs regularly and tighten any loose screws.

4. Inspect the spindle: The spindle is the metal rod that connects the two knobs on a door. If the spindle is bent or damaged, it can cause the door knobs to become misaligned or difficult to turn. Inspect the spindle regularly and replace it if necessary.

5. Check the latch mechanism: The latch mechanism is what keeps your door closed. If the latch mechanism is damaged or misaligned, the door may not close properly. Inspect the latch mechanism regularly and adjust it if necessary.

6. Test your door knobs: Regularly test your door knobs to ensure they are functioning properly. Turn the knobs to make sure they turn smoothly and engage the latch mechanism securely.

7. Call a professional if necessary: If you encounter any problems with your door knobs that you cannot fix yourself, call a professional locksmith or handyman for assistance.

8. Preventative measures: In addition to regular maintenance, there are some preventative measures you can take to reduce the risk of problems with your door knobs. Avoid slamming doors, as this can put stress on the door knobs and cause them to loosen or break.

9. Use door stops: Door stops can help prevent doors from slamming or hitting walls, which can damage the door knobs.

10. Replace old door knobs: If your door knobs are old, worn, or damaged, it is best to replace them with new ones. This will help prevent problems and ensure your door knobs are functioning properly and securely.

How To Remove Old Fashioned Door Knob

Old-fashioned door knobs can be a beautiful addition to any home, but they can also be difficult to remove. If you’re planning to replace your old door knobs, you’ll need to know how to remove them safely and without damaging the door.

The first step is to remove the screws that are holding the knob in place. These screws are usually located on the inside of the door, behind the knob. Once you’ve removed the screws, you should be able to pull the knob straight off the door.

If the knob is still stuck, you may need to use a screwdriver to pry it off. Be careful not to damage the door when you’re doing this.

1. How to Remove an Old-Fashioned Door Knob