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How To Remove A Door Knob Without Screws In 4 Steps

stainless door knob without screws

Some people will have you thinking that removing a lockset is a process that is as complex as inventing a microprocessor. When in reality, it’s really not that difficult. As a matter of fact, if you know what exactly you’re doing, it will take you at most 15–20 minutes to get the job done.

Of course, as a beginner, you are expected to take more time—and it’s not because people don’t have faith in your locksmith abilities. Even if you’re well-acquainted, there’s still the issue of figuring out which type of lock option you’re working with.

Is it a door knob with screws? Or one that doesn’t have any?

Well, today’s article will be focusing on those that don’t have any screws. Or should we say, they do, but the screws are so well hidden that you’ll think they don’t. And just so we’re clear, these steps don’t apply to the one that comes with visible screws. Their removal process is somewhat different.

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Tools Needed

Tools & materials
  • Pair of gloves
  • Protective eyewear
  • Safety footwear
  • Paper clip
  • Allen wrench
  • Screwdriver

How To Remove A Door Knob Without Screws (4 Steps)

1. Put On Your Protective Gear

In our line of work, we believe people are usually more productive and happier if they completely understand safety procedures and are cognizant of potential dangers. Making sure you’re well protected before embarking on any DIY project is a responsible thing to do, as it will reduce the risk of incurring an injury. Even if it sounds like simple work, just put on your protective wear. You can never know what fate has in store for you.

Construction gloves are often designed to make it easier for users to grip or feel the different parts of their working tools. So even if you’re sweaty, those slippery hands won’t lose grip and ultimately cause an accident.

The eyewear will protect your eyes from anything floating in the air, and the safety-toe wear will protect your toes from tools falling or those lying around on the floor.

protective gloves used for construction
Image Credit: chellestein, Pixabay

2. Search For a Hidden Slot

At this point, you’ll be 100% certain that the door knob you’re looking at is not the typical type. If it had screws, they’d be visible and you’d have seen them already. So what we’re now searching for, is a tiny hole. And if we’re not wrong, this tiny hole should be at the knob’s neck.

When you find it, it will either have a tiny screw on the inside or something that looks like a button. If it’s a button, just hit it, and the knob will right away become loose. But if there’s a tiny screw, you’ll first have to unfasten it.

Side note:

It’s important to take note of the fact that door knobs come in different models. That means our model won’t always be similar to yours. As pointed out, yours might come with a tiny loosening screw, whereas ours doesn’t. And if that’s not enough to get you worried, finding the said screw could prove to be a challenge. Just don’t fret if that’s the case.

What you need to do is look for a paper clip, straighten it, and then push it inside that hole. If you cannot find a clip, use a pin or anything that can go in there. As the clip goes in, gently pull the knob out.


3. Remove the Hidden Screw

Pulling the knob out while pushing the clip in will eventually expose the screw’s head. And you’ll be able to tell if it’s the type of screw designed to be unscrewed using a flat-head screwdriver or the Philips one.

Also, since we’re working with tiny parts here, your drivers have to be small in size. Don’t force anything into anything, otherwise, you’ll cause a lot of damage that could end up being costly.

Now, loosen the screw and then turn the handle counterclockwise a few times. If it’s loose to a point where it looks like it could fall down without support, pull it out. It will detach itself from the door.


4. Utilize Your Allen Wrench

We’ve experienced and even heard of cases where the knob’s spindle “kind of feels stuck.” Do not yank it out, if that is what’s happening on your end. Just look for something that resembles a cover plate and pry it out. It should be at the back of the knob.

When it comes to prying anything, we love using the Allen wrench. Some people prefer using the claw side of the hammer, but we find the wrench pretty efficient because it comes in sizes that can fit almost anything.

Pick one that can pass through that space smoothly, and it will get the job done.

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Final Thoughts

The reason why some door knobs are costlier than others is because a lot of work goes into making them look fancy. We don’t know if you know this, but ensuring those mounting screws stay hidden is no easy feat! Hopefully, we’ve helped you remove your doorknob without any screws, but if you have any additional tips please let us know in the comments below.


Featured Image Credit: ittipon, Shutterstock

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