How to Remove Stuck Door Hardware?

Removing door fittings can be quite a challenge, you may find the answers you are looking for here. If your current door fittings need to be replaced, you can replace them with new door knobs and door handles. To do this, you must of course first remove the current door fittings, without damaging the door. Even if you want to paint the door, it is useful to dismantle the door fittings so that they do not become covered in paint. In this article we will explain how you can easily remove the door knobs , handles and latches that are currently in your doors, so that you can then install the new door fittings or paint the door.

What do you need to remove the door fittings?

Removing a door handle is a simple job that does not require too many materials.
Actually, you only need materials with which you can remove the screws from the door fittings, remove the caps from the rosettes and the rosettes themselves: a Phillips screwdriver and a flat screwdriver, or a screwdriver. If you have a door knob where you cannot immediately see the screws on the inside, you will also need a small metal clip or key to loosen the knob from the door.

Safely remove door fittings

Safely removing door hardware is a process that requires care to avoid damage to the door. First of all, you need to gather the right tools, such as a screwdriver and possibly an Allen key. Start by locating the screws that hold the door hardware. These may be hidden under a decorative plate or cover. Carefully loosen the screws and place them in a safe place so you don't lose them.

When all screws are removed, gently pull the handle or knob away from the door. If the door fitting consists of multiple parts, such as a handle and a strike plate, remove them one by one. Be sure to remember the order of disassembly, which will make reassembly easier.

What if removing the door fittings is really not possible?

If the door fitting is stuck, do not force it. Better use a little lubricant to loosen it. Also be careful with the use of force; you don't want to damage the mechanism inside or scratch the finish of the door.

After removing, clean the area where the door hardware used to be with a suitable cleaner, depending on the type of door. This ensures that the new door fittings can be installed on a clean and smooth surface. If you plan to reinstall the same door hardware, this is also a good time to clean and lubricate it for smooth operation.

How do you proceed?

When removing a door handle, first loosen the small screws at the bottom or side of the door handle using the screwdriver.
Once these have been loosened, you can carefully pull the door handle off the door. Now you can remove the handle pin, the metal pin that connects the two handles on either side of the door, from the hole in the door. Then use the flat screwdriver to unscrew the caps from the rosettes. These are the small metal plates that sit against the side of the door. Once you have loosened these caps on both sides of the door, you can remove them using the metal notch. Now the metal circles that supported the door handle become visible: the bottom rosettes. You can use a screwdriver or screwdriver to remove these rosettes from the door. After completing all these steps, you will have a bare door with holes where the screws and door handles were previously attached.

Removing door fittings can sometimes be a challenge. If you have a doorknob where the screws are not immediately visible, you can often find a small metal lock on the side of the doorknob. You can push in this with the help of, for example, a paper clip to loosen the doorknob. Once you have this loose, the rest is pretty much self-explanatory. The screws that attached the knob to the door become visible. You can loosen this using a screwdriver or screwdriver, using the same procedure as removing a door handle.

For more articles about DIY tips about removing door fittings, take a look at our DIY blog , where you will find all the information you need. If you still have any questions, please call or app us, Door Hardware Expert Lock Specialist .