Remove Door Handle: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

Aug 28, 2025 by Omar Yusuf 48 views

Remove a Door Handle: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

Hey guys! Ever found yourself needing to remove a door handle? Maybe you're repainting, replacing the hardware, or just trying to fix a loose handle. Whatever the reason, it's a pretty straightforward task once you know the steps. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to remove a door handle like a pro. Don't worry, it's easier than you think, and I'll break it down into simple, manageable steps. We'll cover everything from identifying the type of handle you have to the final removal, ensuring you get the job done smoothly and efficiently. So, grab your tools, and let's get started!

Tools You'll Need

Before we dive into the process, let's make sure you have all the necessary tools. Having the right equipment makes the job so much easier and prevents any unnecessary damage to your door or handle. Here’s what you'll need:

Screwdrivers: You'll likely need both a Phillips head and a flathead screwdriver. Most door handles are secured with screws that require one of these types. Having both on hand ensures you're prepared for anything. The size of the screwdriver matters too – make sure you have a set with different sizes to fit the various screws you might encounter. Using the wrong size can strip the screw head, making it much harder to remove.
Allen Wrench (if applicable): Some modern door handles, particularly those with a more contemporary design, use small Allen screws (also known as set screws) to secure the handle to the spindle. An Allen wrench set will have the various sizes you might need. These screws are usually found on the side of the handle, and loosening them is crucial for removing the handle.
Punch or Nail Set (if needed): If you encounter a situation where the handle is held in place by pins instead of screws, you'll need a punch or nail set. This tool helps you push the pins out without damaging the handle or the door. It's a small tool, but it makes a big difference in these cases. Make sure the punch or nail set is smaller than the pin you’re trying to remove.
Hammer (if using a punch or nail set): If you're using a punch or nail set, you'll need a hammer to gently tap the tool and push the pins out. A regular household hammer will do just fine. Just remember to use light taps to avoid damaging anything. Accuracy is key here, so take your time.
Soft Cloth or Towel: This is a simple but important tool. Placing a cloth between the door and any tools you're using will protect the door's finish from scratches and marks. It's a small precaution that can save you from a lot of headaches later on. Plus, it’s always good to keep the area clean as you work.
Safety Glasses: Safety first! You want to protect your eyes from any small parts or debris that might come loose during the removal process. Safety glasses are a simple way to ensure your eyes are safe and sound.

Having these tools ready will make the door handle removal process much smoother and more efficient. Trust me, being prepared is half the battle! Now that we've got our tools sorted, let's move on to the next step: identifying the type of door handle you're dealing with.

Identifying the Type of Door Handle

Before you start unscrewing anything, it’s crucial to identify the type of door handle you’re working with. There are several different types, and each one might require a slightly different approach for removal. Knowing what you’re dealing with will save you time and prevent any potential damage. Let’s go through the most common types:

Doorknobs with Visible Screws: This is probably the most common type you’ll encounter. These doorknobs have screws visible on the interior side of the knob, usually right on the circular plate (the rose) that sits flush against the door. These screws directly attach the two halves of the doorknob together through the door. Removing this type is usually pretty straightforward – you just need to unscrew these visible screws. But it’s still important to identify them correctly to avoid any confusion with other types.
Doorknobs with Hidden Screws: These doorknobs have a cleaner, more streamlined look because the screws are hidden. Typically, there’s a small slot or notch on the side of the rose (the circular plate). You’ll need to use a small screwdriver or a nail to depress a spring-loaded catch inside this slot. This will allow you to remove the rose and reveal the screws underneath. This type might seem a bit trickier, but once you know the trick, it's quite simple. The key is finding that hidden slot and knowing what to do with it.
Door Levers: Door levers, which are handles you push down rather than turn, can also come with visible or hidden screws. The removal process is similar to doorknobs – look for screws on the rose or a hidden slot to release the handle. Sometimes, lever handles have a set screw (an Allen screw) on the side of the handle itself, which needs to be loosened before you can remove the handle. These are often found on more modern or high-end door levers. Checking for set screws is an important first step with this type of handle.
Handlesets: Handlesets are commonly found on front doors and often have a more elaborate design. They usually consist of a handle, a deadbolt, and a decorative plate. Removing a handleset typically involves unscrewing the visible screws on the interior plate. You might also need to remove the deadbolt separately. Because of their size and complexity, handlesets can seem intimidating, but the basic principle is the same: find and remove the screws holding it in place. Just take it one step at a time.

Once you’ve identified the type of door handle, you’ll have a much clearer idea of how to proceed. This step is crucial for a smooth and successful removal. Now that we know what kind of handle we’re dealing with, let's move on to the actual removal process. We’ll start with the easiest type: doorknobs with visible screws.

Removing Doorknobs with Visible Screws

Alright, so you've identified that your doorknob has visible screws? Great! This is usually the simplest type to remove, so you’re in luck. Let’s walk through the steps to get this done quickly and efficiently. Remember, taking your time and being careful will help prevent any damage to your door or the handle itself.

Locate the Screws: The first step is, of course, to locate the screws. They’re usually on the interior side of the doorknob, on the circular or rectangular plate (the rose) that sits flush against the door. There are typically two screws, but sometimes there might be more. Take a good look to make sure you’ve spotted all of them.
Choose the Right Screwdriver: Next, you'll need to choose the correct screwdriver. Most of these screws are either Phillips head (the ones with the cross-shaped head) or flathead. Make sure you use a screwdriver that fits the screw head snugly. Using the wrong size or type can strip the screw head, making it much harder to remove. If the screw head is already a bit worn, try using a slightly larger screwdriver for a better grip.
Unscrew the Screws: Now, carefully unscrew the screws. Turn the screwdriver counterclockwise. Apply steady pressure to keep the screwdriver firmly seated in the screw head. If the screws are tight, don’t force them. You might need to use a bit of penetrating oil or lubricant to loosen them up. A few drops of WD-40 can work wonders. Let it sit for a few minutes before trying again.
Remove the Interior Knob: Once the screws are out, the interior knob should come apart easily. Gently pull the knob away from the door. Sometimes it might stick a little, especially if it hasn’t been removed in a while. A gentle wiggle can help. Be careful not to force it, as you don’t want to damage the door or the knob.
Remove the Exterior Knob: With the interior knob removed, you can now remove the exterior knob. This usually involves pulling it straight out. It might be connected to the spindle (the metal rod that connects the two knobs), so you might need to wiggle it a bit. Again, be gentle and avoid forcing it.
Remove the Latch Plate: Finally, you’ll need to remove the latch plate from the edge of the door. This is the metal plate that surrounds the latch bolt (the part that extends into the door frame). There are usually two screws holding it in place. Unscrew these, and the latch plate should come right off.

And that’s it! You’ve successfully removed a doorknob with visible screws. See? It’s not so hard. Now, let’s move on to the next type: doorknobs with hidden screws. These require a slightly different approach, but don’t worry, we’ll walk through it step by step.

Removing Doorknobs with Hidden Screws

So, you've got a doorknob with hidden screws? These can seem a bit trickier at first, but once you know the secret, they're just as easy to remove as the ones with visible screws. The key is finding and releasing the mechanism that hides the screws. Let's break it down into simple steps to guide you through the process.

Locate the Hidden Slot or Notch: The first step is to locate the hidden slot or notch. This is usually on the side of the rose (the circular plate that sits against the door), near the base of the doorknob. It might be a small, narrow slot or a tiny hole. Take a close look all around the rose until you find it. Sometimes it can be a bit discreet, so a good light source can help.
Use a Small Tool to Depress the Catch: Once you've found the slot, you'll need a small tool to depress the spring-loaded catch inside. A small flathead screwdriver, a nail, or even a sturdy paperclip can work for this. Insert the tool into the slot and gently push inward. You should feel a slight give as you depress the catch. This catch is what holds the rose in place, so releasing it is crucial.
Pull Off the Rose: While keeping the catch depressed, gently pull the rose away from the door. It might take a little wiggling, but it should slide off once the catch is released. If it's not coming off easily, double-check that you're fully depressing the catch. Don't force it, as you could damage the rose or the door.
Locate and Unscrew the Screws: With the rose removed, you’ll now see the screws that hold the doorknob in place. These are usually standard Phillips head or flathead screws. Use the appropriate screwdriver to unscrew them, turning counterclockwise. Just like with visible screws, make sure you have the right size screwdriver to avoid stripping the screw heads.
Remove the Interior and Exterior Knobs: Once the screws are out, the interior and exterior knobs should come apart easily. Pull the interior knob away from the door first, followed by the exterior knob. As with the visible screw doorknobs, you might need to wiggle them a bit to get them to release from the spindle.
Remove the Latch Plate: Finally, remove the latch plate from the edge of the door by unscrewing the two screws that hold it in place. The latch plate should then come right off, completing the removal process.

And there you have it! You’ve successfully removed a doorknob with hidden screws. It’s all about knowing where to find that hidden catch. Now, let’s move on to door levers, which have their own set of considerations.

Removing Door Levers

Door levers, those handles you push down instead of twist, are another common type of door hardware. Removing door levers is similar to removing doorknobs, but there are a few key differences to watch out for. Let's walk through the steps to make sure you get the job done right, without any hiccups.

Identify the Screw Type: Just like with doorknobs, the first step is to identify whether your door lever has visible screws, hidden screws, or set screws. Visible screws will be on the rose, hidden screws will require you to remove the rose, and set screws are usually located on the side of the lever handle itself. Knowing what you're dealing with will dictate your approach.
Remove Set Screws (if applicable): If your door lever has set screws, this is where you'll start. These small screws are usually found on the underside or side of the lever handle, where it connects to the spindle. You'll need an Allen wrench (also known as a hex key) to loosen them. Find the right size Allen wrench and turn it counterclockwise to loosen the set screw. You don't need to remove the set screw completely, just loosen it enough so the lever can slide off.
Remove the Rose (if necessary): If there are no set screws, or once you've loosened them, the next step is to remove the rose. If the rose has visible screws, simply unscrew them. If it has hidden screws, you'll need to locate the slot or notch on the side of the rose, just like with doorknobs with hidden screws. Use a small screwdriver or nail to depress the catch and pull the rose away from the door.
Unscrew the Mounting Screws: With the rose removed (if necessary), you'll see the mounting screws that hold the lever mechanism in place. These are usually Phillips head or flathead screws. Unscrew them carefully, turning counterclockwise. Make sure you have a good grip on the screwdriver to avoid stripping the screw heads.
Remove the Levers: Once the mounting screws are out, you should be able to remove the levers. The interior lever will usually slide off first, followed by the exterior lever. You might need to wiggle them a bit to get them to release from the spindle.
Remove the Latch Plate: Finally, remove the latch plate from the edge of the door by unscrewing the two screws that hold it in place. The latch plate should then come right off.

And that’s it! You've successfully removed a door lever. The process is similar to removing doorknobs, but those set screws can be a bit of a curveball if you’re not expecting them. Now that we’ve covered doorknobs and levers, let’s talk about handlesets, which are often found on front doors and can be a bit more complex.

Removing Handlesets

Handlesets are those larger, more elaborate hardware sets often found on exterior doors, particularly front doors. They typically include a handle, a deadbolt, and decorative plates. Removing handlesets can seem a bit daunting because of their size and complexity, but if you break it down into steps, it’s totally manageable. Let’s dive in and make it easy.

Identify the Components: The first step is to take a good look at the handleset and identify all its components. You'll usually have an exterior handle, an interior handle or lever, a deadbolt, and decorative plates on both sides of the door. Understanding how these pieces fit together will make the removal process smoother.
Locate the Screws: Next, locate the screws that hold the handleset in place. These are typically found on the interior plate, which is the decorative plate on the inside of the door. Look for screws around the handle, the deadbolt, and any other parts of the plate. There might be multiple screws, so make sure you’ve spotted them all.
Remove the Interior Plate Screws: Use the appropriate screwdriver (usually Phillips head or flathead) to unscrew the screws on the interior plate. Turn the screwdriver counterclockwise. As with other door hardware, apply steady pressure to avoid stripping the screw heads. If the screws are tight, a little penetrating oil can help.
Remove the Interior Plate: Once all the screws are out, the interior plate should come away from the door. You might need to wiggle it a bit, but it should come off relatively easily. Be careful not to let it drop, as it can be quite heavy.
Remove the Spindle and Exterior Handle: With the interior plate removed, you’ll usually see the spindle, which is the metal rod that connects the interior and exterior handles. The exterior handle should now be loose. Gently pull the exterior handle away from the door. The spindle might come out with it, or you might need to remove it separately.
Remove the Deadbolt: Now it’s time to remove the deadbolt. Look for the screws that hold the deadbolt mechanism in place. These are usually on the interior side of the door, around the deadbolt latch. Unscrew these screws, and the deadbolt should slide out. You might need to wiggle it a bit to get it to release.
Remove the Latch Plate and Strike Plate: Finally, remove the latch plate from the edge of the door and the strike plate from the door frame. The latch plate is the metal plate that surrounds the latch bolt (the part that extends into the door frame), and the strike plate is the metal plate on the door frame that the latch bolt fits into. Both are usually held in place by two screws each. Unscrew these, and the plates should come right off.

And that's how you remove a handleset! It might seem like a lot of steps, but each one is pretty straightforward. Now that you’ve mastered removing all types of door handles, let’s talk about what to do next.

What to Do After Removing the Door Handle

So, you’ve successfully removed your door handle – congrats! But what’s next? Well, it depends on why you removed it in the first place. Are you replacing it, repainting the door, or fixing a problem? Let’s go through some common scenarios and what you should do after removing the handle.

Replacing the Door Handle: If you’re replacing the old handle with a new one, the next step is to install the new hardware. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Usually, this involves inserting the new latch and strike plates, attaching the handles, and tightening all the screws. Make sure everything is aligned properly and that the handle works smoothly before you consider the job done. Test the handle several times to ensure it latches and unlatches correctly.
Repainting the Door: If you removed the handle to repaint the door, now is the time to get to work on your paint job. You’ve already done the hard part by removing the hardware! Before you start painting, make sure to properly prep the door surface. This might involve sanding, cleaning, and priming. Once the paint is dry, you can reinstall the door handle. Be careful not to scratch the new paint when you’re putting the handle back on. A soft cloth can help protect the finish.
Fixing a Loose Door Handle: Sometimes, you might remove a door handle to fix a loose handle or latch. Inspect the parts carefully for any damage or wear. Tighten any loose screws and make sure the spindle is properly aligned. If any parts are broken or worn, you might need to replace them. Once you’ve made the necessary repairs, reinstall the handle and test it thoroughly.
Cleaning the Door Handle: While the handle is off, it’s a great opportunity to give it a good cleaning. Use a mild soap and water solution to clean the handle and rose. For stubborn grime, you can use a specialized metal cleaner. Make sure to dry the handle thoroughly before reinstalling it. A clean handle can make a big difference in the overall look of your door.
Storing the Hardware: If you’re not reinstalling the handle right away, store the parts in a safe place. Keep all the screws and small parts together so you don’t lose them. A small bag or container works well for this. Label the bag so you know which door the handle belongs to. This is especially important if you’re removing multiple handles at once.

No matter what your reason for removing the door handle, taking the time to do the job properly will ensure a great result. And now you know what to do after removing the door handle, you’re well-equipped to tackle any door hardware project!

Conclusion

So there you have it, guys! Removing a door handle doesn't have to be a daunting task. Whether you're dealing with visible screws, hidden screws, door levers, or handlesets, the process is straightforward once you know the steps. Remember, having the right tools, identifying the type of handle, and taking your time are key to a successful removal. And don't forget to think about what you need to do after the handle is off – whether it’s replacing it, repainting, or making repairs. With this guide, you’re now equipped to handle any door handle removal project with confidence. Happy DIY-ing!