How To Remove Kwikset Door Handle With Hidden Screws

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Removing a door handle isn't always as straightforward as it seems. Fortunately, you should be able to accept out even the trickiest design in just x or 15 minutes. While virtually handles are secured with exposed mounting screws, you might demand to bank check for a slot in the neck of the knob or lever. If you tin can't observe whatsoever visible screws or slots, see if you tin pry off or unscrew the encompass plate behind the handle. Behind it, you should find mounting screws, which y'all can then loosen to remove the handle.

1. 1

   Check for exposed screws on the inside of the door. For almost doors, yous should see one to 3 exposed mounting screws on the side of the door that doesn't have a keyhole. Look for screws on the cover plate that surrounds the handle. If you don't encounter exposed screws on the cover plate, check the neck of the knob or lever.^{[one] [2]}

   • If you don't see any exposed screws, don't become frustrated! Y'all'll nigh likely take to depress or unscrew some type of recessed fastener in the handle's cervix.

2. ii

   Loosen the mounting screws with a screwdriver. If your handle is secured with exposed screws, simply remove them with a Phillips or flat-head screwdriver. Grab a screwdriver that matches the screws' caput type, and then turn them counterclockwise to loosen them.^[3]

   • If you plan on reinstalling the door mechanism, store the screws in a rubber spot to avert misplacing them.

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3. 3

   Pull the handles out of the latch assembly. With the mounting screws removed, you should have no trouble pulling the knobs or levers out of the latch mechanism. Pull the handles in reverse directions to slide them out of the mechanism, then gear up them aside.^[4]

4. iv

   Remove the latch mechanism if you're installing a new handle. Find the screws on the side of the door that secure the latch plate. Take out the screws, then carefully pry off the plate with a flat-head screwdriver. With the plate removed, yous can now pull the latch mechanism through the side of the door.^[v]

   • The latch is the commodities that fits into the strike plate on the door frame and keeps the door closed.

   Tip: If you're replacing the door mechanism, measure out the existing holes in your door. Bring your measurements to the hardware store, and purchase a new set up that fits your door'due south dimensions.

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1. i

   Look for a recessed slot in the shaft of the handle. If your door has no visible screws, bank check the neck of the knob or lever for a small hole. If there's one nowadays, y'all'll exist able to depress a button or loosen a small screw inside the hole to release the handle.^[half-dozen]

   Tip: Use a flashlight to check inside the hole for a flat-head, Phillips head, or hex-caput screw.

2. 2

   Depress a button with a paperclip or sparse tool if in that location's no screw. If you don't see a screw head within the slot, straighten a paperclip or catch a thin, pointed tool, such every bit an awl. Insert the paperclip or tool into the slot every bit yous gently pull the knob abroad from the door.^[vii]

   • The paperclip or tool will spring the door machinery, allowing you lot to pull out the handles.

3. 3

   Remove a recessed screw with a narrow screwdriver. If you see a Phillips or apartment-caput screw inside the hole, grab a screwdriver that'southward small plenty to reach it. Turn the screw counterclockwise to loosen it and release the handle.^[8]

   • You lot should be able to pull off the handles after removing the recessed spiral. If the spindle that connects the handles doesn't come out, you might have to pry off or unscrew the encompass plate backside the handle in social club to access mounting screws.

4. iv

   Employ an Allen wrench to loosen a hex-head spiral. If you see a screw with a head shaped similar a hexagon, you'll need an Allen wrench small enough to access it. Insert the wrench into the slot, then turn the wrench counterclockwise to loosen and remove the spiral.^{[ix] [10]}

   • If you lot don't have an Allen wrench, buy a fold-upwards pocket set with variously sized Allen wrenches at a hardware or home improvement shop.

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1. 1

   Pry off the cover plate if information technology has a notch. Cheque around the plate where it meets the door for a small notch or cut-out. If you see one, insert a flat-head screwdriver into the notch, then gently pry off the plate.^[11]

   • The encompass plate behind the door knob or lever may be circular or rectangular, depending on the handle'south design. After prying off the cover plate, you should meet screws that hold the inner mechanism together.

2. 2

   Attempt turning a circular cover plate counterclockwise. If y'all don't see a notch and the cover plate is circular, try turning it counterclockwise with a wrench or past hand. After loosening the embrace plate, slide information technology down the cervix of the door handle to admission the mounting screws behind it.^[12]

3. 3

   Cheque for any recessed fasteners that were hidden past the plate. If the door knob is nevertheless in place, you lot might take trouble plumbing equipment a screwdriver betwixt the encompass plate and the mounting screws. See if at that place'southward a slot with a recessed fastener that was concealed by the cover plate. If so, insert a paperclip or loosen a small screw to remove the handle.^[13]

   • For some designs, in that location's a visible slot that releases the outer handle besides equally screws backside the cover plate that concur the inner mechanism together.

   Note: For a door with a lever, you should be able to slide the encompass plate down the shaft of the lever and out of the manner.^[xiv]

4. 4

   Loosen the screws that were curtained past the cover plate. Plough the mounting screws counterclockwise and pull them out of the door mechanism. You should at present be able to pull out the handles, if they're still in identify, and the spindle that connects them.^[xv]

5. 5

   Remove the latch plate and latch commodities, if necessary. If want to remove the unabridged door mechanism, loosen the screws over the plate on the side of the door. So carefully pry off the latch plate and pull out the latch mechanism.^[xvi]

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Add New Question

• Question

  How do I remove a door handle with hidden screws?

  

  Ryaan Tuttle is a Home Improvement Specialist and the CEO of Best Handyman Boston. With over 15 years of feel, Ryaan specializes in home improvement and property maintenance by leveraging technology and adroitness. Ryaan holds his Structure Supervisor and Home Improvement Contractor Licenses. Unlike most handyman contractors, All-time Handyman Boston is licensed and insured. Boston Magazine and LocalBest.com accept named Best Handyman Boston the Best Handyman in Boston.

  

  Dwelling house Improvement Specialist

  Skilful Respond

  Try turning the screws on the door. There might also exist a hidden Allen screw somewhere.

• Question

  How can I remove the latch portion of the door knob fix when the door is closed and the latch won't retract?

  

  You lot'll have to insert something very sparse and pry the latch open. A screwdriver, a chisel, fifty-fifty a credit carte might work.

• Question

  How practise I go the latch out of the socket?

  

  Remove the handle and try to open the latch from inside the lock mechanism. You lot may likewise be able to pry the latch open using a thin screwdriver or something similar between the door and the door frame. Most latches have a beveled side. Attack it from that side (typically the outside).

• Question

  I have a Kwikset 6WAL doorknob and I can't get the handles off. I've tried everything. What should I do?

  

  Yous need to press the latch in from the edge of the door. While holding it in, yous tin can remove the knob/lever.

• Question

  How do I get the latch out when the door is stuck?

  

  This can be difficult and it does involve destroying the latch. Remove the knob or lever. This will let you see the latch. From the edge side of the door, you need to break the baseplate off (round part closest to the frame and facing towards the hinges). This will release a small bound that is jammed and should allow you to either pull the latch back from inside the hole, or pull dorsum with a screwdriver in between the door and frame. (Exist careful non to damage the frame/door.)

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• Knobs that have been painted over can exist tough to remove. If necessary, scrape or scrub away pigment to access mounting screws or slots.

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• Accept care not to harm the door or its frame when yous remove the handle, latch, or latch plate.

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Article Summary Ten

To remove a door handle without any visible screws, start by prying off the cover plate by inserting a flathead screwdriver in the notch on the side of the plate. If you don't encounter a notch and the encompass plate is round, effort turning the plate counterclockwise to remove it. Next, if the doorknob is still in place, look for a slot with a recessed fastener and utilise a newspaper clip or screwdriver to remove the knob. Finally, once the doorknob is off, loosen the exposed screws to remove the handle. To learn how to remove a door handle with exposed screws, proceed reading!

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Source: https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-a-Door-Handle

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