Door Handle Removal: The ONLY Guide You'll EVER Need!

Thinking about sprucing up your interior? Schlage, a reputable name in door hardware, offers many stylish options. But before you can upgrade, you might be wondering, how do i remove a door handle? The process usually involves a screwdriver, a common tool available at Home Depot. Understanding the anatomy of a door handle, particularly the spindle mechanism, is key to successful removal. This guide will simplify everything, making door handle removal a breeze.

Image taken from the YouTube channel The Funny Carpenter , from the video titled Avoid the Two DIY Mistakes Removing Door Knobs .

Door Handle Removal: The ONLY Guide You'll EVER Need!

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about removing a door handle, no matter the style or your experience level. We'll focus on answering the core question: how do I remove a door handle?

Understanding Door Handle Types

Before we dive into the removal process, it’s helpful to know what type of door handle you're dealing with. Most interior doors use either a passage, privacy, or entry handle. Exterior doors usually use entry handles or deadbolts, so that will be covered too!

Passage Handles

• These are simple handles that allow you to open and close a door without locking it. Think hallway or closet doors.

Privacy Handles

• These have a locking mechanism, usually a button or twist knob on the inside. These are common for bathrooms and bedrooms.

Entry Handles

• These handles require a key to unlock from the outside and often have a more robust locking system.

Deadbolts

• These separate locks are usually installed above the door handle and provide an extra layer of security.

Understanding the type will help you identify the screws and mechanisms you need to address.

Tools You'll Need

Having the right tools makes this process much easier and prevents damage to your door or the handle itself. Here's a basic checklist:

• Screwdrivers: Both Phillips head and flathead screwdrivers are essential. Make sure you have various sizes.
• Allen Wrench (Hex Key): Some handles use a small Allen wrench to loosen a set screw. A set with various sizes is recommended.
• Pliers: For gripping small parts or removing stubborn pieces.
• Hammer (optional): For gently tapping a stuck plate or handle (use a soft cloth to protect the finish).
• Safety Glasses: Protect your eyes from flying debris.
• Work Gloves: To protect your hands and give you a better grip.

Step-by-Step Removal Guide

Now, let's get down to answering the question: "how do I remove a door handle?" We'll cover the most common scenarios.

Removing a Standard Door Handle with Visible Screws

This is the most common type.

1. Locate the Screws: Look for screws on the interior side of the handle, around the rose (the circular or square plate behind the handle).
2. Unscrew the Screws: Use the appropriate screwdriver (Phillips or flathead) to loosen and remove the screws. Be careful not to strip the screw heads.
3. Remove the Handles: Once the screws are out, the handles should pull apart easily. If they're stuck, gently wiggle them back and forth.
4. Remove the Spindle: This is the square rod that connects the two handles. It should slide out.
5. Remove the Latch Plate: This is the rectangular plate on the edge of the door where the latch goes in. Unscrew it and remove the latch mechanism.

Removing a Door Handle with Hidden Screws

These handles have a cleaner look, as the screws are hidden under a cover plate.

1. Locate the Cover Plate: Identify the plate around the handle that conceals the screws.
2. Remove the Cover Plate: This usually involves:
   • Pushing a Small Notch: Look for a small notch on the edge of the cover plate. Use a small screwdriver or the tip of a knife to gently push it, which will release the plate.
   • Twisting or Unscrewing: Some cover plates twist off or have tiny screws that need to be loosened with an Allen wrench or a very small screwdriver.
3. Unscrew the Screws: Once the cover plate is removed, you'll see the screws. Unscrew them as you would for a standard handle.
4. Remove the Handles, Spindle, and Latch Plate: Follow the same steps as outlined for standard handles.

Removing a Door Handle with a Set Screw

These handles are held in place with a small set screw, usually located on the side of the handle itself, near the base.

1. Locate the Set Screw: Look for a small hole on the side of the handle.
2. Loosen the Set Screw: Use the correct size Allen wrench to loosen the set screw. You don't need to remove it completely, just loosen it enough so the handle can slide off.
3. Remove the Handles: The handles should now slide off the spindle.
4. Remove the Spindle and Latch Plate: Follow the same steps as outlined for standard handles.

Removing a Deadbolt

Deadbolts are slightly different from standard handles, but the removal process is similar.

1. Locate and Remove the Interior Screws: These are usually located on the inside plate of the deadbolt.
2. Remove the Thumb Turn: The thumb turn (the part you twist to lock the deadbolt from the inside) should now come off.
3. Remove the Cylinder: The cylinder (the part where you insert the key) can usually be pushed out from the inside once the thumb turn is removed. Sometimes it may require a little gentle wiggling.
4. Remove the Latch Plate: Unscrew and remove the latch plate from the edge of the door, along with the deadbolt mechanism.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, things don't go as planned. Here are some solutions to common problems:

• Stripped Screws: Use a rubber band between the screwdriver and the screw head to get a better grip. You can also try using a screw extractor tool.
• Stuck Handles: Gently tap the handles with a hammer (using a soft cloth to protect the finish) to loosen them. You can also try using penetrating oil.
• Rounded Allen Wrench: Be extremely careful not to round off the edges of a set screw if too small of a tool is used. It is better to start with a size that is a little too large and work your way down from there to ensure a good fit.
• Cover Plate is Stuck: Apply gentle pressure around the edges of the plate with a flathead screwdriver, trying to find a release point. Be careful not to damage the door or the plate.

Important Considerations

• Safety First: Always wear safety glasses and gloves.
• Take Pictures: Before you start, take pictures of the handle and latch mechanism. This will help you reassemble it later.
• Keep Track of Parts: Place all the screws and small parts in a container so you don't lose them.
• Don't Force It: If something is really stuck, don't force it. You could damage the door or the handle. Try a different approach.
• Prepare for Replacing: If you're replacing the handle, have the new one ready and make sure it's compatible with your door.
• Door thickness: Make sure the door's thickness will work with the new hardware. Check the door thickness range on the new package.

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Alright, feeling confident? Now you know exactly how do i remove a door handle! Go ahead, get that old handle off and make room for something new. Best of luck with your project!