How to Remove a Door Handle With No Visible Screws
To improve the aesthetic qualities of door hardware, many modern-day manufacturers are producing doorknobs that come with a false cosmetic plate. This plate covers the operational hardware of the door handle, as well as the screws.
The end-result is a more streamlined design, but until you know how the cosmetic plate is removed, it can be difficult to access the screws to remove the handle.
Things You Will Need
- Allen wrench set
- Phillip's head screwdriver
Tip
Some doorknob designs may use a pin instead of a screw. If that is the case, press the pin in using any thin object, and pull the faceplate off. To remove the entire doorknob assembly, also remove the two screws located on the inside of the door, on either side of the latch.
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Examine the edge of the door handle's metal plate on the interior side of the door, looking for a hidden, recessed screw. This screw holds the plate in place, and it is usually sunk into the side of the plate, making it difficult to see at first glance.
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Find an Allen wrench that fits the screw by trying each different size in the set until one fits. Insert the tip of the wrench into the screw, and rotate the tool counter-clockwise until the faceplate is free to slide off. Occasionally, the door handle may instead use a different screw type, such as a Phillip's head screw. If that is the case, use a screwdriver instead of an Allen wrench.
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Slide the cosmetic faceplate away from the door. Depending on the door handle design, the faceplate may be able to slide completely off. If not, rotate the faceplate until the underlying screws are accessible, and use a Phillips-head screwdriver to remove them. The door handle will now slide off.
The Drip Cap
- To improve the aesthetic qualities of door hardware, many modern-day manufacturers are producing doorknobs that come with a false cosmetic plate.
- The end-result is a more streamlined design, but until you know how the cosmetic plate is removed, it can be difficult to access the screws to remove the handle.
- Insert the tip of the wrench into the screw, and rotate the tool counter-clockwise until the faceplate is free to slide off.
Writer Bio
Ryan Bauer is a freelance writer located in Ozark, Missouri. He has written numerous articles and books, including "How to Improve Your Credit Score 100 Points in 100 Days." Bauer is an experienced automotive mechanic and computer technician.
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