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How to Take a Deadbolt Off

Jagg Xaxx

You may be removing a deadbolt from an interior or exterior door because it is no longer required, or to replace it with a new lock. In either case, removing a deadbolt lock is straightforward enough, as long as it isn't locked. If the door is locked and you don't have the key, a hacksaw may be your only solution. Otherwise, you should be able to remove a deadbolt in a short space of time.

Integral Knob Deadbolt Lock

Simple tools are all you need to remove a deadbolt.
  1. Remove the screws from the plate at the base of either the interior or exterior doorknob using an appropriately sized Phillips screwdriver.

  2. Loosen the grub nut on the shaft of the doorknob using a small flat-head screwdriver.

  3. Pull the doorknob off the shaft, then pull the doorknob on the other side of the door out of the doorknob hole. The shaft will come with this knob, leaving only the latch that goes into the door jamb.

  4. Remove the screws that hold the plate into the side of the door. This is the plate through which the deadbolt extends into the door jamb.

  5. Poke a screwdriver into the doorknob hole and through the deadbolt mechanism. Pry the mechanism to the side so it pops out the hole in the side of the door.

Surface Mounted Deadbolt Lock

  1. Remove any screws that hold the lock to the surface of the door.

  2. Break the paint seal around the base of the lock using a utility knife, if the lock is painted onto the door.

  3. Tap a chisel in between the face of the door and the base of the lock and pry outward until the lock pops off, if the lock doesn't come off the face of the door on its own.

Check out this related video from Homesteady on Youtube.