HOW TO REMOVE THE OLD DOOR HANDLE

Degol sometimes receive this question from our customers: How to remove the old door handle ?

Let’s start by covering the steps for removing the old door handle. You may want to remove the old handle before buying a new one to make sure you choose a new door handle that fits correctly into the space the old knob left behind.

1. REMOVE THE KNOB

Start by placing an object like a towel between the door and the door frame to keep it open. Using your Phillips-head screwdriver, remove the screws that are holding the door handle securely to the door.

In most cases, you’ll only find these screws on one side of the door, but check to see if you have screws on both sides you need to remove. Alternate between the two screws, unscrewing each a little bit at a time, so the knob comes out evenly.

After you’ve removed the screws, the knob should come out, along with the square steel peg that holds the two knobs together. If you don’t see any screws, there should be a small tab you can push in with your screwdriver to release the knob.

2. REMOVE THE LATCH

Next, remove the latch plate, located on the inside edge of the door. This small plate surrounds the piece that sticks out to keep the door in place when you close it. Using a screwdriver, take out the screws to remove the latch plate.

Next, slide out the latch. The latch is the long, narrow component that reaches from the edge of the door to the middle of the opening where the door handle was. If the latch doesn’t slide out, you may have to remove screws on the edge of the door.

3. REMOVE THE STRIKE PLATE

After you’ve removed the components from the door, turn your attention to the door jamb. Here’s where you will find the strike plate. Remove the two screws holding the strike plate to the door jamb.

You may not have to remove the existing strike plate if it works with your new door handle. Your new door handle should come with a new strike plate, however, which will likely look better and will perfectly match your new handle.

4. Measure the Backset

Once you have removed all the components, you’ll want to measure the backset. Start at the edge of the door and measure to the center of the opening where the door handle will go. The backset will likely either be two and three-eighths inches or two and three-quarter inches. This measurement will help you find a knob that fits correctly.