The complexity of removing an interior door handle might vary depending on the type of handle and door, but understanding the basic steps can simplify the process.
Before embarking on the task, gather the necessary tools such as a screwdriver, a utility knife, and a pair of pliers. These tools will assist you in removing the screws, cutting through any sealant, and loosening the handle. Additionally, wearing gloves for hand protection is recommended.
Begin by identifying the type of handle you have. Different handles have unique removal methods. For instance, lever handles often have a screw located at the base of the handle, while knob handles may require you to remove a small cap to access the screws. Once the screws are removed, carefully wiggle the handle to detach it from the door.
Disengaging the Handle Assembly
The handle assembly is typically secured by two screws located on the inside edge of the door. To remove the handle assembly, follow these steps:
1. Locate the Screws
Open the door and look for the two screws that secure the handle assembly. They are usually located on the inside edge of the door, just above or below the handle.
2. Remove the Screws
Using a screwdriver, remove the two screws that secure the handle assembly. Be careful not to lose the screws.
3. Pull the Handle Assembly Off
Once the screws are removed, gently pull the handle assembly straight out from the door. The handle assembly should come off easily.
4. Disconnect the Latch
Once the handle assembly is removed, you will need to disconnect the latch. The latch is a small metal piece that is attached to the handle assembly and engages with the strike plate on the door frame when the door is closed. To disconnect the latch, simply push down on the tab on the top of the latch and pull it out of the hole in the door.
| Screw Size | Screw Location |
|---|---|
| #8 | Inside edge of the door, just above the handle |
| #10 | Inside edge of the door, just below the handle |
Uninstalling the Interior Door Handle
To uninstall the interior door handle, follow these steps:
- Determine the type of door handle you have. There are two main types of interior door handles: passage handles and privacy handles. Passage handles do not have a locking mechanism, while privacy handles do.
- Remove the screws that are holding the door handle in place. The screws are usually located on the inside of the door, near the handle.
- Pull the door handle off of the door. Be careful not to damage the door or the handle.
- Disconnect the latch from the door handle. The latch is the metal piece that engages with the strike plate when the door is closed.
- Remove the door handle from the door.
Here is a more detailed explanation of step 5:
- For passage handles, simply pull the handle straight off of the door.
- For privacy handles, you will need to first remove the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is usually held in place by a screw or two. Once the locking mechanism is removed, you can then pull the handle off of the door.
| Type of Door Handle | How to Remove |
|---|---|
| Passage handle | Pull the handle straight off of the door. |
| Privacy handle | Remove the locking mechanism and then pull the handle off of the door. |
Tightening the Set Screws
Locate the set screws on the handle’s backplate. These are usually tiny, recessed screws that hold the handle firmly to the backplate. Check the handle’s base and the backplate for screws.
Insert a screwdriver into the set screws and tighten them clockwise using moderate force. Avoid overtightening, as this can damage the screws or strip the threads.
| Tips for Tightening Set Screws |
|---|
| – Use the correct size and type of screwdriver for the set screws. |
| – Hold the screwdriver steady and apply equal pressure to tighten the screws. |
| – If the screws are stripped, remove the handle and replace the set screws with new ones. |
| – If the screws are rusted, apply penetrating oil to them and let it soak for a few minutes before trying to tighten them. |
Reattaching the Escutcheon Plate
Once the door handle is removed, you will need to reattach the escutcheon plate. This is the decorative plate that covers the hole in the door where the handle was attached. To do this, simply line up the escutcheon plate with the hole in the door and press it into place. You may need to use a screwdriver to tighten the screws that hold it in place.
If the escutcheon plate is damaged or you do not have one, you can purchase a new one at a hardware store. To install a new escutcheon plate, follow these steps:
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Place the new escutcheon plate over the hole in the door. |
| 2 | Mark the location of the screw holes with a pencil. |
| 3 | Drill pilot holes at the marked locations. |
| 4 | Screw the escutcheon plate into place. |
Once the escutcheon plate is in place, you can reattach the door handle. To do this, simply insert the handle into the hole in the door and tighten the screws that hold it in place.
How To Remove Interior Door Handle
Removing an interior door handle is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few minutes. Here are the steps on how to do it:
- Remove the screws. There are usually two screws that hold the interior door handle in place. These screws are typically located on the inside edge of the door, near the top and bottom of the handle.
- Pull the handle off the door. Once the screws are removed, you should be able to pull the handle straight off the door.
- Disconnect the wires. If your door handle is wired to an electrical system, you will need to disconnect the wires before you can remove the handle. To do this, simply use a screwdriver to loosen the screws that hold the wires in place.
- Remove the handle. Once the wires are disconnected, you should be able to remove the handle from the door.
People Also Ask About How To Remove Interior Door Handle
How do you remove a door handle without screws?
If your door handle does not have any visible screws, it is likely that it is held in place by a spring mechanism. To remove this type of handle, you will need to use a flathead screwdriver to pry the handle off the door.
How do you remove a passage door handle?
Passage door handles are typically the easiest type of door handle to remove. Simply remove the two screws that hold the handle in place, and then pull the handle straight off the door.
How do you remove a privacy door handle?
Privacy door handles are typically more difficult to remove than passage door handles. To remove this type of handle, you will need to use a screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the handle in place, and then use a key to unlock the handle.
