By Kingsley Adegboye

Removing a door knob is as easy as removing the screws and pulling out the pieces of the knob. However, the process requires an orderly action and idea of what you want to do. You don’t just grab a screwdriver to start removing the door knob.

First, get your tool set which includes a screwdriver, possibly a flat-head screwdriver and thin chisel as well. Also get a container where to put the pieces as you remove the screws one after the other to reduce the chances of them getting scattered. And in case of a replacement, you are equally expected to use a separate plate for the new knob to avoid mix-ups.

If the door in question has a door closer installed, you’ll need to prop the door open so that you can easily get to both knobs. You have to remove the new door knob from the pack to examine its parts to understand the hardware involved

You will then start by removing the trim, which is near-flat disk that lies between the knob and the door. You will find trim attached on both sides. In most cases, two screws are used to secure the trim, one to each side of the knob. Remove them by unscrewing them. However, in the case of some modern door knobs, the trim is affixed with adhesive instead of screws. You will need that flat-head screwdriver or chisel to pry it off. To avoid scratching the door, make sure you slide your tool underneath as far as it will go before attempting to lever it off.

Newer door knob models often fuse trim and knob into one piece. After removing the two long screws, you will be able to pull both door knobs out of the door. But if the trim is separate, the job is still a simple one. The long screws will be hiding under the trim. Once you extract them, your door knobs will come out.

As parts come out after another, set them down so that they fit together as they did in the door. This will give you a quick visual reference to assess that no pieces have got lost and to remember how to reassemble them. Now that the door knobs are out, you will be able to examine the bolt. This is the part with the part that holds the door closed. You can see the hole in the bolt where the door knob axles held it in place and manipulated the latch. On external doors and some internal ones, the bolt will be additionally secured by two screws at edge of the door, one above and one below the latch. If this is the case, remove them. The bolt should easily slide out of the edge of the door.

Finally, take a look at the door frame where the bolt latches, and consider the strike plate. This is the flat metal piece laid over the hole that receives the latch. It gives the door frame a more finished appearance and provides a durable surface for the slanted edge of the latch to hit. If the replacement door knob comes with its own strike plate, or if the old strike plate is of a different colour from the new knob, you will have to replace the plate. Remove the two screws that secure the strike plate.

The bolt screws and the strike plate screws will have been drilled directly into the wood. You may find the screw holes too smooth inside to hold screws anymore. If so, take a toothpick with a drop of carpenter’s glue and stick it into the hole as far as it will go. Break off whatever is sticking out by bending the toothpick sharply to the side. Let this remedy sit for about five minutes to allow the glue to become tacky, then insert screws as usual. The extra wood and glue will enable the screw to drive in very well.