How to Remove a Door Knob With No Visible Screws

Knock, knock. Who’s there? A job well done

A woman removing a dooknob with a screwdriver
Photo: Jose Luis Pelaez Inc / DigitalVision / Getty Images
A woman removing a dooknob with a screwdriver
Photo: Jose Luis Pelaez Inc / DigitalVision / Getty Images
Justine Harrington
Written by Justine Harrington
Contributing Writer
Updated Nov 1, 2023
SKILL LEVEL
Simple
COMPLETION TIME
30 minutes
COST
$0
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What you'll need:
TOOLS
  • Flat-head screwdriver
  • Phillips screwdriver
  • Allen wrench
SUPPLIES
  • Paperclip

Just like many other things in your home, your door knobs will eventually need to be replaced one day. The good news is that you don’t always have to call a professional locksmith to remove a door knob. If you know what you’re doing and have the right tools at your disposal, removing a screwless door knob is a relatively simple job for any homeowner.

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  1. Locate the Hidden Slot

    Close-up of hands of a senior man removing a doorknob
    Photo: IKvyatkovskaya / Adobe Stock

    Look for a small slot or hole underneath the door shaft. If you find a slot, insert your flat-head screwdriver into the hole and tug on the knob. It should slide off easily. If, on the other hand, you find a small hole, you can straighten out a paper clip and push it inside the hole; then, pull the knob out.

  2. Pry Off the Rose

    The rose is the round decorative plate that fits around your door knob. If the rose doesn’t come off with the knob, you’ll need to remove it on its own, to expose the mounting screws underneath it. To do so, insert the tip of your screwdriver under the small opening between the plate and the door. Gently pry it off.

  3. Remove the Hidden Screws

    Now, use your Phillips screwdriver to remove the hidden mounting screws.

  4. Replace the Latch Plate

    Using your Phillips screwdriver, remove the screws holding your old latch plate in place. Now, you’re ready to install your new door knob and its matching hardware.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Removing or changing a door knob is a very small job. With most pros’ hourly rates starting around $100, you’re going to save a lot doing this job yourself. You can make the job worthwhile by hiring a handyperson and grouping this project with other household repairs, like installing a new door or upgrading multiple door knobs throughout your whole house. A handyperson costs on average around $90 per hour, but some may quote a flat rate for very small jobs.  A locksmith is another option, especially if you are locked out of your house. A locksmith costs on average $150 for a visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can cut a door knob off using a sawzall, but you risk causing additional damage to the door itself. You’ll also need to completely replace the door knob, costing you extra money and another trip to the hardware store.

Most exterior door knobs have their screws on the interior facing side to prevent against potential theft. If you’re locked out of your house and are trying to remove the door knob from the outside, it’s best to call a locksmith who has the appropriate tools. 

Most door knobs can be removed with a Phillips or flathead screwdriver. If you don’t have either of those available, a paper clip or small pin can sometimes work, but the extra effort may not be worth a quick trip to the hardware store.

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Learn more about our contributor
Justine Harrington
Written by Justine Harrington
Contributing Writer
Justine Harrington is an Austin-based writer with bylines in dozens of publications, including Forbes, Marriott Traveler, Real Simple Magazine, American Way, Travel + Leisure, Allrecipes, and many others.

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