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How to remove a stuck door knob?

I'm replacing my door knob (no lock) with a lockable one (privacy set). I've taken out all visible screws but the knobs/door handles won't come off. I think it is a Lane(?) brand although I'm not certain.

I've tried moving both knobs to loosen the insides, also with a bit of baby oil, hoping it would help the knobs come off.

I tried to peek inside the tiny gap between the door and metal plate but can't find any pin or hole.

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EricL

Hello @Pinkay

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your door knob.

It appears that you've removed all the screws that could possibly be holding it together. If the handles refuse to come off, I would like to suggest using a little bit of persuasion along with some brute force. I recommend using a hammer and tyring to tap the handle out. Since you are replacing it damaging the finish should be ok. I suspect that the handle has binded to the axle of the door knob and it needs to be loosened up in order for it to come off.

I would also like to recommend our Door Lock Installation service in case you wish to have it installed by a professional.

Let me tag our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Nailbag

Hi @Pinkay

The knobs need to come off first, the rose against the door and lastly the latch. Since you're replacing the handle set we are fine to use the brute force @EricL suggested. But we need to be careful not to damage the door.

Start by giving a good tap around the job with a hammer on both sideband see if it can't be loosened. Failing that I would cut the connecting shaft between the jobs with a hacksaw like this type. It will take some time to get through the approx. 10mm square shaft. Once through the other side knob should pullout. The outer dark gold ring is probably stuck from paint, so they can be pried off.

Use a sharp blade to cut along the latch plate as it's been painted into place. Then push a screwdriver through the square opening of the latch where the connecting rod was holding the knobs. Holding the screwdriver on both ends. pull the latch out.

Failing all this, you may need to call a local handyman who will be a 1/3rd of the price of a locksmith.

Nailbag

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EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/52500#Comment_52500

Hi @Pinkay

Should the hammer fail to loosen it up, I would definitely follow @Nailbag's advice and use a hacksaw to cut the handle off.

Eric

Dave-1

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/52500#Comment_52500

Good Evening @Pinkay

You have removed the screws I would be removing, have you checked the underside of the handle barrel? I am hopping that there is a tiny grubscrew but suspect not. (will be a tiny allen key grub screw)

If there is no screws then its into the realm of more force 🙂 Yeah Brute force as @EricL and @Nailbag have sugested. Id go half way Brute force before thinking of other ways. Id try a lever effect to pull the handle off. I would use a thin piece of timber under the curved prybar end and then leaver gently/slowly with a Craftright 380mm Wrecking Bar to the door handle.

Dave

Pinkay

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/52500#Comment_52500

Thanks for the advice, @Nailbag. I'll try a hacksaw and cross-fingers I hope the other knob comes off too.

Pinkay

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/88427#Comment_88427

Thanks @Dave-1 - I can't see any screw or pin hidden in the underside. I'll need just try forcing the knob off (either by hacksaw or the wrecking bar as you suggested.

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/88429#Comment_88429

Hi @Pinkay

Please keep us updated with your progress, we look forward to seeing your new door knob installed.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Pinkay

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/88426#Comment_88426

Thanks @EricL for your advice - I will need to use force and some tools to get the knobs off.

AlanM52

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/109893#Comment_109893

I would attack the knob.

With caution use a angle grinder to cut across the top then try to split with hammer and screwdriver.

If needed do another cut across the bottom.

With the knob off spray lubricant in there and you should be able to knock the spindle through.

Cheers

Nailbag

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/88429#Comment_88429

Hi @Pinkay

As I mentioned it will take some time doing this by hand. A reciprocating saw with a medium length metal blade would be how I would tackle it, but only because I have one and it would be quick and safe to use. It's basically like a powered hacksaw and would avoid using any other type of powertool. so, you essentially doing how I have done it before several times.

When buying the new privacy set, I highly recommend either Gainsborough or Lockwood. They cost a little more but I can assure the quality idc worth the spend. Most importantly they install far better and operate much more reliably with privacy action. I tend to lean towards Lockwood if you wind a design suitable.

Good luck and please let us know how you go.

Nailbag

Noyade

G'day @Pinkay

Just another thought.

Have you tried tapping a hammer on a slotted screwdriver as indicated?

It only has to move outwards a fraction of a millimetre to break the 'seal' that's giving you trouble.

Good luck! 😁

And keep us informed!

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