How to Change a Doorknob Without Screws

Although changing a doorknob may not seem like rocket science, it can still be a little tricky if you have a doorknob without screws. A doorknob that appears to have no screws on the exterior will still be fastened through the hole in the door with screws. The trick is to get the doorknob plate off the door so you can reach the hardware inside.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Flathead screwdriver Phillips head screwdriver

1. Pop off the plate. Look for a small notch around the rim of the plate, or the piece that surrounds the doorknob. When you find the notch, or at the bottom of the plate if you have no notch, gently slide a flathead screwdriver as far as it will go into the notch. Use the screwdriver as a lever to pop the plate off the door. Repeat on the other side of the door if necessary.

2. Check out the knob's inner workings. Move the plate off the door, if possible, or attach it with a rubber band near the head of the knob to get it out of your way. Most knobs will be attached with two screws, one on each side of the door, that keep the two knobs in place. Most have Phillips head screws. Use the appropriate screwdriver to unscrew both screws.

3. Gently pull the two knobs apart, and remove them from the door.

4. Remove the deadlatch by unscrewing the two screws that are attached to the deadlatch or the protruding piece that sticks from the door into the door frame to keep the door shut.

5. Install the new knob by reversing the process with the new knobs and hardware. Screw in the deadlatch, making sure the rounded edge of the latch is facing the direction the door closes. Put the plates around the skinny part of the knobs and screw in the knobs. Either screw or snap the plates in place, depending on whether or not your new knob plates have screws. If they do not, position them around the base of the knobs once the knobs are screwed in, and slide and snap them into place with any notch at the bottom.