How to Remove a Broken Doorknob That's Jammed

Do you need to know how to remove a jammed doorknob? Mine got to the point that I feared I'd end up trapped in my bedroom. If you need to get this done yourself quickly and cheaply instead of waiting for a repairman, this article will tell you how. Once you've removed the doorknob you can bring it with you to the hardware store so you can buy one that matches. Keep in mind this method will render your old doorknob unusable so you’ll need to buy a new one, but this method worked for me when I was in a bind. So if you want to learn how to remove a jammed doorknob, read on.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Screwdrivers (mine needed a 2/8 inch flat head and a standard sized Phillips head)
• Hammer
• Pliers
• Safety goggles

1. 

   Use your flat head screwdriver to pry the flat door knob plate from your door. (I don’t know the technical terms for everything, so refer to the photos!) Work slowly and carefully to avoid marring your door. There should be small openings where you can get the head of the screwdriver in for leverage.

2. 

   Look for a hole on the flat door knob plate. Attempt to unscrew this.

3. 

   Resort to the pliers if the screw does not budge. On my doorknob it was so old and stripped that I could not unscrew it. Grasp the flat plate you pried away between the pliers, and carefully pull it back and downward to reveal screws underneath. Keep prying until you can get at those screws with a screwdriver.

4. 

   Unscrew the top and bottom screws that are under the flat plate. I needed the Phillips head for the screws in my door. This side of the door knob will soon come right out. In fact, depending on how loose it is, you might want to be ready to catch it. If it’s not loose you should be able to pull it out.

5. Pry the other side of the door knob plate just like in step one. This knob should come right out too at this point.

6. 

   Remove the inner mechanism. You’ll notice that all that’s left is the insides: the stuff that makes the door latch shut. This part was a little tricky to get out. Position your hammer as close to the end (on the inside) as you can. You will obviously not be able to get a direct hit. Gently tap with the hammer to loosen the piece. You do NOT want to bang it hard, because that will loosen the gap in the door so much that a new door knob will not fit in right. Your goal here is just to loosen it a little. Work as slowly as you need to.

7. 

   Pry the piece on the other side of the door using the back end of the hammer. Once again, work slowly. You want to loosen it enough to get it out, but you don’t want to overdo it or it’ll be too widened for the new mechanism to sit in snugly. Alternate between this step and the above step until you can work it all the way out. And that’s it! That’s all you need to know to learn how to remove a jammed doorknob. Remember to bring it with you to the hardware store. Your new doorknob will come with instructions on how to install it. Good luck.

Tips & Warnings

• Use care when prying in all steps. Always position yourself and your hands so that if something suddenly gives way, you don’t end up with a screwdriver in your eye, or impaling your hand with the pliers.

[FrazzledNanny]

on 6/18/2009 Very helpful article on removing a broken doorknob when it's jammed. Thanks for sharing. 5*

[Jolocol]

on 6/1/2009 I have had to do this more than once. Great tips for removing jammed door handles!