When you dedicate yourself to home improvements, it can easily happen that you have to perform apparently simple chores, but which in reality can create problems for you; disassembling the door handles is one of them. If you don't know how to do it, don't worry: wikiHow gives you a hand. Start by reading the steps below.
Steps
Step 1. Disassemble the pieces that secure the handle to the door
There are several models of handles, as well as many different manufacturers. Considering these factors and also the age of the handle, you can use many different systems to unlock the mechanism. Various methods are described below, starting with the one you should try first.
- Vine method. Remove any visible screws. The screws around the locking plate (the latch) on both sides of the door are standard. The position of the other screws may change, however, depending on the type of handle and the brand. Try looking at the round handle plate on one side of the door or the neck of the handle itself.
- Hole method. If you see that there are some small holes on the handle, but without screws or other visible removal system, you must probably act on them. Get a pin or other tool that can go through the holes, then press down while holding the handle in many different positions. One of these positions should reveal a small latch or latch, which can be manipulated with the pin by pressing down into the hole.
- Latch method. With a knife, flat-blade screwdriver, or other thin tool, pry out the round plate (the door latch) that surrounds the handle. It should take off easily. With the outer plate removed, you will see a thick metal plate on the inside that was previously covered by the circular plate. There should be a hole in the plate with a visible latch. Push it down and the lock should come out easily.
- Unscrewing method. Using a wrench or your hands, unscrew the round plate surrounding the handle counterclockwise until it comes off. Continue to turn it by hand in the same direction until it is completely removed. Do this on both sides of the door. On the threaded barrel of the handle, which should now be visible, you will see a hole or groove. Turn the handle until you find a spring or lever inside the hole. Press down with a screwdriver and pull out the handle. It should come off easily.
Step 2. Remove the handles
After unscrewing the plate, you should be able to easily remove the handles. Remove both and set them aside.
Step 3. Remove the locking plate
This is the metal plate on the edge of the door where the latch protrudes. Unscrew the screws above and below the latch and gently pry the plate off with a slotted screwdriver.
Step 4. Remove the internal mechanisms
After unscrewing the latch, you should be able to disassemble and extract all the other internal mechanisms of the door. The job is done! To install the new handles, consult the user manual or read other wikiHow articles.
