Door knobs - help!

Betsy, usually the screws go through one trim plate and into threaded inserts on the inside of the opposite trim plate. If you take the screws out, the two plates should be loose and one of the knobs should slide off the shaft that is attached to the other. That flat shaft works the latch when you turn the knob.

Was the door already painted? Perhaps the paint is holding one of the plates in place. Breaking its hold on the trim plate would allow you to remove the assembly.

Here’s a picture I found. The shaft between the plates should just slip into one of the knobs.

Some knobs do have a set screw or two but You’d probably have noticed that.

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its hard to tell with no brand name mentioned or pictures. there are too many ways they mount to know without all the info. I install hardware everyday and have for many years. is there a name on the latch? we need more info to be able to help. :-]

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Betsy,

Don’t mean to be a “smarty pants” but did you take the screws out on both sides of the door?

Also, the second plate you mentioned might unscrew. I’ve seen latches that require a “spanner” wrench to remove the hardware.

found my camera – here are two pictures

the first one shows the extra plate – this is the only place where there are screws.

The name on the plate is “weslock.”

The decorative plate came off easy enough – and I’m sure if I could get to those screws on the security plate I’d be home free.

No set screws, etc.

Dave – nope not painted before.

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no problem Lew. There are no screws on the outside of the door knobs—- just one the striker plate.

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I’m getting closer – this is close – but my plate (under the decorative plate seems to be different.).
http://www.instructables.com/id/How_to_Remove_and_Replace_a_Weslock_doorknob/

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OKKKKKKKK – figured it out. That second plate with the screws – those screws don’t come out. It’s like a T-slot – got to move the plate over with a screw driver to move the screw into the open slot – once that’s done – it’s comes right off.

Whew – was about to loose my temper!

Thanks for your help guys.

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On the stem of the knob will be a slot. [the side you are seeing screws behind the trim plate.] stick a small screwdriver in the slot and pull off the knob. you may have to remove the screwdriver as you pull on the knob so it doesnt stop you from getting the knob off. some models you have to turn the knob to get to the release mechanism. I haven’t seen a weslock in 20 years so my memory is a little fuzzy. If it’s realy old it may not want to come off. these locks are cheap so I wouldn’t mess around with it a whole lot. bust it off and get a new one. If your gonna paint the door you will want a shiny new lock anyway. :-]

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thanks Skeezics – I got it – but it was close to the “break it off and start again!”

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I recognize that one in your picture. Had them in a rental house. Drove me nuts too!! Youi’re not a lone Betsy.

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