How to Disassemble a Door

Removing the Knob Set

• 1

  Examine the area around the knob for screws. The plate that encircles the knob is the rosette. Some rosettes have screws that secure them to the door. Remove any visible screws from the rosette with the appropriate screwdriver. Insert the screwdriver into the slot on the screw and turn it counterclockwise.

• 2

  Press the release button on the knob stem if you don't see any screws in the rosette. Some knobs have a slot in the stem that disengages the knob on one side. Look at the area between the bulb of the knob and the rosette. You will see a thin slot someplace on the stem. Push a flat-head screwdriver into the slot. This will pop the inside knob off the door.

• 3

  Remove the screws under the inside rosette. Once the knob and rosette are off, there may be additional screws holding the outside knob in place. The screws will be on the inside of the door. Remove these screws and pull the outer knob off the door. If either rosette sticks to the door surface, slide a chisel between the wood and the rosette and pull toward you.

• 4

  Open the door and access the jamb assembly on the inside, near the frame. The jamb assembly lies on the thin, vertical surface of the door that presses against the inner frame to hold it closed. Use a screwdriver to remove the retaining screws on the jamb. There may be one or two screws holding the jamb in place. Once the screws are off, slide a flat-head screwdriver between the wood and metal to pop off the jamb.

Other Accessories

• 5

  Locate any accessory hardware on the door, such as locks and chains. Not all doors will have additional accessories. Interior doors may only have knobs.

• 6

  Unscrew all retaining screws holding the accessories to the door.

• 7

  Slide a flat-head screwdriver or chisel under all metal pieces to remove them from the wood surface of the door. Paint will sometimes cause these pieces to stick. The chisel or screwdriver will break the paint seal so the metal comes free.

Hinges

• 8

  Open the door and unscrew the hinges from the frame. Most doors will have three hinges. The number of screws will depend on the style of hinge. Removing these screws will separate the door from the frame. Be prepared to catch the door as it comes free.

• 9

  Lie the door down on a flat surface, such as a table or floor. Place the door so the hinges are facing the ceiling.

• 10

  Remove the hinges from the door surface. Moving systematically, remove each hinge from the door by unscrewing the retaining screws. If necessary, slide your screwdriver or chisel between the metal hinge and the door to break the seal to pull the hinge off.