How to Remove a Latch From an Interior Door

Open the door and locate the screws on the inside door handle or knob. The screws are typically mounted to the metal plate on the door. Some plates have a small screw hidden at the bottom that, once removed, allows the metal cover to come off and reveal the mounting screws.

Take out the screws one at a time. When the last screw is about to come out, hold the handle or knob on the opposite side in case it falls. Fully remove the screw and pull the hardware off the door from both sides. The inner workings are now revealed.

Remove the screws on the side of the door that holds the latch mechanism in place. With a pair of pliers, pull out the metal rod that runs through the mechanism between where the handles or knobs used to sit.

Pry the latch mechanism out of the door from the side. You might need a putty knife to work beneath the plate to get enough leverage. Once the mechanism is out a little, you should be able to pull it out completely by hand.