[gardengal]

I just got a new Schlage (oil rubbed bronze) closet doorknob to replace an old brass one (circa 1985).

There is no model number on the package, but the alleged instruction sheet says its for F-Series. The instructions are horrible. some tiny pictures and a few words in multiple languages. THe pictures don't match anything I've got. I think its geared to new doorknob rather than replacement. Its your typical one-size-fits-none instructions. arggggggggggghhhhhhh

My installation/replacement is probably very very simple, but I have no clue. Something about doorknob installations has always seemed very initimidating to me.

Can anyone talk me through it in simple language? It probably needs to start with how to remove the old doorknob.

If this goes well, I want to do several more in the house.

 

[bob22]

Send a picture of existing knob on the door (both sides). This will likely help on how to remove.
Usually there are only two screws on the bezel (ring around door knob shaft) that need to come out to remove door knobs and two on the button thing (latch) on the side of the door. Reverse process with the new one.

 

[gardengal]

there are no exposed screws on either side. I'll try to get a picture up.

 

[bob22]

Look for a small indentation or slot on the bezel; sometimes there is one you can place a thin screwdriver tip in and pop it off (unless it unscrews somehow; that is why pictures will help).

 

[gardengal]

Okay, I got the cover plate loosened on both sides (which are identical). I can peek in and see screws but not sure how to access them.

The coverplates are absolutely solid smooth all around with no openings. (not good photographer close up, but wow they sure look awful zoomed in like this! glad I am getting rid of them!)

 

[gardengal]

well, I tried to mangle the coverplate. It was a little thicker gauge than I expected. I got one screw out. Working on the 2nd one which is harder.

I doubt this is the right way, but I can't imagine what the trick is.

 

[federer]

wow...seriously? you just unscrew the 2 screws and detach it from the door, then install the new one. whats the issue here??? the only thing you may have trouble with is lining up the new screws in the right spot. i have replaced over 10doorknobs, of different types. you will figure it out.....

 

[gardengal]

thanks very helpful. did you look at the picture? the 2 screws are buried. Now I see that the latch (?) bevel part doesn't pop out now that I FINALLY got the 2 screws out. It is wedged in there by its frame. Again no screws for that either. And now I see that the new bevel thingie is a different shape than the old one. That means chiseling for the new one. And no template for that. And I have no chisels. Now I'm without a functional doorknob til I get this all done. Another day. Another project started and not finished. G'nite.

 

[federer]

like i said...you will figure it out. i have ran into the same problems as you.

 

[gardengal]

Like I said (implied), not helpful. I thought DIY forums were for sharing ideas of how to do something. Is your idea of sharing ' rah rah go girl ' ?

If anyone has any real ideas how to get this piece out, please let me know. Brute force is not working. Am I dealing with one piece or two pieces?

I have since come to find out that to remove the doorknob itself, there was a "magic" tiny slot on the doorknob itself that allegedly releases it from the innerds, allowing the released coverplate to be removed.

 

[daveb1]

Lack of perseverance is not holding you back. The latch mechanism still in the door will possibly work with the new knob and if it does, wouldn't need to
be replaced unless its not working smoothly. If you still want or need to replace the latch part it is just friction fit into the hole through the edge of the
door.Pry it out from the edge of the knob hole.Assuming the new latch has a rectangular plate for the edge of the door,push it into the hole, trace it with
a razor knife,remove the latch and then chisel out the area for the new latch.

 

[gardengal]

excellent idea!!! I've loosened it up by a lot twisting and turning. I'll have to see if I can get it back the way it was and try that out!

I also happened to notice in the packaging of the new lock stuff, that they also include this same type of latch cover also as an alternative. The included instructions had nothing about this latch cover other than a picture of it. BUt the Schlage website instructions provide a little more info about installing it. I was hoping that that might lend a clue about removing it, but it did not. Here is the link to that file fwiw.

http://consumer.schlage.com/Project%20Documents/P515-302.pdf

 

[daveb1]

I've never been a big fan of driving the latch in such as your existing latch. If you want to remove the plate from the new latch the long edge of the plate needs to be on about a 45 degree angle from the flat edge of the beveled part. A little pulling and wiggling should get it off.

 

[bob22]

Gardengal: Is there something that you need help with at present? I'm a bit unsure as to what your needs are if any.

 

[gardengal]

the current status is to try to get the existing latch repositioned in the existing latch cover to see if I can re-use it for the new doorknob.

If the new and the old are not compatible (or if I can't reposition latch to original spot), I will keep trying to remove the entire assembly. (or call a locksmith )

I did find a chisel and I have a dremel too, so I should be able to create a mortise if I can get to that step.

No more tries for today, off to work now.

Thanks.

 

[tcleve4911]

I'll see if I can help at all

Removing the knob - look on the shaft just behind the knob. There should be a little slot with a 3/8" tab poking thru or sometimes just a 1/16th inch hole.
This is the release button to let the knob slide off the shaft.

You have to depress that pin with a small screwdriver (as shown) or if it's the small hole type, get a paper clip and insert it into the hole to depress the pin.
Depress the pin at the same time you're pulling on the knob (this can be tricky)

Once the knob comes off, so will the cover plate and then you have access to the screws that hold the 2 halves of the body together.

Hope this helps...you shouldn't have to be bending metal:no:

 

[mortiseguy]

get it out

from your pic the plate that you pride up is crovering up the slot or hole that you push to remove the knob, then the plate will come off and you can get to the screws. back off screws a little, turn that inside plate the screw will move to the larger holes(seen in pic) and the lock can be removed.
it may be to late to find the hole in knob.
So back out (or remove)screw in pic turn the plate around so you can get to the other screw & other side.
you can push the latch out with a flat head screwdriver.
You can put the new latch in like you have without a faceplate or look at Lock Installation #1 on the pdf
Or mortise a place as pic in Door Prep #C , put the new latch in hole screw in the 2 faceplate screws(pre drill small Bit Hole) take a razor knife cut around faceplate. remove and with a sharp chisle cut and remove wood.
re install make sure the latch brevel is facing the right way
put the rest together

 

[mrgins]

I'll see if I can help at all

Removing the knob - look on the shaft just behind the knob. There should be a little slot with a 3/8" tab poking thru or sometimes just a 1/16th inch hole.
This is the release button to let the knob slide off the shaft.

You have to depress that pin with a small screwdriver (as shown) or if it's the small hole type, get a paper clip and insert it into the hole to depress the pin.
Depress the pin at the same time you're pulling on the knob (this can be tricky)

Once the knob comes off, so will the cover plate and then you have access to the screws that hold the 2 halves of the body together.

Hope this helps...you shouldn't have to be bending metal:no:

I'm surprised it took so long for someone to mention this method. Items like this do not outlast the door they are installed on so always have an easy way of removing

 

[tcleve4911]

I'm surprised it took so long for someone to mention this method.

you didn't ask before you mangled the thing:laughing:

Did it work?

 

[gardengal]

Yup, I asked before I mangled. but I didn't get an answer. Mangling worked though. Not as fast I'm sure. All the doorknobs in the house are the same, so I will certainly have other chances to try that out.

The only problem now is getting the dang drive-in latch cover out (see "current status" post earlier). I will try more tonight after work.