Help removing interior doorknobs?

Question

I have several interior doorknobs with no screws. They are "Dexter" brand and at least 40 years old (I think originals from when house was built).

How do I remove them? I have tried reading other responses to similar questions but I have almost zero home improvement experience and the responses confused me a bit.

Some of the knobs have a small pin-sized hole on the exterior side, dead center in the front of the knob--putting a paperclip thru there didn't do anything.

Most of the knobs have a very small, narrow rectangular-shaped hole on the interior side, on the "neck" of the knob near where it meets the face plate (I think this is what it is called--the circular metal part that is in on the door). I have tried pressing against that with a screwdriver, sticking things in it (ie, a paperclip), etc nothing seems to do anything. It doesn't feel like I am hitting anything "springy" either that would release the interior side of the knob.


How do I get these knobs off

Answer 1

Door knobs with no screws have a release on one knob. It sounds like you found the release hole . You have to push something in the hole and try to pull off the door knob at the same time. Pushing in the hole will release the knob, but you have to apply the force to remove it. Once you have the knob off pry the plate loose against the door. Then you will find the screws to remove the knobs.

Answer 2

Most older knobs that Ihave worked with have a very skinny throat and the rod going through the door to the other knob is a square and threaded shaft. If you have removed the set screws, then all you should need to do is hold one knob and unscrew the other. Penetrating oil if that sticks. Should work.

Answer 3

I believe that you are doing it correct. That small rectangluar slot should be the catch that holds the knob on the shaft. After 40 years or so, they may be stuck. Good luck