How to Take Out a Lockset

A lockset is the lock mechanism contained within a doorknob or door handle. If you are experiencing difficulty getting yours to work or just want to change the style of your door, you need to first remove this part. The procedure is pretty straightforward if your lockset is of the cylinder or a similar variety.

• 1

  Open the door and feel around the base of the inside door handle until you feel a screw head or hole.

• 2

  Remove the screw. This allows you to pull the handle out of the door.

• 3

  Pull the plate or cap that was under the handle off the door. Pry the plate loose if you are having difficulty pulling it out.

• 4

  Grip the outside door handle and pull it free from the door. The cap or plate on that side should come away with the handle. If it doesn't, just pull it off.

• 5

  Remove the screws holding the plate on the side of the door. Pull out the lockset cylinder from inside.