How to Take a Lock off a Door

Have you ever wondered how to take a lock off a door? You may need to take a lock off a door for several reasons such as changing the combination of the lock to keep unwanted visitors out or taking the lock off so the door can be painted. Today we’re showing you how to easily do this in the below how-to video:

Probably 90% of Australian households have got locks similar to this. Some have got exposed screws and some have concealed fixings, here is a step by step guide to removing these entrance sets with a list of tools required to get the job done.

Tools for the job:

• Screwdriver (either Phillips head or flat blade) depending on screw type or a battery driver (depending on preference and availability)
• Something strong and pointed, we have used a specialist locksmith tool but a fine Jewellers Screwdriver or engineer’s scribe or even a darning needle could be used.

How to remove the lock from your entrance set:

Step 1: Choose your implement, in our case it is a Phillips head drive bit in a battery driver.

Step 2: Remove the screws, in our case there are only two screws. But there may be more depending on the brand.

Step 3: The two halves should come away from the door, if it is an older installation the pieces might get hung up so you may need to jiggle them a bit to loosen. Or use something to pry them off, but be careful not to damage the fixing or scratch the door.

Step 4: Place your key in the lock side and turn to the unlock position.

Step 5: Insert your strong pointed tool into the retainer hole on the handle to remove the handle from the mechanism.

Congrats! Your entrance set has been dismantled, you can take it to your local locksmith for rekeying.

Now for a slightly more complicated set with hidden screws:

Step 1: Locate the hole on the inside of the door handle, place your pointed tool into the retainer hole and push in to remove the inner handle.

Step 2: Now there is a plate(or rose) covering the screws, you simply twist it to remove.

Step 3: Remove the screws as above and the two halves should separate from the door, if it is an older installation the pieces might get hung up so you may need to jiggle them a bit to loosen. Or use something to pry them off, but be careful not to damage the fixing or scratch the door.

Step 4: Is the same as step five above, insert your strong pointed tool into the retainer hole on the handle to remove the handle from the mechanism.

Congrats you have now removed and disassembled your concealed screw/commercial entrance set. You can take it to your local locksmith for rekeying.

If you need any further help, please don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team at Lock, Stock & Farrell Perth’s favourite locksmith!