wrote in message
...
Hi,

I'm trying to remove a doorknob from a * closed * door. The doorknob
is a very basic brass colored noname knob. It has no keyhole and no
lock. Just a knob which used to open the latch. The knob got
harder and harder to use, then one day it refused to open the latch at
all. So I am trying to remove it so I can install a new knob, or maybe
just leave the hole there. It is a utility closet door. I have removed
the 2 screws from the accessible side of the knob. The other half of
the knob, on the other side, is still in place, but I can push it back and
let it fall down behind the door inside the closet, and see what I can
then do with the latch which
will remain in the door and the jamb (wood into which the latch juts) .
I've tried the "credit card" trick and it doesn't work. Removing the
hinges looks like it won't work either. The plastic part on the latch is
broken, so there's no need to save anything. I'll be tossing the knob.

If I push the other half of the knob away, can I then just wiggle the
latch out from the jamb? I know, why not just try it? But maybe it's
necessary to keep the other half of the doorknob intact to get the latch
to retract ????

Thanks

When you have the knob off you should be able to see a square hole that the
doorknob's shaft goes through. Usually this hole is plastic so I'm not sure
if this is the plastic part that you refer to that is broken. Anyway, shove
a large screwdriver into that hole and rotate it to draw the latch back out
of the catch. If it's too stiff and won't turn, spray anything that moves
with a penetrating oil like 3-in-1, a jiggle to get the slightest movement
to move the parts a little and then, let it sit for an hour. If it still
won't turn, repeat the process. If it still won't budge get a bigger bar in
the hole. If you can't find one just get a pipe wrench on the shaft of the
screwdrive - maybe have someone pushing on the screwdrive so that it won't
jump out of the hole. Still nothing? I'm out of suggestions. You should
get one that works from someone else on the board who has more between the
ears than I do.
Good luck ;-)
Chuck