Flipping property woes may be as huge as rotting beam or as minute as a light bulb replacement. However, they almost always include removing door knobs. Simple as it may seem, it can be one of the most frustrating tasks when rehabbing houses. That’s because there’s just a sundry of varying models and sizes. And Oh, don’t forget varying ages. Some door knobs are so vintage you thought you were knocking on a Medieval Age door.

But truth be told, removing door knobs, especially interior ones, is very easy. That is, if you know the trick. This article on woes when flipping properties will expose that trick. Take note though that this feature will discuss removing interior door knobs, which are easier to replace compared to front door knobs and locksets.

For this task, you will need a set of flathead screwdrivers, a Philips screwdriver, Allen wrench (for some weird sets), and gloves or rag for corroded and damaged handles. The level of difficulty ranges from very easy to moderate, usually depending on the type of doorknobs you have. That, by the way, is the first step to this process. Determine whether the screws of the inner doorknob handles are visible or not.

If the screws are visible, simply unscrew them. Most likely you’ll need a Philips for this flipping property task. If they are nowhere to be seen, you’ll have to look for a detent or a catch on the stem. The stem is the narrower cylindrical tube that connects the knob to the whole set. If there’s no lever, look for a small slit or hole on the trim where a thin flathead would fit. The trim is the flat ring between the knob and the stem. Some knobs would require an Allen wrench. It’s just a matter of finding the right stick for the right hole. When the hidden detent is hit by the screwdriver, pull the knob.

Once the knob handle is gone, simply remove the trim by prying it with a flathead. You’ll expose another ring that held in place by two set screws. To remove that place, simply unscrew it with a Philips or flathead. Wasn’t it mentioned that this flipping property woe was easy to solve? A word of caution though: watch out for falling parts. Some pieces simple come off when the set screws anchoring the set to the door are removed. Safety first when flipping properties.

Continue this flipping property task by removing the whole mechanism from the door. That means the two knobs and the stem will have to go, leaving only a hole and the doorknob strike bolt. This is the part that inserts to the strike plate that’s carved into the jamb. This part of the doorknob is held by two screws on the side of the door. Unscrew them. likely with a Philips, and take out the strike bolt.

To complete this flipping property task, unscrew the strike plate from the jamb. It is also fastened with screws. From this point on, all that’s left is a door with two holes (for the lock mechanism and the strike bolt) and the jamb with a hole for the strike bolt.