Removing a bathroom door handle with a lock involves a few steps, primarily focusing on unscrewing and detaching the handle and then removing the lock mechanism itself. Here's a breakdown:
Steps to Remove the Door Handle and Lock
- Loosen and Remove the Rose Plate/Cover Plate: Locate the rose plate (the circular or square plate that sits flush against the door). Some rose plates have a small indentation. Use a flathead screwdriver to gently pry it off, exposing the screws beneath. Other types might simply screw off.
- Unscrew the Handle: With the screws exposed, use a screwdriver (usually a Phillips head) to unscrew them. This will release the handle from the door. Remove both handles on either side of the door.
- Locate and Loosen the Grub Screw (if applicable): Some handles are additionally secured with a small grub screw, often found on the neck of one of the handles. Use a small Allen wrench (hex key) to loosen and remove this screw. This step is crucial; otherwise, the handle may not come off even after unscrewing the main screws.
- Remove the Spindle: Once the handles are removed, the spindle (the metal bar that connects the two handles and operates the latch) can be pulled out.
- Remove the Latch Plate from the Door Edge: Look at the edge of the door where the latch mechanism sits. You'll see a strike plate secured with screws. Unscrew and remove this plate.
- Remove the Latch/Lock Mechanism: Carefully slide the latch/lock mechanism out of the door. You might need to gently wiggle it.
- Measure the Backset (if replacing): If you are replacing the lock, measure the backset. The backset is the distance from the edge of the door to the center of the bore hole where the door handle spindle sits. This measurement ensures that your new lock will fit correctly.
Important Considerations
- Be Gentle: Avoid forcing any components, as this can damage the door or the hardware.
- Keep Screws Organized: Keep all screws and small parts organized to make reassembly or installation of a new handle easier.
- Safety: If the door handle or lock is damaged, be cautious when handling it to avoid cuts or injuries.
By following these steps, you can successfully remove a bathroom door handle with a lock.