Introduction: How to Remove and Replace a Weslock Doorknob

I have an older home, and found a Weslock door knob on one of my doors that I wanted to swap out with a locking knob made by Defiant. At the local Home Depot, the only two brands of knobs that I saw were Defiant and Keystone. I don't know if Weslock still exists, it might be rare. I attempted to remove the Weslock knob, but to my frustration I could not figure it out.

Google is your friend, right? A quick search for how to remove this knob came up nil. I came across a forum that vaguely spelled out how to remove this. I think a step by step guide with pictures would help. It annoys me how vague a description is. When someone asks how to do something, don't give them a vague answer assuming they know what certain technical terms are. Define things, or at least show pictures. Well, here is the guide to removing a Weslock knob that I encountered (non-locking, no key). It's straightforward, you just need to locate where the secret elements are.

Step 1: Remove the Side Plate

This is where you see the "Weslock" name. There's two philips screws to unscrew, and then you can pry it out. However, underneath is something that looks like another plate. This is permanently affixed, so don't bother removing this. I found that out after viciously trying to pry that off!

Step 2: Where's the Screws?

A quick search, you will not find the screws for the knobs. Hmmm, where could they be?

Step 3: Unveil the Hidden Screws

One side of the knobs has small slit on the faceplate. This faceplate can be loosened to unveil the screws. Tightly grip the face plate and turn counter-clockwise (unscrewing motion). However, there is no way to access those screws with that plate in the way!

Step 4: Find the Reccessed Release Mechanism and Pull Out Knob.

On this same side of the knob, you will find another hidden element. It is a recessed button mechanism that needs to be depressed and allows you to pull out the knob easily. Check out the pictures. This will completely unveil the two screws so we now have access to it!

Step 5: Remove the Two Screws and the Rest Is Cake.

You can now unscrew those now accessible screws. Now the fixture just pulls apart easily.

Step 6: Remove the Other Knob and Slide Out the Side Fixture.

The rest of the fixtures just slide out like butter. This is how easy uninstalling a doorknob should be, if it weren't for those hidden contraptions we encountered earlier.

Congratulations, you are done!