How to Remove a Door Knocker

A door knocker can dress up your front door and provide visitors with an alternative to the doorbell or pounding with their fists. But the wrong type of door knocker can give your home a dated look. Follow these steps if you want to remove a door knocker to replace it with a new one, or if you want to get rid of it because you don't like the look.

Step 1 - Preparation

Purchase the required supplies. If you're buying a new door knocker, be sure to choose one that's comparable in size or larger than your old one. This will allow you to reuse the holes in the door or hide them. Gather your supplies within easy reach. Choose a day that's warm and dry to do this job. This is especially important if you don't plan to replace your old door knocker with a new one and must repair the holes caused by the knocker. Repairing the holes requires the use of filler, primer and paint which will extend the time to do this job from minutes to hours.

Step 2 - Remove the Door Knocker

Open the screen door, if you have one, and set the stays so that the door remains open. Check the screws holding the door knocker to determine the type of screwdriver you'll need. Insert the correct screwdriver into one screw and loosen it by turning it counter-clockwise. Loosen only halfway. Do the same with any other screws.

After all the screws have been partially loosened, the doorknocker will move around easily. With one hand hold the doorknocker in place and loosen the screws the rest of the way. Dispose of the doorknocker and its hardware. You can throw them out, donate them or send them to a metal recycling facility.

Step 3 - Install Replacement Door Knocker

If applicable, install the replacement door knocker following the instructions included with the package. If you're not replacing the knocker, go to Step 4.

Step 4 - Repair the Holes in the Door

Mix the epoxy resin auto filler according to package instructions if you need to fix holes in a steel door. Spread a small amount of the filler over each hole using a putty knife. Allow the patch to dry completely, then carefully sand the surface by hand to smooth it. Clear away the dust with a tack cloth. Apply primer to the area and allow it to dry. Choose a rust-inhibiting primer for best results. Paint over the repaired area. If the color difference is too prominent, you may need to paint the entire door.

Open a can of wood filler to fix holes caused by the door knocker in a wooden door. Spread the filler into the holes using a putty knife. You'll only need a small amount. Press the filler into the hole and then scrape the extra away. Allow the patch to dry completely. Hand sand the small patches and clear away the residue with a tack cloth. Apply primer to the area and allow it to dry. Paint over the repaired area. Like a steel door, if the color difference between the patched area and the rest of the door is too prominent, you may need to paint the entire door.