How to Remove Premium Door Knobs with Hidden Screws
Struggling to remove sleek premium door knobs from your glass shower door? Unlike traditional knobs, modern designs often conceal screws for a minimalist look—making disassembly tricky without damaging glass or finishes. At Loire Hardware, we engineer premium knobs specifically for frameless showers, combining elegance with serviceability. This guide reveals professional techniques to safely remove concealed-screw knobs while preserving your hardware.
Why Hidden Screws? The Luxury Trade-Off
Premium door knobs in high-end showers hide fasteners to:
Maintain seamless aesthetics
Prevent corrosion in wet environments
Eliminate visual clutter on glass
But this sophistication complicates maintenance. Most users panic when they can’t locate screws—leading to scratched glass or broken components. Our Loire Knobs solve this with intuitive access points and corrosion-resistant materials.
Locating Hidden Screws: 3 Common Designs
Type 1: Under Decorative Caps
Identify: Small metal/plastic discs on knob base.
Remove: Insert toothpick into pinhole on cap’s edge; gently pry off.
Type 2: Behind Retractable Collars
Identify: Rotatable sleeve around the stem.
Remove: Twist collar counterclockwise to expose screws.
Type 3: Magnetic Cover Plates
Identify: Seamless faceplate with faint edges.
Remove: Slide plastic pry tool under plate’s bottom edge.
Warning: Never use metal tools on glass showers!
Step-by-Step Removal Process
For Loire Hardware knobs and compatible brands.
Step 1: Clean and Inspect
Wipe knob/base with damp cloth to reveal seams.
Shine flashlight at 45° angles to spot hidden access points.
Step 2: Access Screws
Use methods above to remove caps/collars.
Stuck? Apply silicone lubricant; wait 2 minutes.
Step 3: Loosen Fasteners
Insert hex key into exposed screws.
Turn counter-clockwise—use light pressure to avoid stripping.
Corroded? Dab vinegar on screws; wait 5 mins before retrying.
Step 4: Detach Knob
Gently pull knob from door.
If resistant, wiggle vertically while pulling (✘ Do not twist).
Step 5: Remove Base Plate
Lift plate away from glass.
Adhesive residue? Use citrus-based cleaner, not scrapers.
Avoid These Costly Mistakes
❌ Prying faceplates with knives → Scratches glass
❌ Forcing stuck knobs → Snaps internal threads
❌ Ignoring corrosion → Seizes screws permanently
Why Loire Knobs Simplify Maintenance
Our premium door knobs eliminate removal headaches through:
Quick-Release Screws: Self-ejecting designs with Teflon® coating.
Tool-Free Caps: Magnetic covers pop off by hand (View Design).
Corrosion Defense: 316 stainless steel screws resist steam/salts.
Glass Protectors: Integrated nylon gaskets prevent metal-glass contact.
Upgrade to low-maintenance knobs engineered for showers.
When Replacement Beats Removal
Replace knobs immediately if you find:
✘ Pitting/cracks on metal
✘ Stripped screw heads
✘ Loose rotation (internal mechanism failure)
Pro Installation Tips for New Knobs
Clean Glass:
Wipe with isopropyl alcohol; dry completely.
Apply Silicone Buffer:
Add a rice-sized drop to screw holes to prevent water ingress.
Hand-Tighten First:
Secure screws 80% by hand before final hex-key tightening.
Torque Check:
Use a digital torque driver (0.6–0.8 Nm ideal)
Conclusion
Removing premium door knobs with hidden screws shouldn’t require a PhD—just the right technique and hardware designed for serviceability. At Loire Hardware, we engineer every component for both beauty and practicality, ensuring your shower stays stunning for decades.