How to Change a Door Lock Without Screws: Hidden Release Guide
Published Date: Sep 1, 2025
Ever tried to change a door lock and ended up staring at it, wondering where the screws went? The screwless design is great for aesthetics, but can be a little confusing when it’s time to replace them. The process is a bit different from traditional locks, but it’s not as hard as it looks. In this guide, Sure Lock & Key shows you how to change a door lock without screws using a few simple tricks. Let’s take the mystery out of hidden releases.
How to Change a Doorknob Without Screws
Many contemporary doorknobs and levers don’t have visible screws on the handles or faceplates. Instead, they use a hidden pin or a small button to release the knob from its shaft. The key is knowing where to look for the release point. This method works great if you’re figuring out how to change a door lock without screws or just replacing a minimalist-style knob.
Examine the neck of the doorknob — look for a tiny slot, a small button, or a pinhole. This is often where the release mechanism is located. You’ll need a small, stiff wire, a paperclip, or a tiny flathead screwdriver to push this pin.
Once you’ve found it, check out our full guide on how to remove a door lock without screws. Once you’ve removed the old knob, you’re ready to install the new one.
- Insert the latch: Slide it into the door edge with the angled side facing the door frame. Secure with screws.
- Attach the exterior knob: Push the spindle through the latch opening from the outside.
- Connect the interior knob: Line it up with the spindle and snap or secure it into place.
- Test the handle: Turn it and check the latch to make sure everything works smoothly.
That’s how to replace a doorknob without screws. If you’re looking to change other types of locks, check out the next section.
How to Change a Deadbolt Lock Without Screws
Deadbolts are a bit different from doorknobs, but many of the same design principles apply. Most modern deadbolts have a smooth, screw-free face for a cleaner design. Instead of visible fasteners, the screws are hidden behind a snap-on cover plate. You won’t see a release pin or slot, but it’s simple once you know what to look for.
Let’s start by removing the old one.
- Find the seam between the outer ring of the deadbolt and the inner metal cover.
- Use a plastic putty knife or a cloth-wrapped screwdriver to gently pry the cover off. It may take some wiggling, and you may hear a few clicks as the tabs release.
- Once the cover is off, remove the two screws underneath. The deadbolt will come apart easily.
Now, let’s install the new deadbolt.
- Insert the new latch into the edge of the door, angled side facing the door frame.
- Align both sides of the deadbolt, pushing the exterior and interior parts together through the latch opening.
- Tighten the screws to secure the lock.
- Snap the new decorative cover over the mounting plate to hide the screws and finish the look.
- Test the lock to make sure the key and thumb-turn operate smoothly.
Just looking to change the key, not the whole lock? Check out our guide on how to change a door lock cylinder for a simple way to update your security without replacing the full hardware. As always, Sure Lock & Key is here to help if things get tricky.
Final Thoughts on How to Change a Door Lock Without Screws
The next time you come across a door lock without visible screws, you’ll know exactly what to do. Whether it’s a doorknob with a hidden pinhole or a deadbolt with a snap-on faceplate, today’s sleek designs are easier to handle than they look. The key is to find the release point and have the right tools on hand.
While knowing how to change a door lock without screws can be a helpful skill, sometimes a job is better left to the professionals. That’s where our home locksmith services come in. With over 35 years of experience, Sure Lock & Key is proud to be a trusted resource for homeowners. Our commitment to quality work and helping people is what we’re all about, and we’re ready to help you with your next security project.