Posted on: Friday, October 22, 2004
HOME HANDYMAN
Old doorknob may be stuck to finish
By Glenn Haege
Q. I am trying to replace an old interior doorknob, but I can't get it off. I tried to put pressure in the little slot, and nothing happened. Help, please. I am having a party next week, and I want everything to look nice.
A. There are several possible problems and solutions:
1. You probably didn't put enough pressure on it. Ask somebody strong for help. That being said, you might not like the result. The probability is that it is stuck because the finish to the door has attached itself. When you take off the doorknob, you might do obvious damage to the finish.
2. You could spray Motsenbocker's Lift Off No. 4 Spray Paint Graffiti Remover around the area where the doorknob is stuck to the surface. Little by little, that should cut through the finish and weaken the bond. The knob will come off, but the finish may be damaged.
3. You could get a good metal polish such as Flitz and shine the handle right on the door. Trust me. It will look fine.
4. You are probably obsessing about it because you want everything to be perfect for the party. You are the only person who will even notice the doorknob. Forget about it. You have more important things to do. Pass the dip.
• • • Q. We plan to refinish the hardwood flooring under our carpeting. We have encountered black stains in most of the rooms. These stains seem to be right in the wood, not in the finish. What would you recommend to remove the stains before we sand and refinish the hardwood?
A. You can get out the stains with wood bleach. Buy the powder at a hardware or woodworking store. Mix with water. Apply.
When the stain is gone, stop the bleaching action by applying cold water.
Glenn Haege writes for the Detroit News. Write: Ask Glenn, Master Handyman Press, P.O. Box 1498, Royal Oak, MI 48068-1498 or askglenn@masterhandyman.com.
