How to Remove Window Grille Dividers in an Exterior Door

I’d like to remove the plastic window pane dividers from a steel door. They seem to be factory installed because nothing seems to fit in the fasteners that hold it in place. It is a plastic piece. Is there a…

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Our Answer

Letitia, the window pane dividers you show is essentially a 2-piece plastic frame that serves two purposes. It provides a decorative element making the single large piece of glass look like it was made from numerous smaller panes; but more importantly this frame serves a structural purpose in that it secures the door glas to the door itself. So, bottomline you cannot remove this frame! The door will not be useable without it in place. Now, if you’d like to remove it for cleaning and/or to paint it, it’s possible to remove it. The “dots” that show around the frame are actually a plastic plugs that cover a philips screw. to remove the plug, you’d need to carefully pry it out. I have doe this with a utility knife, or very small chisel. Once this is out, you will be able to use a screwdriver, or power drill/driver to remove the screws that hold the plastic frame together. This post has good detail on the steps. Please note, while replacement grilles are also available, they are not inexpensive.