how do i get this thing off the wall plate? i'm afraid i'm going to break it pulling it.

Diagnosis

The Honeywell Home RTH9585WF utilizes a high-tension snap-fit mounting system designed to prevent the device from sagging over time or being easily knocked loose. Unlike older mercury or basic digital thermostats that slide up or pull straight off, the RTH9585WF is locked into the U-shaped wall plate by reinforced plastic tabs located primarily at the top and bottom of the chassis. The "stuck" feeling you are experiencing is caused by the friction of the plastic clips and the tight tolerance between the display housing and the mounting plate. If you pull from the center or the bottom, you are fighting the tension of the upper clips, which can lead to the plastic tabs snapping or the wall plate being ripped out of the drywall. You can confirm it is properly seated if there is no gap between the outer bezel and the wall; if it is flush, the locking tabs are fully engaged.

How to Fix It

To remove the thermostat without damaging the internal pins or the plastic housing, follow this specific pivoting sequence:

1. Place your thumb and index finger on the left and right sides of the thermostat bezel, roughly halfway down the unit.
2. Apply a light amount of pressure to the sides to ensure the unit is seated flat against the wall.
3. Locate the narrow gap at the very top of the device where the plastic housing meets the wall plate.
4. Insert your fingertips (or a plastic pry tool/spudger) into the top gap. Do not use a metal screwdriver as it will gouge the white plastic.
5. Gently pull the top edge of the thermostat toward you. You will feel the upper clips disengage first. The unit will pivot outward from the top while the bottom remains anchored.
6. Once the top is angled out at approximately 30 degrees, grasp the sides of the unit and lift it straight up and off the bottom retaining lip of the wall plate.
7. Carefully pull the unit away from the wall, ensuring you do not bend the multi-pin connector that links the display to the wiring base.

If That Didn't Work

• Check for Paint Overlap: If the wall was painted after the thermostat was installed, paint may have seeped into the seam between the bezel and the wall. Use a utility knife to carefully score the perimeter of the thermostat, cutting through the paint layer to break the seal before attempting to pivot the top.
• The "Side-Squeeze" Method: If the top is too tight to grip, try squeezing the sides of the thermostat housing firmly toward the center. This can sometimes marginally compress the plastic tabs, reducing the friction required to pop the top edge loose.
• Bottom-Up Leverage: While the top-pivot is the intended method, some units with extreme tension respond better to a gentle push from the bottom. Place your thumb at the bottom center of the unit and apply a steady, upward force while simultaneously pulling the top edge.
• Verify Plate Stability: Ensure the wall plate itself isn't flexing. If the plate is loose in the drywall, it may be pulling inward as you pull the thermostat outward, creating a "vacuum" effect. Press the wall plate firmly against the wall with one hand while pivoting the display with the other.

Heads Up

• Pin Protection: Be extremely careful not to touch the gold-plated pins on the back of the display unit; skin oils can cause connectivity issues or "Loss of Communication" errors once reinstalled.
• C-Wire Verification: If you are removing the unit to check wiring, ensure the C-wire (Common) is securely fastened in the terminal. A loose C-wire is the primary cause of intermittent WiFi disconnects on the RTH9585WF.
• Avoid Force: If you feel the plastic "creaking" or bowing significantly, stop immediately. The snap-tabs are made of a rigid polymer that will snap cleanly if forced beyond their bend radius.
• Reinstallation Tip: When putting it back on, align the pins first and press firmly on the bottom edge before snapping the top into place to ensure the pins are fully seated.