Choosing the Right UPVC Door Handle Replacement

Replacing your door handles made of upvc is relatively easy but selecting the correct handle can be tricky. Modern double glazed handles come with spring cassettes, however older handles aren't.

If the upvc handle of your multipoint lock is sloppy and floppy, there could be an internal issue. This article will address a variety of possible issues and their causes.

Sagging or drooping handles

UPVC handles are susceptible to wear and wear and. This is especially the case in older properties. The most frequent reason handles become floppy is due to a damaged spring cassette inside the door lever. This is due to excessive force and the spindle holding the cassette can be displaced or round.

The good news is that a uPVC door handle replacement is a relatively simple job and can be done within a couple of minutes. The first step is removing the handle unit that was previously used. To remove it, loosen the fixing screws visible on the backside of the lever. Once the handles are removed, you can remove the screws and replace the cassette.

On the internet, you can select from a range of uPVC handles, many of which come in a variety of finishes. The finish you choose will determine the longevity of your handle as well as how easy it will be to clean. Finishes like Resista, Stainless Steel, or PVD are designed to resist corrosion and last up to 25 years.

After you have chosen a colour or style you can choose the kind of handle you want. The most common types are lever and pad arrangements. Lever pads have a lever on the inside and a paddle on the outside and are often used as a security feature to block access by unauthorised persons.

Then, take a measurement and record the dimensions of the handle you currently have. You'll need the PZ dimension (the distance from the screw hole to the centre of the lever), the length of the handle and the size of the keyhole. You can compare the measurements to the handle size matrix to find the appropriate replacement door handles.

Broken springs

Over time uPVC door handles are prone to becoming wobbly or loose and sometimes the spring cassette inside might break. The tiny springs bring the lever of the handle to a horizontal position, and without them, doors won't be able to lock properly.

Modern uPVC handles have these cassettes built into the back plate. However, older uPVC doors typically include these springs in the lock mechanism. This isn't something you can be fixed by yourself, but it's worth contacting your locksmith to take a look at this as it could be the reason behind the drooping or sagging uPVC door handles.

The most frequent issue with uPVC handles is that they loosen over time. This is usually caused by worn-out springs that are simple to fix. Generally, this is caused by excessive use of the handle and because of that, the square spindle within the handle will wear out and the springs will shift out of position.

To solve this issue, you'll have to open the door to the handle plate, then unwind all screws. This can be done by using the Philips screwdriver and once the screws are removed, the handle can be removed and the plates pulled apart with care. The old springs can be removed and replaced with new springs.

Depending on the type of handle you have the distance between the two fixing screws can differ, and this is essential to know before purchasing a replacement window handle. This measurement is referred to as the PZ and it is essential to make use of a calibrated measuring tape in order to get an accurate reading.

After reinstalling the springs, you will be able to operate the handle without issue. It is recommended to lubricate your internal mechanism to ensure that everything is operating exactly as it should. This will not just ensure that your uPVC doors are as safe as they can be but will also make them more comfortable to operate over time too.

Handles that slide around

Handles that move around can be caused by a variety of reasons, but one of the most common causes is when the handle levers aren't aligned properly with lock. This is a problem that can occur with both uPVC and composite doors, however it is generally more noticeable on older doors because they are often made from cheaper materials that don't hold up to the elements.

A professional can address this issue by rearranging the handles to ensure they are aligned with the lock. They'll also examine the lock itself to see if there is anything that requires fixing. In many cases, a small adjustment to the springs of the handle will solve this problem.

Switching your uPVC door handle is easy enough, but you need to measure the measurements of the handles that are in use to make sure you have the proper size replacement double glazing window handles. You'll need to determine the distance between the two screws, as well as the size of the keyhole and lever, as well as the distance between them. Then, make use of this uPVC handles size guide to find an appropriate replacement for your home.

After you have taken the measurements, you can remove the current uPVC handle. This is usually fairly straightforward and requires just a screwdriver reach the screws on the interior of the door. Once the screws are removed, you will need to unscrew the handle and then replace the new handle.

It is essential to secure the door using an appropriate wedge prior to beginning. This will stop it from closing during the course of your work. Once the handle is removed, you can now get to the inside of the door to correct the problems that are causing it to slide.

A handyman from Fantastic Services will be able to help if you don't want to do the job yourself or aren't confident enough. They will use specialist locksmith techniques to open the door without causing any damage and will then replace the damaged handle, making sure everything is in place and working as it should be.

Gearbox damaged

A damaged gearbox may cause the handle made of upvc to become stiff and lose function. The lock may also not be able to opened by keys. This could be dangerous and must be addressed as quickly as possible. It is essential to contact a locksmith if you cannot solve the issue on your own. They have the equipment and knowledge to complete the task correctly.

The first step is to remove the handle from the cover plate. This can be done by using a screwdriver with flat heads. After removing the handle, take out the middle screw which holds the barrel. After taking out the middle screw, you will be able to loosen the two screws that secure the barrel. Then, you can remove the barrel away from the door. You'll need to prop the door open to do this, so make sure that you have someone to help.

After removing the cylinder you can replace it with a new cylinder. Make sure the new cylinder is the same size as your old one. Otherwise, you could end with a handle that isn't aligned correctly. This can lead to a myriad of issues, including leaks and drips.

Many doors made of upvc feature adjustment slots which can be used to tighten or loosen the handle. These slots are usually found on the inside of the doors, close to the point where the handle meets with the cylinder. The slots for adjustment can be tightened using an allen wrench. Once you have made the adjustments then you can put the handle back in place and screw it in. Then, you can test the handle to ensure it works correctly.

The door handle of upvc becoming loose when closed is usually an indication that the gearbox or internal spring components have broken down. This could cause the upvc multipoint lock to fail and leave your door open to burglars. In this scenario, the upvc gearbox must be replaced. The cost will range from PS145 between PS145 and PS280 with the labor included.