Replacement Upvc Window Handles

Most replacement double glazed windows window handles made of upvc come with everything you need but if the original handle was fitted with screws or pins holding it, these will need to be removed. Take off the "snap-in" cover at the base of the handle.

You will then need to determine the type of window lock and handle you're replacing. This is vital!

Espag

Espag handles are a set of multipoint locks fitted to casement window types like uPVC or wooden double glazing. The handle is fitted with a 7mm square shaft that fits inside an internal gearbox that is mounted on the uPVC window. When the handle is turned, it activates a series locks around the perimeter of the window. Espag handles, also referred to as shootbolts, provide more security than the single point locks found on older frames.

They are available in a number of different designs, including inline and cranked handles that can be used in left or right-hand operation. You can also find various sleek ergonomically designed handles that are created to enhance the feeling of the handle as well as how it looks on your windows.

You'll need to measure the size of the spindle from the base of your uPVC handle in order to order the correct replacement. This measurement is referred to as step height and can assist you in finding the ideal uPVC handle for your home.

You may need to remove any screws that are protecting the screws that hold the handle in place, and if that's the case, you can use a screwdriver to remove these or pliers to break the pins holding the handle. After this is done then you need to remove the handle from the frame by taking out the screws or domestic pins that secure the spindle and then taking it away from the window.

Once you have the handle removed, you will then be able to access the locking mechanism inside the frame of the window and take out the cockspur wedge block that is fitted adjacent to the handle to allow the window to open. The new uPVC window handles you've purchased should be able to fit onto the cockspur wedge block and then into the spindle for the handle, allowing the window to open again. If you'd like to make sure that your uPVC handles are properly secured, it's best to replace the cockspur block the brand new block.

Cockspur

Cockspur handles are found on older uPVC or aluminium windows. The handle turns and closes onto an aluminum wedge-shaped receiver catch (not to be confused with window latches made from timber which are also handled in this section). The handles are available in lockable and nonlockable versions. They are available in a variety of different nose heights to suit the frame.

The handle locks with a small spur (little triangle bit) pulling against a plastic wedge which is attached to the frame. These are generally one way handles however the deadlock cylinder with a locking mechanism can be fitted for additional security.

Similar to Espag handles, replacement handles for cockspur handles are easy to install, all you need is an additional set of screws (supplied) and the correct backset. The backset is the distance from the baseplate of the window to the underside of the nose of the handle. Aluminium window frames are generally 9mm wide, whereas UPVC is 21mm wide. There are also many different styles, so it's crucial to take measurements prior to purchasing the handle.

The spindle or, in some cases the entire handle assembly is removed by unwinding the handle. The new handle can be secured with two pozidriv screws. The pozidriv screw can be purchased in a brass or a zinc finish, to match existing hardware. There is also a choice for domestic a self-locking pozidriv screw.

This cockspur handle is easy to install and is perfect for replacing or repairing old uPVC Windows. They are an universal design, making them suitable for all backsets and profiles. Each handle is equipped with three packers, each with a different thickness. These are neatly installed on the underside of handle noses and can be used together to create backsets as small as 9mm or as large 21mm. The handles are available in left and right-handed models, as well as lockable and nonlockable models. They are also available in a variety of nose heights.

Turn and Tilt

Tilt and turn windows are a coveted European window style that has been used for a long time in Europe however, it is only getting noticed stateside. They combine the functionality of three different window types into one - tilt, pivot and in-swing. This makes them suitable for older homes since they can provide a greater level of ventilation than traditional window types.

When tilt and turn windows are closed, they lock like any other fixed window. But, by turning the handle 90° or 180@ (depending on the kind of tilt and turn window) the sash can be opened upwards and the window can be tilted in to allow air exchange through the space at the top of the frame. This is a great solution to allow ventilation without having to open a large windows, which can be a safety risk if it is not secured properly when opening.

If the handle is turned a further 90or 180 degrees the sash can be fully opened as a door. This allows complete air exchange which is especially beneficial in rooms with a lot of draft or homes where smoke and other odors are likely to accumulate. It also makes cleaning the outside of the glass much more easy as it can be done from inside the home - a job that usually requires ladders that are a bit shaky.

Tilt and turn windows are very secure. They are very difficult to open when they are locked in the closed position. They also have double seals which keep rainwater out of your home while in the tilted position, or in swing. This is a beneficial feature for older homes where intruders are more likely to target traditional windows that can be opened from the side hinges.

Spade

There are many types of window handles that can be installed to upvc double glazed windows. There are two primary kinds of handles: Cockspur and Espag. Other options include tilt and turn handles, blade or spade handles as well as monkey tail handles and a variety of other types. The type of handle that you choose will depend upon your preferences and the kind of windows you have.

To choose the correct replacement for your window handle, you have to know how your current handle is attached to the frame. This is known as handing, and is a vital piece of information to know when shopping online. Some handle variations don't fit all windows. For instance, some handles are angled whilst others are straight and will either turn left or right. You will also need to be aware of what the spindle length is that is the distance from the base of the handle to the tip of the handle.

Identifying whether or not your windows require a restrictor is also important when choosing the right handle. These are typically found in high rise flats or commercial buildings, but they're not required for most domestic homes. You should also be aware of the step height which is the distance between the screw plate and the nose of handle.

Spade comes from Old English spadu, spaedu or spada and has been translated into a variety of languages including German spaten and Low German spathen. In the 1920s, during the Harlem Renaissance in New York City, spade began to be used as a sexist term for black people. Since the time, the word has become a symbol of African American pride and heritage.

It is essential to choose the right size when replacing a handle that is Cadenza-style. The handles are available in straight and angled designs that differ by just a few millimetres. The handle head is available in a variety of shapes such as a D or T shape. It is also possible to be left with handles.