UPVC Window Handle Replacement

Replacing a broken window handle is a easy task and with the right tools it can be accomplished quite quickly. It is important to identify the type of handle and the spindle's length prior buying the replacement window seals.

Older uPVC windows have cockspur handles for windows. They have a spur that protrudes to the lock of a wedge cockspur striker plate. These can be left- or right-handed and should be matched when replacing.

What type of lock and handle do I have?

There are many different types of upvc window handles and locks, each having their distinct advantages and functions. The type of handle you are using will determine how easy it is to open your windows and whether or not the locking mechanism works according to the plan. As time passes, and with regular use the handles made of upvc on your windows can be damaged and worn out. This makes them less secure and effective. In certain instances, they might even fall completely off. If you find that your window handles have fallen off, it's important to repair them as quickly as you can. This will stop possible burglaries and ensure that your home is secure.

Luckily, replacing your window handles made of plastic is a relatively simple task that can be done by anyone. With a few basic tools and the right information it's a simple procedure that should take no more than a couple minutes. To get started you must determine the kind of handle and lock you have on your window, which will help you identify the best replacement.

Inline Espagnolette Handles

These are the most commonly used kind of upvc handle and are typically located on the outside of your window. They are flat in design and feature a latch that engages with the locking mechanism of the frame of the window when it is turned. Inline upvc handles have an elongated spindle that runs through middle of the handle and into the window replacements frame in order to operate the latch.

Cockspur Handles

These handles are typically found on older uPVC windows and have distinct hook-shaped designs. Cockspur handles are held to the frame of the window with only one screw and are less secure than other varieties of window handles.

Tilt and Turn Handles

Unlike the other handles made of upvc, tilt and turn handles can both be rotated to open the window, and tilted inwards to allow ventilation. They typically feature a 7mm spindle on the back of the handle and are available in left and right handed versions.

When you are purchasing replacement handles for upvc, it is important to measure the spindle's length because not all handles are the same size. To test the length of your handle made of upvc, simply drop something into the middle of the hole and then measure how far down it goes before it comes into contact with an obstruction. This is the maximum size of spindle that will fit into your windows.

What is a spindle?

uPVC window handles work similarly to doors. By turning the handle, you can operate a latch within the frame. This opens the window to allow it to be shut and opened. The handles could be damaged, especially if they're used frequently or exposed to harsh conditions. This can leave you needing to replace your uPVC handles on windows since they may not be able to operate the window in a proper manner for UPVC Window Handle Replacement a long time.

There are several different types of uPVC handles to choose from, comprising Espag, Cockspur and Spaded handle options. These handles are made in a variety of ways to fit into uPVC frames. Each handle type uses an entirely different spindle for locking the window mechanism. It is important to identify the kind of handle that is installed on your uPVC windows to ensure that you replace it with the correct one.

You can check what type of uPVC handle you are using by taking a look at the base of your handle. A snap-in covers should be over the screw that holds the handle's base in place. Remove this and then you should be able to see the second screw located at the opposite end of the base portion of the handle. After both screws are removed then you should be able to remove the handle from the uPVC.

Once you have removed your uPVC window handle, you will need to carefully unscrew the old spindle from the locking mechanism. Note the length of the spindle. You will need to purchase a new one that is the same length as the handle that was originally used and the locking device.

The primary issue with window handle problems with uPVC is that the spindle becomes worn out and UPVC Window Handle Replacement cannot longer work with the locking mechanism. This can be caused by corrosion, damage from constant use or the locking mechanism becoming looser. If this occurs, it is required to replace the window handle as well as the locking mechanism to restore the full functionality to your uPVC windows.

How do I take off the handle from the previous one?

Through time and regular use, window handles may become damaged or broken, and when this happens, it is essential to fix them as soon as possible to ensure the security of your home. It is easy to replace a worn or damaged handle. The task can be accomplished in less than a minute without the need of special tools.

To take off the handle, first remove the screw that is located at the bottom of the handle. Once the screw is removed, the handle can then be removed from the base. There is another screw located at the bottom of the handle's base, and it can be removed as well. Once the two screws are removed, the handle will be removed from the base of the window.

Once the old handle is removed, you can take the new handle and line up the fixing holes with the holes currently in the window frame. There may be a little sticker or caps on the new handle, so take off them if needed and then screw the handle into place. Once the handle is in place, it is essential to check that it works by turning the handle, and ensuring that the lock mechanism activates.

Espag handles feature spindles that protrude from the handle and slot into the multipoint locking mechanism on the frame of the window. Cadenza windows have a blade with cut-outs that slot into the lock mechanism, while Cockspur handles have a long nose that hooks over the frame's outer or transom bar cross-member inside the window.

After you have put in the new handle, slide the spindle inside the window lock and tighten it. Replace the snap-in cover and screw cap (if applicable) after the handle is securely fixed. The handle is now ready to use to use, so try opening and closing the window several times to ensure that it is working well and securely.

How do I install the new handle?

The process of changing your window handle made of uPVC isn't difficult and the process is actually very simple. You only need an screwdriver and a bit of perseverance. The first thing you need to do is to ensure that the handle is not locked and then remove any screws that are visible, you can also replace them with screw caps if needed. After removing the handle you'll need to record the length of the spindle that extends from the back. This is vital because it will determine the kind of handle you will need to buy.

Espagnolette handles made of uPVC are the most well-known kind of handle. The spindle passes through the handle to control the locking mechanism within the frame of the window. The handle releases the latch, allowing the window to open. As time passes and with regular use, espagnolette handles can be damaged or destroyed which is why it is essential to find a replacement.

Cadenza handles are a form of uPVC handle that is typically employed with tilt and turn windows. They have an elongated blade that functions as a multipoint locking mechanism within the window. They are more secure than the espagnolette handles since they only open from the inside. You can replace them using the same method that you would for espagnolette handles, but make sure the new handle is not angled and flat.

Once you have determined the right handle for you then you can line up the new handle to the existing screw holes and then screw it in place. You should then put the screws back on and verify that the new handle is working properly. You can do this by dragging the handle between the locked position to the unlocked several times. It might be worthwhile to speak with an expert to determine whether you can solve any problems. They can advise you on how to solve the issue in a timely and efficient way.