Choosing the Right UPVC Door Handle Replacement

Replacing the handles on your doors made of upvc is a relatively simple job but selecting the correct handle can be tricky. Modern double glazing windows handles-glazed handles are equipped with spring cassettes, however older handles aren't.

If the upvc handle of your multipoint lock is sloppy and floppy, it could be an internal problem. This article will discuss a number of potential problems & their causes.

Handles that sag or loosen

UPVC handles are prone to wear and tear, especially in older properties. A broken spring cassette inside the door lever is the most frequent reason for a window handle upvc that is floppy. This is usually due to excessive force and the square spindle which holds the cassette may be displaced or the cassette can be rounded off.

The good news is that a uPVC door handle replacement is a relatively simple job and can be done in a matter of minutes. The first step is to take off the handle unit that was previously installed by removing the fixing screws that are visible on the back of the lever plate. After the handles have been removed, you can then remove the cassette from the square spindle and replace with a new one.

You can find a vast range of uPVC door handles to pick from online and many of them are available in various finishes. The finish you choose will determine how long your handle will last as well as how it is easy to keep clean. Finishes like PVD, Stainless Steel or Resista are designed to withstand corrosion and last up to 25 years.

After you have chosen the colour or style you can then select the type of handle you need. The most common kinds are lever and pad arrangement. Lever pads are typically used to stop access from unauthorised people. They are equipped with an inside lever and a paddle on the outside.

Then, take a measurement and note 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) and the length of the handle and the size of the keyhole. Once you know the measurements, you can compare them to the handle size matrix to determine the right replacement.

Broken springs

Over time, the white window handles of uPVC doors are prone to becoming wobbly or loose and sometimes the spring cassette inside might break. These springs help ensure that the lever is in a horizontal direction. Without them, your doors will not lock properly.

Modern uPVC handles are constructed with these cassettes integrated directly into the backplate. However, older uPVC doors typically contain these springs within the lock mechanism. This isn't something you can be fixed on your own, but it's worth contacting your locksmith to look at this as it could be the reason behind the sagging or drooping uPVC door handles.

The most common issue that is encountered with uPVC handles is that they tend to loosen over time. This is usually due to worn out springs, which are simple to fix. This is usually caused by excessive handling of the handle. The square spindle of the handle wears down and causes the springs to move.

To fix this you will need to open the door and loosen the fixing screws at the back of the handle plate. This can be done by using a Philips screwdriver and once the screws are removed the handle can be removed and the handle plates ripped apart with care. The old springs can be removed and replaced with new ones.

Depending on the type of handle you are using the distance between the two screws can vary and this is crucial to know prior to purchasing an alternative. This measurement is known as the PZ measure. It is recommended that this measurement is done using a calibrated tape measure for accuracy.

After replacing the springs, you should be able to use the handle without any issues. It is recommended to lubricate your internal mechanism to make sure that everything is functioning just as it should. This will ensure that your uPVC door is as secure as can be, and also increase their comfort in the long run.

Handles that slide around

Handles that slide around can be caused by a number of reasons, but one of the most common is when the handle levers aren't aligned properly with lock. This is a problem that can occur on uPVC doors and composite doors. However, it's more noticeable on older doors because they are made of cheaper materials that do not hold up to the elements.

A professional can solve this problem by realigning the handles to ensure they are aligned with the lock. They'll also inspect the lock itself to see whether there's anything that needs fixing. In many cases, a small adjustment to the springs of the handle can fix the issue.

Changing your uPVC door handle is simple enough, but you need to measure the measurements of the existing handles to ensure that you have the right size replacement. You will need to measure the distance between the two screws, the dimensions of the keyhole and lever, as well as the distance between them. You can then use this uPVC handle size guide to locate the correct replacement for your home.

After you've taken the measurements, remove the old uPVC handle. It is usually quite easy and requires just a screwdriver reach the screws that are on the inside of the door. After the screws have been removed, you will need to take off the handle, and then replace the new one.

It is important to secure the door with a wedge before you begin. This will prevent it from closing during the course of your work. After the handle has been removed it is now possible to access the underlying parts of the door to address the issues that are causing it to sag.

A handyman from Fantastic Services will be able to assist you if want to tackle the task yourself or don't have the skills. They'll employ locksmith opening methods to open the door without causing any damage and then replace the handle that is damaged, making sure everything is in place and functioning just as it should.

Gearbox damaged

A damaged gearbox could cause the upvc handle to become stiff and lose its functionality. The lock could also not be able to be opened by the use of a key. This is extremely dangerous and should be dealt with promptly. If you're unable to resolve the issue yourself it is essential to get in touch with a locksmith because they are experts and have the tools needed to do the job right.

The first step is to take the handle from its cover plate. You can do this using a screwdriver that has flat-headed tips. Once you have removed the handle, you will be able to remove the middle screw that holds the cylinder in the position. After you have removed the middle screw you'll be able to loosen the two screws which are holding the barrel. Then you can pull the barrel out of the door. You will need to open the conservatory door handles to accomplish this, so be sure that you have someone to help.

Once you have removed your cylinder from the handle, you can replace it with a new one. Make sure the new cylinder is the same size as the previous one. You may end up with an improperly aligned handle. This can cause a variety of issues, such as leaks and draughts.

Many doors made of upvc feature adjustable slots that can be used to tighten or loosen the handle. They are typically located on the inside of the door close to where the handle meets the cylinder. Allen wrenches can be used to tighten the slots of adjustment. Once you have made the adjustments then you can put the handle back in place and screw it in. After that, you can test the handle to be sure that it is working correctly.

The upvc door handle becoming floppy when closed is usually an indication that the spring or gearbox components have failed. This could cause the multipoint lock made of upvc to fail, leaving your door open to intrusion. If this occurs, it is required to replace the upvc gearbox. This will cost between PS145 to PS280 with the labor included.