Choosing the Right UPVC Door Handle Replacement
It's simple to replace your handles made of upvc, but choosing the right handle can be difficult. Modern double-glazed handles are fitted with spring cassettes, but older handles aren't.
If your upvc handle seems loose and floppy, it could be a problem with the internal parts of the multipoint lock. window handles will discuss several possible issues and their causes.
Handles that are drooping or sagging
uPVC handles can sustain wear and tear, especially in older properties. A broken spring cassette in the door lever is the most frequent reason for a floppy handle. This is due to excessive force and the square spindle that holds the cassette may be dislocated or turned round.
It is a good thing to know that a uPVC handle replacement can be completed in a matter of minutes. The first step is to take off the handle unit that was previously used. To do this, unscrew the fixing screws visible on the back of the handle lever. Once the handles are removed you can then remove the cassette from the square spindle and replace with an entirely new one.
There is a wide selection of uPVC door handles to pick from online and many of them are available in various finishes. Selecting the right finish will determine the length of time the handle will last and how it is easy to keep clean. Finishes like Resista Stainless Steel, or PVD are designed to resist corrosion and last up to 25 years.
After you have selected a colour or design, you can select the type of handle you want. The most popular are pad and lever arrangements. Lever pads feature an inside lever and a paddle on the outside which is typically used as a security feature to stop unauthorised access.
The next step is to measure the dimensions of your existing handle and write them down. You will need to measure the PZ dimension which is the distance between the screw hole and the centre of your lever. You'll also need to determine how long the handle is and the size of its keyhole. You can compare these measurements to the handle size matrix to find the correct replacement.
Broken springs
Over time, uPVC handles can become wobbly or loose. The spring cassette may also break. These springs help ensure that the lever is in a horizontal position. Without them the doors won't lock properly.
Modern uPVC handles are made with these cassettes directly built into the backplate. However, older uPVC doors typically include these springs in the actual lock mechanism. This isn't something that can be fixed on your own, but it's worth asking your locksmith to look at as this could be the cause of the sagging or drooping uPVC door handles.
The most common issue with uPVC handles is that they become loose over time. This is usually caused by worn-out springs that are simple to fix. The reason for this is usually excessive handling of the handle. The square spindle in the handle wears down and cause the springs to move.
To fix this, you'll need to open the door and loosen the fixing screws on the back of the handle plate. This can be done with the help of a Philips screwdriver. Once the screws have been removed the handle can be taken off. The handle plates can then be carefully taken apart. The old springs can be removed and replaced with new ones.
Depending on the type of handle you have the distance between the two screws can vary and this is important to know when purchasing a replacement. This measurement is called the PZ and it is essential to use a calibrated measuring tape to ensure an precise reading.
After reinstalling the springs, you will be able to operate the handle with no issues. But, it's recommended to lubricate the internal mechanism to ensure that everything functions just as it should. This will ensure that your uPVC door is as secure as it can be, and also increase their comfort over time.
Handles that slide around
Handles that slide around could be caused by a variety different reasons. One of the most common is when the handle levers aren't aligned properly with lock. This can happen on both uPVC doors as well as composite doors. However, it's more evident on older doors because they are constructed of lower quality materials that do not hold up to the elements.
A professional can fix this issue by rearranging the handles to ensure they are in line with the lock. They will also check the lock to determine what is required to be fixed. In many cases, a simple modification to the springs of the handle is enough to solve this problem.
It's simple to replace your uPVC handle, but you need to measure the handle that you are replacing to ensure that the new one is of the right size. You will need to measure the distance of the two screws, as well as the dimensions of the keyhole as well as the lever, as well as the distance between them. Then, use this uPVC handles size guide to locate an appropriate replacement for your home.
After you have made the measurements, you can remove the existing uPVC handle. This is typically quite simple and requires a screwdriver to reach the screws that are on the inside of the door. After the screws have been removed, you'll have to unscrew the handle and then replace the new one.
It is important to secure the door with 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 access the underlying parts of the door to fix the problems that are causing it to sag.
If you don't have the patience or nerves to tackle this task on your own, a handyman from Fantastic Services can help. They will use specialist locksmith opening methods to unlock the door without causing any damage and will then replace the damaged handle and make sure that everything is working exactly as it should.
Gearbox damaged
A damaged gearbox may cause the upvc handle to become stiff and lose its functionality. This could also stop the lock from being able to be opened with a key. This can be very dangerous and should be dealt with as soon as is possible. It is essential to contact a locksmith if you are unable to resolve the problem yourself. They have the equipment and knowledge to complete the task correctly.
The first step is to remove the handle from its cover plate. This can be done using the help of a screwdriver with flat-headed tips. After you have removed the handle, you need to remove the middle screw which holds the cylinder. After taking out the middle screw, you'll be able loosen the two screws which are holding the barrel. You can then remove the barrel away from the door. You will have to prop the door open to accomplish this, so make sure you have someone on hand to assist.
After you have removed the cylinder, you can replace the cylinder with a new one. Make sure the new cylinder has the same size as the previous one. In the event that it isn't, you could end up with a handle that isn't aligned correctly. This could cause various issues, including leaks and drafts.
Most door handles made of upvc feature slots for adjustment. These slots can be used to tighten and loosen the handle. The slots are typically located on the inside of doors, near the spot where the handle joins the cylinder. The slots for adjustment can be tightened with an allen wrench. After you've made all the necessary adjustments you can screw the handle into and then put it back into position. Then, you can test the handle to make sure it's working correctly.
If the door handle of upvc becomes loose or floppy when closed, this is usually a sign that the gearbox in the upvc has broken down or internal spring components are in the process of breaking down. This can cause your multipoint locks made from upvc to fail and leave your door open to intruders. In this situation, the upvc gearbox will need to be replaced. It will cost between PS145 - PS280 with the labor included.