Choosing the Right UPVC Door Handle Replacement
It's simple to replace your upvc handles however choosing the best handle can be difficult. Modern double-glazed handles have spring cassettes built into them but older ones don't.
If the handle of your upvc is loose and floppy, it could be a problem with the internal parts of the multipoint lock. This article will discuss several possible causes and the potential solutions.
Handles that slide or droop
uPVC handles are susceptible to wear and tear. This is particularly true in older properties. A damaged spring cassette on the door lever is the most common reason for a floppy handle. This is typically caused by an excessive force and the square spindle that holds the cassette could be moved or the cassette can be rounded off.
The good news is that replacing the door handle with uPVC is a relatively simple job and can be done within a couple of minutes. The first step is to remove the handle unit that was previously installed by unscrewing the fixing screws that are visible on the side of the lever plate. Once 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 wide variety of uPVC door handles to select from online and many of them come in different finishes. The finish you select will determine the durability of your handle and 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 then select the type of handle you require. The most popular are lever and pad arrangements. Lever pads feature a lever on the inside and a paddle on the outside and are often employed as a security measure to stop unauthorised access.
The next step is to determine the dimensions of your existing handle and write them down. You'll need to measure the PZ dimension which is the distance between the screw hole and the middle of the lever. It is also important to determine how long the handle is as well as the dimensions of its keyhole. You can compare the measurements with the handle size matrix to find the right replacement.
Broken springs
Over time, uPVC handles may become wobbly or loose. The spring cassette may also break. These little springs help to bring the lever of the handle into a horizontal position and without them your doors won't be able to lock properly.
Modern uPVC handles have these cassettes incorporated directly into the back plate. However, older uPVC doors usually have these springs built into the actual lock mechanism. It is not something you can do by yourself, but it's definitely worth having your locksmith examine the issue as it could be the cause of the loosening of uPVC handles.
The most common issue with uPVC handles is that they tend to loosen over time. This is usually due to worn out springs, which are easy to fix. This is typically caused by excessive handling of the handle. The square spindle inside the handle will wear out and causes the springs to move.
To solve this issue, you'll have to open the door to the handle plate, then unwind all the screws. This can be done using the Philips screwdriver and once the screws have been removed, the handle can be removed and the handle plates ripped apart with care. Then, you can remove the springs that were in use and replace them with new springs.
Depending on the type of handle you are using the distance between the two screws can differ, and this is important to know when buying a replacement. This measurement is known as the PZ and it is essential to use a measuring tape that is calibrated for an accurate reading.
After replacing the springs you should be able to use the handle without any problems. However, it's always important to grease the internal mechanism to make sure that everything is working as it should do. This will ensure that your uPVC door is as secure as it is, and make them more comfortable as time passes.
Handles that slide around
Handles that slide can be caused by a variety of things. One of the most frequent causes is when the levers of the handle aren't aligned with the lock. This is a problem that can occur on uPVC doors and composite doors. However, it is more evident on older doors as they are made of less durable materials that aren't able to stand up to the elements.
This problem can be solved by a professional, who will re-align the handles and ensure that they are in line with the door lock. They'll also examine the lock itself to see what requires fixing. In many cases, a simple tweak to the handle springs is all it takes to solve this problem.
It's easy to replace your uPVC handle, but you need to measure the existing handle to ensure that the replacement is of the right size. You'll need to take measurements of the distance of the two screws, as well as the dimensions of the keyhole and lever, as well as the distance between them. You can then make use of this uPVC handles size guide to locate an appropriate replacement for your home.
After you have taken the measurements, remove the existing uPVC handle. It's usually a straightforward procedure that requires only the use of a screwdriver. Once the screws have been removed, you can take off the handle itself and then install the new handle.
Before you start making any changes, make sure that the door is secured open using a wedge to stop it from closing in the middle of your work. After the handle has been removed it is now possible to access the underlying parts of the door to correct the issues that cause it to slide.
If you don't have the time or energy to tackle this task on your own, a handyman from Fantastic Services can help. They will use specialist locksmith methods 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 damage
A damaged gearbox can cause the handle made of upvc to become stiff and lose functionality. The lock may also not be able to be opened with a key. This is extremely dangerous and should be addressed as soon as possible. It is essential to contact an expert locksmith if you can't solve the issue yourself. 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 accomplished using a screwdriver equipped with flat heads. After you have removed the handle, you need to remove the middle screw which holds the cylinder. After you have removed the middle screw, you will then loosen the two screws that secure the barrel. Then, you can remove the barrel out of the door. You'll need to open the door to accomplish this, so be sure that you have someone to help.
Once you have removed the cylinder from the handle, you can replace it with a fresh one. Make sure the new cylinder is the exact size as the previous one. Otherwise, you may end having a handle that isn't aligned correctly. This can cause a variety of issues, such as leaks and drips.
A lot of doors made of upvc have adjustable slots which can be used to tighten or loosen the handle. They are typically located on the inside of the door, near where the handle meets the cylinder. Allen wrenches can be used to tighten the slots of adjustment. After you have made the adjustments you can place the handle back in place and screw it back in. Then, you can test the handle and ensure it functions as intended.
The upvc door handle becoming loose when closed is usually an indication that the spring or gearbox components have failed. This could cause your multipoint locks made from upvc to fail leaving your door open to intrusion. In this scenario the gearbox made of upvc will require replacement. This will cost between PS145-PS280, including labour.