Choosing the Right UPVC Door Handle Replacement
Replacing your upvc door handles is an easy task but selecting the correct handle can be tricky. Modern double-glazed handles have spring cassettes built into them but older ones don't.
If the upvc handle on your multipoint lock is loose and floppy, there may be an internal issue. This article will address the various possible issues and their causes.
Handles that slide or droop
UPVC handles are prone to wear and tear. This is especially true in older properties. A broken spring cassette in the door lever is the most typical reason for a handle that is floppy. This is caused by a lot of force, and the square spindle holding the cassette can be displaced or rounded.
It is important to know that a uPVC handrail replacement can be accomplished within a matter of minutes. The first step is to remove the old handle unit. To remove it, loosen the fixing screws on the backside of the handle lever. After the handles have been removed, you can unscrew and replace the cassette.
Online you can choose from a wide selection of uPVC handles that come in a variety of finishes. The finish you choose will determine the length of time the handle will last and how easy it is to keep clean. Finishes such as PVD, Stainless Steel or Resista are designed to withstand corrosion and will last for up to 25 years.
After selecting a colour or design, you can select the kind of handle you require. The most well-known types are lever and pad arrangements. Lever pads are commonly used to prevent unauthorised access. They feature a lever inside and a paddle out.
The next step is to measure the dimensions of your current handle and record them. You'll need to know the PZ dimension (the distance from the screw hole to the centre of the lever) and the length of the handle and the dimension of the keyhole. Once you have these measurements, you can compare them to the handle sizes matrix to find the correct replacement.
Broken springs
Over time uPVC door handles are prone to becoming wobbly or loose and at times the spring cassette inside may break. These springs help align the handle lever in a horizontal position. Without them the doors won't lock properly.
Modern uPVC handles are constructed with these cassettes integrated directly into the backplate. These springs are typically built into older uPVC door mechanisms. This isn't something you can be fixed by yourself, but it's worth contacting your locksmith to look at this as it could be the cause of the sagging or drooping uPVC door handles.
One of the most common problems that is commonly encountered with uPVC door handles is that they get loose or wobbly over time, and this is typically due to worn springs, which is a relatively simple fix. This is typically caused by excessive handling of the handle. The square spindle inside the handle will wear down and causes the springs to move.
To fix this issue, open the door and remove the fixing screws at the back of the handle plate. This can be done by using the Philips screwdriver and once the screws have been removed, the handle can be removed and the plates pulled apart carefully. Then, you can remove the springs that were in use and replace them with new ones.
Depending on the kind of handle you have the distance between the two screws can vary and this is crucial to know prior to buying the replacement. This measurement is referred to as the PZ measure and it is recommended that it be taken with an instrument that is calibrated to ensure accuracy.
After replacing the springs you should be able to use the handle without any problems. However, it's always recommended to lubricate the internal mechanism to make sure that everything functions exactly as it should. This will not just ensure that your uPVC doors are as safe as they can be but also make them more comfortable to use for a long time.
Handles that slide around
Handles that move around can be caused by a variety of reasons, but one of the most common causes is when the levers of the handle aren't aligned correctly with the lock. This can happen with uPVC doors and composite doors. However, it is more evident on older doors because they are made of less durable materials that don't stand up to the elements.
A professional can fix this problem by realigning the handles so that they are in line with the lock. They'll also inspect the lock to see if anything requires fixing. In many cases, a small tweak to the handle springs is all it takes to fix this issue.
It's easy to replace your uPVC handle, but you need to measure the handle that you are replacing to ensure that the new one is the correct size. You'll need to measure the distance between the two fixing screws and the size of the lever and key hole position. Then, you can utilize this uPVC handle size guide to find the appropriate replacement for your home.
After you have made the measurements, you can remove the existing uPVC handle. It's usually a simple procedure that requires only an screwdriver. Once the screws are removed, you'll have to take off the handle, and then install the new handle.
Before starting, it's worth ensuring that the door is securely open by a wedge to stop it from closing during the course of your work. After removing the handle, you can inspect the components underneath the door that are causing the door to move.
A handyman from Fantastic Services will be able to help if you don't want to do the job yourself or aren't confident enough. upvc door handle repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk will use special lock picking techniques to open the doors without damaging the door. They will then replace the broken handle and make sure everything is working just as it should.
Gearbox damaged
A damaged gearbox can cause the upvc door handle to become stiff or lose function. The lock could also be unable to be opened using keys. This could be dangerous and must be addressed as quickly as possible. If you are unable solve the issue on your own it is essential to contact a locksmith as they have the experience and tools to complete the task right.
The first step is to take the handle from its cover plate. This can be done using a screwdriver that has a flat-headed tip. After you have removed the handle, you are able to take out the middle screw that holds the barrel in the position. After you have removed the middle screw, you can then loosen the two screws that secure the barrel. You can then pull the barrel from the door. To accomplish this, you'll need someone to hold the door open.
After removing the cylinder you can replace it with a brand new cylinder. Make sure the new cylinder is the exact size as the previous one. Otherwise, you could end up with a handle that isn't aligned correctly. This can cause a variety of issues, such as leaks and drafts.
Many doors made of upvc feature 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 for adjustment. After you have made the adjustments then you can put the handle back in place and screw it into. You can then test the handle and ensure it works correctly.
If the door handle of upvc is loose or sloppy when it is closed, it is typically an indication that the gearbox in the upvc has been damaged or the internal spring components are in the process of breaking down. This can cause your multipoint locks made of upvc to fail and leave your door open to intrusion. If this occurs, it will be necessary to replace the upvc gearbox. This will cost between PS145 - PS280, including labour.