Choosing the Right UPVC Door Handle Replacement
Replacing the handles on your doors made of upvc is an easy task but selecting the correct handle can be difficult. The majority of modern double-glazed handles come with spring cassettes in them, however older models don't have.
If your upvc handle seems loose and floppy, it could be an issue with the internal parts of the multipoint lock. This article will address a variety of possible causes and the potential solutions.
Handles that sag or drop
uPVC handles can sustain wear and tear, particularly in older properties. you can find out more become floppy is due to a broken spring cassette in the door lever. This is caused by excessive force, and the square spindle holding the cassette can be dislocated or turned round.
The good news is that a uPVC door handle replacement is a fairly simple task and can be completed within a couple of minutes. The first step is to take off the old handle unit. To remove it, loosen the fixing screws on the backside of the lever. Once the handles have been removed you can then remove the cassette from the square spindle and replace it with an entirely new one.
You can find a wide range of uPVC door handles to pick from online and many of them come in different finishes. Selecting the right finish will determine the length of time your handle will last as well as how it is easy to keep clean. Finishes like PVD, Stainless Steel or Resista are designed to resist corrosion and will last for up to 25 years.
After choosing a color or design, you can select the type of handle that you need. The most commonly used types are pad and lever arrangements. Lever pads have a lever inside and a paddle on the outside which is typically employed as a security measure to stop unauthorised access.
The next step is to measure the dimensions of your current handle and write them down. You'll need to know the PZ dimension (the distance from the screw hole to the middle of the lever), the length of the handle and the size of the keyhole. You can compare the measurements to the handle size matrix to find the correct replacement.
Broken springs
Over time, uPVC door handles are prone to becoming wobbly or loose and sometimes the spring cassette inside might break. These little springs help to bring the handle lever to a horizontal position, and without them your doors won't be able to lock properly.
Modern uPVC handles are constructed with these cassettes directly built into the backplate. The springs are usually built into older uPVC door mechanisms. This isn't something that can be fixed by yourself but it's worth contacting your locksmith to take a look at as this could be the reason for the sagging or drooping uPVC door handles.
The most frequent issue that is encountered with uPVC handles is that they become loose as time passes. This is usually caused by worn-out springs, which are easy to repair. This is usually caused by excessive handling of the handle. The square spindle in the handle will wear out, which causes the springs to move.
In order to rectify this issue, open the door and loosen the fixing screws on the back of the handle plate. This can be done by using the Philips screwdriver and once the screws are removed the handle can be removed and the plates pulled apart with care. You can then remove the old springs and replace them with fresh springs.
This is important to note when purchasing a replacement handle. This measurement is called the PZ and it is important to use a calibrated measuring tape to ensure an precise reading.
After replacing the springs you should be able to use the handle with no problems. However, it's always recommended to lubricate the mechanism inside to make sure that everything functions exactly as it should. This will not only ensure that your uPVC doors are as secure as possible but also makes them more comfortable to use for a long time.
Handles that slide around
Handles that slide around could be caused by a number different reasons. One of the most common is when the levers on the handle aren't aligned properly with the lock. This is a problem that can occur with both uPVC and composite doors, however it is typically more evident on older doors as they are typically made of less durable materials that don't resist the elements.
A professional can solve this issue by rearranging the handles to ensure that they are in line with the lock. They will also look at the lock itself to see if there is anything that needs fixing. In many cases, a small tweak to the handle springs is enough to solve this problem.
Changing your uPVC door handle is easy enough, but you need to take the measurements of the existing handles to ensure you have the correct size replacement. You'll need to take measurements of the distance between the two fixing screws, and the size of the lever and key-hole position. You can then use this uPVC handle size guide to locate the correct replacement for your home.
After you've taken the measurements, take off the old uPVC handle. It's usually a straightforward procedure and requires only a screwdriver. Once the screws have been removed, you are able to take off the handle itself and then proceed to install the new handle.
It's important to secure the door using a wedge prior to starting. This will prevent it from closing during the course of your work. After you have removed the handle it is now possible to inspect the underside of the door to address the issues that are causing it to slip.
If you don't have the patience or energy to tackle this task yourself, a handyman from Fantastic Services can help. They will employ specialist lock picking techniques to open the doors without causing damage. They will then replace the damaged handle and ensure that everything is working exactly as it should.
Damaged gearbox
A damaged gearbox can cause the upvc door handle to become stiff or lose its functionality. The lock may also not be able to be opened using the use of a key. This is a risk and should be addressed as soon as is feasible. If you are unable to solve the problem yourself, it is important to contact a locksmith as they have the expertise and tools necessary to do the job properly.
The first step is to remove the handle from the cover plate. You can do this with an instrument that has a flat-headed tip. Once you have removed the handle, you will be able to take out the middle screw that holds the cylinder in the position. Once 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. You'll need to open the door to do this, so make sure to have someone available to help.
After taking the cylinder off, you can replace the cylinder with a new one. Make sure that the new cylinder has the same size as the previous one. Otherwise, you could end with a handle that isn't aligned correctly. This can cause a variety of issues, including leaks and drips.
A lot of doors made of upvc have adjustable slots which can be used to adjust the handle's tension or release. The slots are typically located on the inside of the doors, near the place where the handle meets with the cylinder. Allen wrenches can be used to tighten the adjustment slots. After you've made the required adjustments then you can screw the handle in and put it back in its place. You can then test the handle to ensure it works correctly.
The door handle made of upvc that becomes loose when closed is usually an indication that the spring or gearbox components have broken down. This could cause the multipoint lock from upvc to fail, leaving your door open to intrusion. In this scenario the upvc gearbox must be replaced. This will cost between PS145 to PS280 inclusive of labour.