Choosing the Right UPVC Door Handle Replacement
It's easy to replace your upvc handles however choosing the best handle can be difficult. Modern double-glazed handles come with spring cassettes, but older handles don't.
If the handle of your upvc is loose and floppy, it could be an issue with the internal components of the multipoint lock. This article will address a number of potential problems & their causes.
Sagging or drooping handles
UPVC handles can withstand wear and tear, especially in older properties. A damaged spring cassette on the door lever is the most typical cause of a floppy handle. This is typically caused by an excessive force and the square spindle which holds the cassette may be displaced or rounded off.
It is a good thing to be aware that a uPVC handle replacement can be done in a matter of minutes. The first step is removing the old handle unit. To do this, unscrew the fixing screws on the backside of the lever. Once the handles have been removed, you can unscrew and replace the cassette.
Online you can choose from a wide selection of uPVC handles, many of which come in a variety of finishes. Choosing the right finish will determine how long your handle will last as well as how it is easy to keep clean. Finishes like Resista Stainless Steel, or PVD are designed to resist corrosion and last for up to 25 years.
After selecting a colour or design, you can select the type of handle that you need. The most popular types are lever and pad arrangements. Lever pads are equipped with an inside lever and an outside paddle and are often used as a security feature to prevent unauthorised access.
Then, you should measure and note the dimensions of the handle you have. You'll need the PZ dimension (the distance from the screw hole to the center of the lever), the length of the handle and the dimensions of the keyhole. Once you have these measurements, you can then compare these to the handle size matrix to determine the right replacement.
Broken springs
Over time, uPVC door handles can get loose or wobbly and at times the spring cassette inside may break. These springs help align the handle lever in a horizontal direction. Without them your doors will not lock properly.
Modern uPVC handles are constructed with these cassettes built directly into the backplate. These springs are typically integrated into older uPVC door mechanisms. This isn't something you can do by yourself, but it's worth asking your locksmith to examine the issue as it could be the cause of the sagging uPVC handles.
One of the most frequent issues with uPVC door handles is that they get unstable or wobbly after a certain period of time, and this is typically due to worn springs that can be easily fixed. Generally the reason for this is excessive use of the handle, and as a result of that the square spindle in the handle will wear away, causing the springs to shift out of position.
To fix this issue, you'll have to open the door to the handle plate, then unwind all screws. This can be accomplished using a Philips screwdriver. Once the screws are removed, the handle can be removed and the handle plates ripped apart with care. The springs that were used before can be removed and replaced with new ones.
Depending on the type of handle you are using the distance between the two screws may differ and it is essential to know before purchasing a replacement. This measurement is referred to as the PZ and it is essential to use a calibrated measuring tape for an accurate reading.
After replacing the springs you should be able to use the handle with no issues. It is recommended to lubricate your internal mechanism to ensure that everything is working as it should. upvc replacement door handles will not just ensure that your uPVC doors are as safe as they can be but will also make them more comfortable to operate for a long time.
Handles that slide around
Handles that slide could be caused by many things. One of the most frequent causes is that the levers of the handle aren't aligned with the lock. This can happen on both uPVC and composite doors, however it is generally more noticeable on older doors because they are usually made of cheaper materials that don't stand up well to the elements.
A professional can solve this problem by realigning the handles to ensure that they are aligned 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 modification to the springs of the handle is all that's needed to solve this problem.
The replacement of your uPVC door handle is easy enough, but you need to measure the existing handles to ensure you have the right size replacement. You'll need to measure the distance between the two fixing screws, and the dimensions of the lever and key hole position. Then, you can utilize this uPVC handles size guide to find the right replacement for your home.
After you have taken the measurements, you can remove the old uPVC handle. This is typically quite simple and requires just a screwdriver reach the screws that are on the inside of the door. Once the screws are removed, you'll need to unscrew the handle and then replace the new handle.
Before you begin the work, you should ensure that the door is held open by a wedge to stop it from closing during the course of your work. After you have removed the handle, you can access the parts beneath the door that are causing the door to slip.
If you don't have time or energy to tackle this task on your own, an expert handyman from Fantastic Services can help. They will employ specialist locksmith opening techniques to unlock the door without causing any damage and will then replace the handle that is damaged and make sure that everything is in place and working exactly as it should.
Gearbox damaged
A damaged gearbox could cause the door handle made of upvc to become stiff or lose functionality. The lock may also not be able to be opened with keys. This is extremely dangerous and should be addressed promptly. It is crucial to contact a locksmith if you cannot solve the issue on your own. They have the equipment and knowledge to do the job right.
The first step is to take the handle from its cover plate. You can do this with the help of a screwdriver with an angled tip. After you remove the handle, take out the middle screw that is holding the cylinder. After you have removed the middle screw, you will then loosen the two screws that hold the barrel. Then, you can pull the barrel from the door. You'll need to prop the door open to do this, so make sure you have someone on hand to assist.
Once you have removed your cylinder from the handle, you can replace it with a new one. It is essential to ensure that the new cylinder is the exact size as the previous one. You may end up with an incorrectly aligned handle. This could cause a range of issues, such as leaks and draughts.
Most door handles made of upvc feature slots for adjustment. These slots can be used to tighten and loosen the handle. These slots are usually found on the inside of doors, near the spot where the handle joins the cylinder. Allen wrenches can be used to tighten the slots of adjustment. Once you have made the adjustments you can place the handle back into place & screw it into. Then, you can test the handle to be sure that it is working correctly.
The door handle made of upvc that becomes loose when closed is typically an indication that the gearbox or internal spring components have failed. This can cause the multipoint lock made of upvc to fail, leaving your door open to intrusion. In this case the gearbox made of upvc will need to be replaced. The cost will range from PS145 to PS280, including labour.