Choosing the Right UPVC Door Handle Replacement
Replacing the handles on your doors made of upvc is relatively easy but selecting the correct handle can be a challenge. Modern double glazed handles come with spring cassettes, however older handles aren’t.
If the upvc handle on your multipoint lock is sloppy and floppy, there may be an internal issue. This article will discuss a number of potential problems & their causes.
Sagging or drooping handles
UPVC handles are prone to wear and tear, particularly in older properties. A broken spring cassette in the door lever is the most common cause of a floppy handle. This is due to excessive force, and the square spindle that holds the cassette may be dislocated or round.
The good news is that a uPVC door handle replacement is an easy task and can be accomplished in a matter of minutes. The first step is to remove the handle unit that was previously used. To remove it, loosen the fixing screws that are 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.
On the internet, you can pick from a variety of uPVC handles, many of which come with different finishes. The finish you choose will determine the life span of your handle as well as how it will be easy to clean. Finishes like Resista, Stainless Steel, or PVD are designed to resist corrosion and last up to 25 years.
Once you’ve selected a colour or style you can choose the type of handle you need. The most well-known types are pad and lever arrangements. Lever pads are commonly used to prevent unauthorised access. They feature an inside lever and a paddle on the outside.
Then, you should measure and note the dimensions of the handle you currently have. You’ll need to determine the PZ dimension, which is the distance between the screw hole and the centre of the lever. You’ll also need to determine how long the handle is as well as the dimensions of its keyhole. You can compare the measurements to the handle size matrix to determine the right replacement.
Broken springs
Over time uPVC door handles may become wobbly or loose and occasionally the spring cassette inside may break. These springs are used to ensure that the lever is in a horizontal direction. Without them, your doors will not lock properly.
Modern uPVC handles are made with these cassettes directly built into the backplate. The springs are usually built into older uPVC door mechanisms. This isn’t something you can fix yourself, but it’s worth having your locksmith take a look as this could be the reason for the sliding uPVC handles.
The most common problem associated with uPVC handles is that they loosen as time passes. This is usually caused by worn out springs, which are simple to fix. The reason for this is usually excessive handling of the handle. The square spindle of the handle will wear down and causes the springs to move.
To fix this issue, you’ll have to open the door to the handle plate and unscrew all screws. This can be accomplished using a Philips screwdriver. After the screws have been removed, the handle can then be removed. The plates for the handle are then able to be gently pulled apart. The springs that were used before can be removed and replaced with new ones.
This is a crucial point to remember when purchasing a replacement handle. This measurement is known as the PZ measure. It is recommended that it be measured using an instrument that is calibrated to ensure accuracy.
After reinstalling the springs, you should be able to operate the brompton carry handle without issue. But, it’s important to grease the internal mechanism to ensure that everything is working just as it should. This will not only ensure that your uPVC doors are as safe as they can be but will also make them more comfortable to use over time too.
Handles that slide around
Handles that slide around could be caused by a number of reasons, but one of the most common is when the handle levers aren’t aligned properly with the lock. This can happen with uPVC doors as well as composite doors. However, it is more noticeable on older doors because they are constructed of lower quality materials that don’t stand up to the elements.
A professional can solve this issue by re-aligning the handles to ensure they are in line with the lock. They will also look at the lock to see what needs fixing. In most instances, a minor adjustment to the handle springs is all that’s needed to solve this problem.
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 of the right size. You’ll need to measure the distance between the two fixing screws as well as the dimensions of the lever and key hole position. Then, you can utilize this uPVC handle size guide to locate the appropriate replacement for your home.
Once you have the measurements, the next step is to take off the old uPVC handles. It is usually a simple process and only requires an screwdriver. Once the screws have been removed, you are able to remove the handle and then move onto installing the new handle.
It’s important to secure the door using a wedge prior to starting. This will prevent it from closing during your work. After the handle has been removed, you can now access the underlying parts of the door to fix the problems that are causing it to slide.
A handyman from Fantastic Services will be able to assist you if want to do the work yourself or lack the nerves. They will use special lock picking techniques to unlock the bi-fold doors handle without causing damage. They will then replace the damaged handle and make sure everything is working exactly as it should.
Gearbox damage
A damaged gearbox could cause the upvc door handle to become stiff or lose 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 solve the problem yourself, it is important to contact a locksmith as they are experts and have the tools needed to get the job done correctly.
The first step is to remove the handle from the cover plate. This can be done by using a screwdriver with flat heads. Once you have removed the handle, you can then remove the middle screw that holds the cylinder in 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. You will have to prop the door open to accomplish this, so make sure to have someone available to assist.
Once you have removed your cylinder from the handle you can replace it with a new one. Make sure the new cylinder is the exact dimensions as the old one. You might end up with an incorrectly aligned handle. This could lead to various issues, including leaks and drips.
Most door handles made of upvc feature slots that allow for adjustment. These slots can be used to tighten and loosen the handle. These slots are usually located on the inside of doors, near the spot where the handle meets with the cylinder. Allen wrenches can be used to tighten the adjustment slots. After you have made your adjustments then you can put the handle back on & screw it in. After that, you can test the handle to be sure it’s working properly.
The door handle made of upvc window handle replacement that becomes loose when closed is usually an indication that the gearbox or internal spring components have broken down. This can cause your upvc multipoint locks to fail, leaving your door wide open to intruders. If this happens, it will be required to replace the upvc gearbox. The cost will range from PS145 – PS280, including labour.