UPVC Door Handles Replacement Guide

Replacing the handles on your doors made of upvc is an easy DIY task once you have the correct measurements. These measurements include the distance from the backplate of the handle’s mounting centres (sometimes called PZ) to the centre of keyhole.

The most commonly used uPVC handle has two inline levers. One is internal and the other external, joined with spindles. They are used to operate the multipoint lock found on uPVC and aluminium doors, as well as some wooden doors.

Brands & finishes

A damaged uPVC handle is more than a minor inconvenience. It could also make your home vulnerable to burglars who could make the lock open and gain access to your home. This is the reason it’s essential to recognise when your uPVC door handles are starting to fail and act as quickly as you can.

It’s good to know that replacing your uPVC handles for your double glazed front door handles conservatory door handles is a fairly simple task that only requires a few tools and some careful measurements. In most cases, you can simply put in your new uPVC handle and you’re ready to go. But, it’s recommended to search for the best quality locks and handles that meet the highest security standards.

There are a number of different kinds of uPVC handles available that you can choose from. These include lever/lever, pad, offset and snib handles. Lever/lever handles consist of two inline handles which can be moved are extremely popular with homeowners. Pad uPVC handles are smaller and have an offset design. This allows you to protect the exterior of your home after entry.

A uPVC offset handle is made up of two pads, one fixed and the other movable. This type handle is generally used on sliding patio doors. Snib handles resemble offset handles, but they can also be used on uPVC French doors.

When selecting a replacement uPVC door handle, you must take into consideration the style of your current doors and windows. The handle should be in line with the color and style of your existing doors. Certain handles are available in a range of finishes that include black and white as well as others that are available with more fashionable options like chrome or gold.

When taking your measurements it is essential to get the PZ and screw-to-screw dimensions correct. The PZ measurement is the distance from the centre of the spindle hole to the centre of the keyhole. The screw-to-screw dimension is the distance between the screw hole on your existing handle and the closest screw on the door frame, and it is crucial to measure it accurately in order to find the right replacement.

Measurement & Fitting

The uPVC handle is fitted with two levers – one on each side of the lock mechanism that make it easy to operate both from inside and outside. Providing a comfortable grip and stress-free operation they are an essential part of a door’s security mechanisms. With the appropriate set of uPVC handles you can ensure your door is safe from intrusions and keep it looking great in the process.

Choosing the correct uPVC handle can be a challenge and confusing because there are a variety of sizes, shapes and styles available. When you are choosing the right handle replacement for your uPVC door, you should consider three important measurements. These are the backplate fixing centres, lever and key hole dimensions, and the spindle’s diameter. Incorporating these elements will ensure that your new handle is perfectly matched to your uPVC doors and gives you a perfect fit.

It’s relatively simple but you must be as precise as you can. If you’re not careful you might end having a handle that doesn’t properly match the existing one and can cause problems when opening your uPVC door. The top screw in the center of the backplate is the most important measurement. This is also known as the PZ dimension. This is the distance between the handle lever or axis of the keyhole and the centre of the screw. In general this is a measurement of 92mm but it could vary.

You should also check that your uPVC handles are equipped with the number of keyspindles required to operate your multi-point locking system. It is ideal that they be in line with the number of keys that you use to lock and unlock your uPVC doors. Some older doors have only one spindle to lock. Modern doors have two spindles, which allow independent operation both indoors and outdoors.

You shouldn’t have a sliding uPVC handle as it can put the tension on the locking mechanism. This could result in broken parts. You should look for uPVC handles that have spring cassettes built-in to avoid this. They are not only visually pleasing, but they can also give your door locking mechanism a longer life time by removing a portion of the force that operates it.

Broken Spring Cassettes

If a door handle becomes stiff it can often be caused by a problem within the tubular latch itself. This is usually a simple fix that can be solved by repositioning internal fixing plates of your replacement handle. First open the door and make sure there are no obvious obstructions to the latch plate, such as loose screws or evidence of internal parts poking through. If this isn’t the case, it could be one of the spring cassettes within your uPVC handle that needs to be relocated.

A door handle repair kit is the easiest method to do this. It will contain all the tools you need to take the handles off and then move their cassettes. Follow the directions and you will soon have an elongated or drooping uPVC handle that can be operated.

A loose uPVC door handle can also be due to thermal contraction, but it is more often an indication that the gearbox inside has been damaged. This isn’t a problem that you can fix yourself. You will need the help of locksmith.

It is essential to choose an authentic replacement gearbox for your uPVC doors. This will ensure that everything is properly installed. If you use a less expensive aftermarket part, it could result in problems such as a faulty multipoint lock and reduced security for your home.

You can also replace the whole uPVC handle and lock mechanism. This will not only solve the sagging problem but will also make sure that the door handle is operational and secure. This isn’t a cheap or quick fix. It will require the removal of your old uPVC handles and replacing them with a new handle. This is only applicable to double glazing door handles glazing doors with sprung handles, since the door will need to be redrilled. For a more cost-effective and quicker option you can always purchase new handles that come with built-in springs, which will remove the need to drill doors.

Can I put a door handle made of uPVC on an aluminum or timber door?

There are many things to think about when selecting doors for your home. uPVC doors provide durability, security and energy efficiency whilst aluminum doors are modern and pleasing to the eye. Regarding the style of door you’re planning to install the appropriate handle is essential. It is important to choose the right handles for your home regardless of whether you’re replacing your existing ones or adding new ones. Our uPVC door handle replacement guide will help you make the best decision and install them with confidence.

Changing the handle of an uPVC handle is fairly simple and requires only basic tools. You’ll first need to remove the existing handle. This can be done by removing the screws that keep it in place with a screwdriver. After the screws have been removed, you can take the handle from the door.

You’ll then have to measure the door handle. You’ll need to find the centre of the fixing holes on the backplate. This is often known as the PZ measurement. It determines the size of the handle spindle. Once you have this information, you will be able to purchase a replacement door handle that is of the correct size.

There are many different types of uPVC handles that can be found to meet your needs. Some are designed to offer additional security features like anti-drill protection, cylinder guards and mole grips. These uPVC handle designs can be incorporated into uPVC, aluminium and wooden doors, and are perfect for homeowners who want to increase security in their home.

There are also uPVC handles that are more traditional. These can be found in various finishes like black, chrome and gold. These handles are usually slightly more expensive than standard handles, however they will provide a beautiful finish to your door.

Once you have chosen a suitable uPVC door handle, it is essential to verify the dimensions prior to ordering. You must verify the dimensions listed above, along with the lever and keyhole dimension and the backplate mounting centers to ensure that the new handle is the right one for your door.