The Most Common Upvc Door Handle Replacement Debate It's Not As Black And White As You Think
Choosing the Right UPVC Door Handle Replacement
Replacing your door handles made of upvc is an easy task but selecting the correct handle can be tricky. Modern double-glazed handles are equipped with spring cassettes, whereas older handles do not.
If the upvc handle of your multipoint lock is sloppy and floppy, it could be an internal issue. This article will address a variety of possible causes and the potential solutions.
Handles that are drooping or sagging
UPVC handles can withstand wear and tear, especially in older properties. The most frequent reason a handle becomes floppy is due to a damaged spring cassette in the door lever. This is due to excessive force, and the square spindle that holds the cassette may be dislocated or round.
The good news is that replacing the door handle made of uPVC is an easy task and can be accomplished in just a few minutes. The first step is to take off the handle unit that was previously used. To do this, unscrew the fixing screws visible on the backside of the handle lever. Once the handles are removed you can then remove the cassette from the square spindle, and replace it with an entirely new one.
You can find a vast variety of uPVC door handles to pick from online, and many of them are available in various finishes. The finish you select will determine the life span of your handle and how it will be easy to clean. Finishes like PVD, Stainless Steel or Resista are designed to withstand corrosion and will 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 equipped with an inside lever and an outside paddle, this is often used as a security feature to block access by unauthorised persons.
The next step is to measure the dimensions of your existing handle and record them. You'll need the PZ dimension (the distance from the screw hole to the center of the lever) as well as the length of the handle and the dimensions of the keyhole. Once you have these measurements, you can compare them to the handle size matrix to determine the appropriate replacement.
Broken springs
Over time, the handles of uPVC doors can get loose or wobbly and at times the spring cassette inside might break. These springs help align the handle lever in a horizontal position. Without them the doors won't lock properly.
Modern uPVC handles come with these cassettes built into the back plate. However, older uPVC doors typically contain these springs within the actual lock mechanism. This isn't something you can fix by yourself, but it's definitely worthwhile to have your locksmith examine the issue as it could be the cause of the loosening of uPVC handles.
One of the most frequent problems associated with uPVC door handles is that they become loose or wobbly over time, and this is usually due to worn out 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 out and cause the springs to move.
To correct this issue, open the door and loosen the fixing screws on the back of the handle plate. This can be accomplished using a Philips screwdriver. Once the screws have been removed the handle can be taken off. The plates for the handle can then be taken apart. You can then remove the springs that were in use and replace them with new springs.
Depending on the type of handle you have the distance between the two screws can vary and this is important to know when buying a replacement. This measurement is known as the PZ and it is crucial to make use of a calibrated measuring tape for an accurate reading.
After replacing the springs, you should be able to operate the handle without any issues. It's worth lubricating your internal mechanism to ensure that everything is operating just as it should. This will not only 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 slide can be caused by a variety of 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 doors as well as composite doors. However, it is more evident on older doors as they are made of less durable materials that aren't able to stand up to the elements.
A professional can fix this problem by realigning the handles to ensure they are aligned with the lock. They'll also examine the lock to see if there is anything that requires fixing. In many cases, a minor adjustment to the springs of the handle can fix the issue.
It's simple to replace your uPVC handle however, you must measure the handle that you are replacing to ensure that the replacement is of the right size. You'll need to determine the distance between the two fixing screws, and the dimensions of the lever as well as the key-hole position. You can then use this uPVC handles size guide to locate an appropriate replacement for your home.
After you have taken the measurements, remove the current uPVC handle. This is typically quite simple and requires just a screwdriver reach the screws on the interior of the door. Once the screws are removed, you'll need to unscrew the handle and then put in the new one.
Before starting making any changes, make sure that the door is held open by a wedge to prevent it from closing in the middle of your work. Once the handle is removed, you can now get to the inside of the door to address the issues that are causing it to slide.
A handyman from Fantastic Services will be able to help if you don't want to do the job yourself or lack the nerves. They will use sophisticated locks to unlock the doors without creating damage. They will then replace the broken handle and make sure that everything works exactly as it should.
Gearbox damaged

A damaged gearbox may cause the upvc door handle to become stiff or lose function. The lock may also be unable to be opened with the use of a key. This can be dangerous and must be addressed as quickly as possible. It is essential to contact a locksmith if you cannot solve the issue yourself. They have the tools and expertise to do the job right.
The first step is removing the handle from the cover plate. This can be done by using a screwdriver that has flat heads. After removing the handle, take out the middle screw that holds the barrel. After taking out the middle screw, you will be able to loosen the two screws that are holding the barrel. Then, repairmywindowsanddoors can pull the barrel from the door. You will need to prop the door open to do this, so make sure to have someone available to help.
After you have removed the cylinder, you can replace with a brand new cylinder. Make sure the new cylinder is the same dimensions as the old one. Otherwise, you may end up with an unaligned handle correctly. This can lead to a number of problems, including leaks and drips.
Many doors made of upvc feature adjustment slots that allow you to tighten or loosen the handle. These slots are usually located on the inside of doors, near the spot where the handle meets with the cylinder. The slots for adjustment can be tightened with an allen wrench. Once you've made the necessary adjustments then you can screw the handle into and then put it back into place. Then, you can test the handle to be sure it's working properly.
The door handle of upvc becoming loose when closed is typically an indication that the gearbox or internal spring components have failed. This could cause your upvc multipoint locks to fail leaving your door open to burglars. If this occurs, it will be necessary to replace the upvc gearbox. This will cost between PS145-PS280 including labor.