Choosing the Right UPVC Door Handle Replacement
Replacing the handles on your doors made of upvc is relatively easy however choosing the right handle can be difficult. Modern double-glazed handles come with spring cassettes, but older handles don't.
If the upvc handle on your multipoint lock is loose and floppy, there may be an internal issue. This article will cover the various possible issues and their causes.
Handles that slide or loosen
uPVC handles can sustain wear and tear, especially in older properties. A broken spring cassette inside the door lever is the most frequent reason for a handle that is floppy. This is typically caused by excessive force and the square spindle which holds the cassette may be displaced or the cassette can be rounded off.
The good news is that replacing the door handle with uPVC is a relatively simple job and can be accomplished within a couple of minutes. The first step is to remove the old handle by unscrewing the fixing screws visible on the side of the lever plate. Once the handles are removed you can remove the cassette from the square spindle and replace it with a new one.
On the internet, you can select from a wide selection of uPVC handles available in a variety of finishes. Selecting the right finish will determine how long your handle will last and how it is easy to keep clean. Finishes such as PVD, Stainless Steel or Resista are designed to resist corrosion and will last for up to 25 years.
Once you have selected a colour or style you can then choose the type of handle you need. The most well-known types are pad and lever arrangements. Lever pads are often used to prevent unauthorised access. They are equipped with a lever inside and a paddle outside.
Then, you should measure and record the dimensions of the handle you have. You'll need the PZ dimension (the distance from the screw hole to the middle of the lever) as well as the length of the handle as well as the dimension of the keyhole. You can compare the measurements to the handle size matrix to find the correct replacement.
Broken springs
Over time, uPVC handles can become wobbly or loose. The spring cassette may also break. The springs are used to make sure that the lever of the handle is in a horizontal direction. Without them the doors won't lock properly.
Modern uPVC handles have these cassettes built into the back plate. However older uPVC doors often have these springs built into the lock mechanism. This can't be fixed by yourself but it's worth contacting your locksmith to look at this as it could be the cause of the sagging or drooping uPVC door handles.
The most frequent issue that is encountered with uPVC handles is that they become loose over time. This is usually due to worn-out springs that are simple to fix. The majority of the time the reason for this is excessive use of the handle and as a result of that the square spindle inside the handle will wear away and the springs will move out of place.
To fix this, you will need open the door to the handle plate and unscrew all screws. This can be done using the Philips screwdriver and once the screws are removed the handle can be removed and the plates pulled apart with care. The springs that were used before can be removed and replaced with new springs.
Depending on the type of handle you have the distance between the two fixing screws can differ, and this is essential to know before buying a replacement. This measurement is known as the PZ measure and it is recommended that it be measured using a calibrated tape measure in order to be accurate.
After replacing the springs, you should be able to use the handle with no issues. It is important to oil your internal mechanism to make sure that everything is functioning just as it should. This will not only ensure that your uPVC doors are as secure as possible but also make them more comfortable to use in the long run.
Handles that slide around
Handles that slide around could be caused by a variety different reasons. upvc door handles repairmywindowsanddoors of the most common is when the levers of the handle aren't aligned properly with the lock. This is a problem that can occur on uPVC doors as well as composite doors. However, it's more evident on older doors because they are constructed of lower quality materials that aren't able to stand up to the elements.
This problem can be solved by a professional who will adjust the handles and ensure they're in line with the door lock. They'll also examine the lock itself to determine what needs fixing. In many cases, a simple adjustment to the handle springs is all that's needed to resolve this issue.
The replacement of your uPVC door handle is simple enough, but it's crucial to measure the measurements of the handles that are in use to make sure you have the correct size replacement. You'll need to take measurements of the distance between the two screws, the dimensions of the keyhole as well as the lever, and the distance between them. You can then use this uPVC handle size guide to locate the correct replacement for your home.
After you've taken the measurements, you can remove the existing uPVC handle. This is usually fairly straightforward and requires only a screwdriver to reach the screws on the interior of the door. After the screws are removed, you can then unscrew the handle itself and then move onto installing the new handle.
It is important to secure the door with an appropriate wedge prior to beginning. This will stop it from closing during the course of your work. Once the handle is removed, you can now get to the inside of the door to correct the issues that are causing it to slide.
If you don't have the patience or energy to tackle this job yourself, an expert handyman from Fantastic Services can help. They'll employ locksmith methods to open the door without causing any damage, and then replace the faulty handle and make sure that everything is working just as it should.
Gearbox damage
A damaged gearbox can cause the door handle made of upvc to become stiff or lose its function. The lock could also be unable to be opened by a key. This can be very dangerous and should be addressed as soon as is possible. If you're unable to solve the problem yourself it is crucial to call a locksmith since they are experts and have the tools necessary to get the job done correctly.
The first step is to take the handle from its cover plate. You can do this using an instrument that has a flat-headed tip. After you have removed the handle, remove the middle screw that is holding the cylinder. Once you have removed this middle screw, you can then loosen the two screws that hold the barrel. Then you can take the barrel from the door. You'll have to open the door to do this, so make sure that you have someone to assist you.
Once you have removed the cylinder from the handle, you can replace it with a new one. Make sure that the new cylinder has the same size as your old one. You might end up with an improperly aligned handle. This can lead to numerous issues that could cause leaks and draughts.
Many upvc doors have adjustable slots that can be used to tighten or loosen the handle. These slots are usually located on the inside of doors, near the place where the handle connects with the cylinder. Allen wrenches can be used to tighten the slots for adjustment. After you have made your adjustments, you can put the handle back in place and screw it in. Then, you'll be able to test the handle to make sure that it is working correctly.
If the upvc door handle is loose or sloppy when closed, it is typically a sign that the upvc gearbox has failed or the internal spring components are breaking down. This could cause the multipoint lock from upvc to fail and leave your door open to intrusion. If this occurs, it will be necessary to replace the gearbox. It will cost between PS145 between PS145 and PS280 with the labor included.