Choosing the Right UPVC Door Handle Replacement
Replacing the handles on your doors made of upvc is an easy task but picking the right handle can be difficult. Modern double-glazed handles are fitted with spring cassettes, however 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 address several possible problems and their causes.
Sagging or drooping handles
UPVC handles can withstand wear and tear, especially in older properties. The most common reason that the handle becomes floppy because of a broken spring cassette inside the door lever. This is usually caused by excessive force and the square spindle that supports the cassette can become displaced or rounded off.
The good news is that a uPVC door handle replacement is an easy task and can be completed within a couple of minutes. The first step is to remove the handle unit that was previously used. To remove it, loosen the fixing screws visible on the backside of the handle lever. Once the handles have been removed you can then unscrew the cassette from the square spindle and replace with an entirely new one.
Online you can choose from a variety of uPVC handles that come in different finishes. Selecting the right finish will determine how long the handle will last and how it is easy to keep clean. Finishes like Resista, Stainless Steel, or PVD are designed to resist corrosion and last up to 25 years.
Once you have selected the colour or style you can choose the type of handle you require. The most popular types are lever and pad arrangements. Lever pads are often used to prevent unauthorised access. They feature both a lever inside and a paddle outside.
The next step is to determine the dimensions of your current handle and write them down. You will need to measure the PZ dimension which is the distance between the screw hole and the center of your lever. It is also important to know how long the handle is and the dimensions of its keyhole. Once you have these measurements, you can compare them to the handle size matrix to determine the right replacement.
Broken springs
Over time, the handles of uPVC doors can get loose or wobbly and at times the spring cassette inside may break. These tiny springs help bring the handle lever to a horizontal position, and without them, doors will not lock properly.
Modern uPVC handles are made with these cassettes directly built into the backplate. However older uPVC doors often contain these springs within the actual lock mechanism. It is not something you can do by yourself, but it's worthwhile to have your locksmith examine the issue as it could be the reason for the loosening of uPVC handles.
The most common issue with uPVC handles is that they become loose over time. This is usually caused by worn-out springs, which are easy to fix. This is usually caused by excessive handling of the handle. The square spindle of the handle will wear out and causes the springs to move.
In order to rectify this issue, open the door and remove the fixing screws on the back of the handle plate. This can be done by using a Philips screwdriver and once the screws are removed, the handle can be removed and the handle plates pulled apart with care. The springs that were used before can be removed and replaced with new springs.
It is crucial to keep this in mind when purchasing a new handle. upvc replacement door handles is referred to as the PZ measure and it is recommended that this is measured using an instrument that is calibrated to ensure accuracy.
After replacing the springs, you should be able operate the handle without any problems. It is important to oil your internal mechanism to make sure that everything is functioning exactly as it should. This will not just 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 can be caused by a variety of factors. One of the most frequent causes is that the levers of the handle are not aligned with the lock. This can happen with both uPVC and composite doors, but is generally more noticeable on older doors because they are usually made of less durable materials that don't resist the elements.
This problem can be solved by a professional, who will realign the handles and ensure that they are in line with the door lock. They'll also inspect the lock to determine what is required to be fixed. In most cases, a simple modification to the springs of the handle is enough to resolve this issue.
Switching your uPVC door handle is easy enough, but you need to measure the existing handles to make sure you have the correct size replacement. You'll need to measure the distance between the two fixing screws and the dimensions of the lever and key-hole position. You can then use this uPVC handles size guide to locate an appropriate replacement for your home.
After you've taken the measurements, you can remove the old uPVC handle. It's usually a straightforward procedure that requires only a screwdriver. Once the screws have been removed, you will need to remove the handle and then install the new one.
It is essential to secure the door using an appropriate wedge prior to beginning. This will stop it from closing during your work. After the handle has been removed it is now possible to get to the inside of the door to fix the issues that are causing it to sag.
A handyman from Fantastic Services will be able to help if you don't want to do the work yourself or aren't confident enough. They'll employ locksmith methods to unlock the door without causing any damage and will then replace the faulty handle, ensuring that everything is working just as it should.
Gearbox damaged
A damaged gearbox may cause the door handle made of upvc to become stiff or lose functionality. This can also prevent the lock from being able to be opened using keys. This could be dangerous and must be addressed as quickly as possible. It is important to call a locksmith if you cannot solve the issue on your own. They have the tools and expertise to get the job done right.
The first step is removing the handle from the cover plate. This can be done by using a screwdriver with a flat head. After you have removed your 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. Then you can pull the barrel from the door. To accomplish this, you'll require someone to prop the door wide.
Once you have removed the cylinder from the handle, you can replace it with a new one. It is essential to ensure that the new cylinder is the same size as the previous one. You might end up with an improperly aligned handle. This can lead to a myriad of issues, such as leaks and draughts.
Many doors made of upvc feature adjustable slots which can be used to adjust the handle's tension or release. They are usually on the inside of the door, near where the handle is connected to the cylinder. Allen wrenches can be used to tighten the slots for adjustment. After you have made the adjustments, you can put the handle back on & screw it into. After that, you can test the handle to make sure that it is working properly.
If the door handle of upvc becomes floppy or loose when it is closed, this is usually a sign that the gearbox in the upvc has broken down or internal spring components are breaking down. This could cause your multipoint locks made of upvc to fail and leave your door open to intruders. If this occurs, it will be necessary to replace the gearbox. The cost will range from PS145 to PS280, including labour.