Choosing the Right UPVC Door Handle Replacement
It's simple to replace your handles made of upvc, but choosing the right handle can be difficult. Modern double-glazed handles include spring cassettes within them but older ones don't.
If your upvc handle seems loose and floppy, there could be an issue with the internal parts of the multipoint lock. This article will discuss a number of potential problems & their causes.
Sagging or drooping handles
UPVC handles are susceptible to wear and tear. This is especially the case in older properties. The most common reason that a handle becomes floppy is due to a damaged spring cassette within the door lever. This is typically caused by excessive force and the square spindle that holds the cassette may be displaced or round off.
It is a good thing to know that a uPVC handle replacement can be accomplished within a matter of minutes. The first step is to disassemble the old handle by removing the fixing screws visible on the back of the lever plate. After the handles have been removed, you can unscrew and replace the cassette.
On the internet, you can pick from a range of uPVC handles, many of which come in different finishes. The finish you select will determine the longevity of your handle as well as how it is easy to clean. Finishes such as PVD, Stainless Steel or Resista are designed to withstand corrosion and last up to 25 years.
After choosing a color or design, you can choose the type of handle you require. The most common types are lever and pad arrangements. Lever pads are typically used to block access by unauthorised persons. They are equipped with both a lever inside and a paddle on the outside.
Then, take a measurement and record 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 middle of the lever. You'll also need to know how long the handle is as well as the size of its keyhole. Once you have these measurements, you can compare them to the handle size matrix to find the correct replacement.
Broken springs
Over time, the handles of uPVC doors are prone to becoming wobbly or loose and at times the spring cassette inside may break. The springs are used to align the handle lever in a horizontal position. Without them, your doors will not lock properly.
Modern uPVC handles are designed with these cassettes integrated directly into the backplate. These springs are typically built into older uPVC door mechanisms. This can't be fixed on your own, but it's worth asking your locksmith to look at this as it could be the reason for the sagging or drooping uPVC door handles.
One of the most common problems that is commonly encountered with uPVC door handles is that they become loose or wobbly with time, and this is typically due to worn-out springs which can be a relatively simple fix. Most often it is due to excessive use of the handle, and as a result of that the square spindle in the handle will wear away and cause the springs to be displaced.
To fix this, you will need open the door to the handle plate and unscrew all screws. This can be done by using a Philips screwdriver. Once the screws have been removed, the handle can be removed and the handle plates pulled apart with care. The old springs can be removed and replaced with new springs.
Depending on the type of handle you have the distance between the two screws can differ, and this is important to know when purchasing an alternative. This measurement is called the PZ and it is crucial to use a calibrated measuring tape for an precise reading.
After replacing the springs you should be able to use the handle with no problems. But, it's worth lubricating the internal mechanism to make sure that everything functions just as it should. This will ensure that your uPVC door is as safe as it can be, and also make them more comfortable as time passes.
Handles that slide around
Handles that slide around could be caused by a variety of things, one of the most common causes is when the levers of the handle aren't aligned correctly with the lock. This can happen on both uPVC doors as well as composite doors. However, it is more noticeable on older doors because they are made of less durable materials that do not hold up to the elements.
A professional can address this problem by realigning the handles so that they are aligned with the lock. They will also look at the lock itself to determine whether there's anything that requires fixing. In many cases, a simple tweak to the handle springs is all that's needed to solve this problem.
upvc door handle to replace your uPVC handle, but you need to take measurements of the handle you have to ensure that the new one is of the right size. You'll need to take measurements of the distance between the two fixing screws and the dimensions of the lever and key hole position. You can then use this uPVC handle size guide to determine the appropriate replacement for your home.
Once you have the measurements The next step is to take off the current uPVC handles. It's usually a straightforward procedure that requires only a screwdriver. Once the screws are removed, you will need to unscrew the handle and then replace the new one.
It is essential to secure the door with an appropriate wedge prior to beginning. This will stop it from closing during your work. After you remove the handle, you'll be able to access the parts underneath the door that cause the door to slip.
If you don't have the patience or nerves to tackle this task on your own, an expert handyman from Fantastic Services can help. They will use specialist locksmith methods to unlock the door without causing any damage and then replace the damaged handle and make sure that everything is in place and working just as it should.
Damaged gearbox
A damaged gearbox could cause the upvc handle to become stiff and lose functionality. The lock may also not be able to opened with the use of a key. This can be dangerous and should be addressed as soon as is feasible. It is essential to contact a locksmith if you cannot resolve the problem yourself. They have the equipment and knowledge to get the job done right.
The first step is to remove the handle from the cover plate. This can be done using a screwdriver that has a flat head. Once you have removed the handle, you can then remove the middle screw that holds the barrel in place. After you have removed the middle screw, you can then loosen the two screws that hold the barrel. Then, you can remove the barrel out of the door. You'll need 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 the previous one. Otherwise, you could end up with a handle that isn't aligned properly. This could lead to a number of problems such as leaks and draughts.
Many upvc doors have adjustable slots that can be used to tighten or loosen the handle. They are usually on the inside of the door, near where the handle meets the cylinder. Allen wrenches can be used to tighten the slots of adjustment. Once you have made the adjustments, you can put the handle back in place and screw it in. Then, you can test the handle and make sure it functions as intended.
The door handle of upvc becoming loose when closed is typically an indication that the spring or gearbox components have broken down. This could cause the multipoint lock from upvc to fail, leaving your door open to burglars. If this happens, it will be required to replace the upvc gearbox. The cost will range from PS145 - PS280 with the labor included.