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 a challenge. Modern double-glazed handles come with spring cassettes, however older handles do not.
If your upvc handle seems loose and floppy, it could be an issue with the internal components of the multipoint lock. This article will cover the various possible issues & their causes.
Handles that slide or droop
UPVC handles can withstand wear and tear, especially in older properties. A broken spring cassette in the door lever is the most typical reason for a handle that is floppy. This is caused by excessive force, and the square spindle that holds the cassette could be moved or turned round.
The good news is that replacing the door handle made of uPVC is a relatively simple job and can be accomplished in just a few minutes. The first step is to remove the handle unit that was previously used. To remove it, loosen the fixing screws on the backside of the lever. After the handles have been removed, you can then remove the cassette from the square spindle and replace it with an entirely new one.
On the internet, you can select from a range of uPVC handles, many of which come with different finishes. upvc door handles select will determine the life span of your handle as well as how it will be easy to clean. Finishes like Resista, Stainless Steel, or PVD are designed to resist corrosion and last up to 25 years.
After you have chosen the colour or style you can then choose the type of handle you require. The most popular are pad and lever arrangements. Lever pads have a lever inside and an outside paddle and are often used as a security device to stop unauthorised access.
Next, measure and record the dimensions of the handle you have. You'll need to measure the PZ dimension, which is the distance between the screw hole and the middle of the lever. You'll also need to determine how long the handle is as well as the dimensions of its keyhole. Once you have the measurements you can then compare these with the handle sizes matrix to determine the right replacement.
Broken springs
Over time, handles made of uPVC can become wobbly or loose. The spring cassette might also break. These tiny springs help move the lever into a horizontal position and without them, your doors won't be able to lock properly.
Modern uPVC handles come with these cassettes incorporated directly into the back plate. These springs are typically built into older uPVC door mechanisms. This isn't something you can be fixed by yourself, but it's worth asking your locksmith to take a look as this could be the cause of the drooping or sagging uPVC door handles.
The most frequent issue that is encountered with uPVC handles is that they loosen over time. This is usually caused by worn out springs, which are easy to repair. Most often, this is caused by excessive use of the handle and as a result of that the square spindle in the handle will wear out and the springs will be displaced.
To correct this you will need to open the door and remove the fixing screws located at the back of the handle plate. This can be done using the help of a Philips screwdriver. After the screws are removed the handle can be removed. The handle plates are then able to be gently removed. The old springs can be removed and replaced with new ones.
Depending on the type of handle you have the distance between the two fixing screws can vary and this is crucial to know prior to buying an alternative. This measurement is referred to as the PZ measure. It is recommended that it be taken with an accurate tape measure in order to be accurate.
After replacing the springs, you should be able to use the handle with no problems. However, it's always worth lubricating the mechanism inside to ensure that everything works as it should do. This will ensure that your uPVC door is as safe as it can be, and also improve their comfort as time passes.
Handles that slide around
Handles that slide can be caused by a variety of factors. One of the most common causes is when the levers of the handle aren't aligned with the lock. This is a problem that can occur with both uPVC and composite doors, but is typically more evident on older doors since they are usually made of less durable materials that don't stand up well to the elements.
A professional can address this problem by realigning the handles to ensure they are in line with the lock. They'll also examine the lock itself to determine if there is anything that requires fixing. In many cases, a minor adjustment to the springs of the handle can solve the issue.
Switching your uPVC door handle is simple enough, but it's crucial to measure the measurements of the handles that are in use to ensure you have the correct size replacement. You will need to measure the distance between two screws, the size of the keyhole and lever, as well as the distance between them. Then, utilize this uPVC handles size guide to locate an appropriate replacement for your home.
After you have made the measurements, you can remove the old uPVC handle. It's usually a simple procedure and requires only a screwdriver. Once the screws are removed, you'll need to remove the handle and then install the new one.
It is important to secure the door with an appropriate wedge prior to beginning. This will prevent it from closing during the course of your work. After you have removed the handle, you'll be able to inspect the components underneath the door that are causing the door to slip.
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 will use sophisticated locks to unlock the doors without causing damage. They will then replace the damaged handle and make sure that everything is working as it should.
Gearbox damaged
A damaged gearbox can cause the upvc door handle to become stiff or lose functionality. This could also stop the lock from being able to be opened using a key. This could be dangerous and should be addressed as soon as is possible. If you are unable to resolve the issue yourself it is essential to call a locksmith since they have the expertise and tools to do the job right.
The first step is to take the handle from its cover plate. You can do this using an instrument that has flat-headed tips. After you have removed the handle, you will be able to remove the middle screw that holds the cylinder in place. After taking out the middle screw, you'll be able loosen the two screws that secure the barrel. You can then pull the barrel out of the door. You will have to open the door to accomplish this, so make sure you have someone on hand to assist you.
Once you have removed your cylinder from the handle you can replace it with a new one. Make sure the new cylinder is the exact size as your old one. Otherwise, you may end up with a handle that isn't aligned correctly. This could cause numerous issues that could cause leaks and draughts.
Many upvc doors have adjustable slots which can be used to tighten or loosen the handle. The slots are typically located on the inside of the doors, near the spot where the handle meets with the cylinder. The adjustment slots can be tightened by using an allen wrench. After you have made the adjustments then you can put the handle back into place and screw it into. Then, you can test the handle to make sure it's working correctly.
The door handle made of upvc that becomes loose when closed is usually an indication that the spring or gearbox components have failed. This can cause the multipoint lock made of upvc to fail and leave your door open to burglars. In this situation the gearbox made of upvc will need to be replaced. The cost will range from PS145 to PS280 with the labor included.