Choosing the Right UPVC Door Handle Replacement
It's simple to replace your upvc handles, but choosing the right handle can be a challenge. Modern double-glazed handles are fitted with spring cassettes, but older handles do not.
If the handle of your upvc is loose and floppy, it could be a problem with the internal components of the multipoint lock. This article will address a variety of possible issues and their causes.
Handles that are drooping or sagging
UPVC handles are prone to wear and tear, especially in older properties. The most common reason the handle becomes floppy due to a damaged spring cassette in the door lever. This is caused by a lot of force and the spindle holding the cassette can be displaced or turned round.
The good news is that a uPVC door handle replacement is a relatively simple job and can be accomplished in just a few minutes. The first step is to remove the old handle by removing the fixing screws visible on the side of the lever plate. After the handles have been removed, you can then unscrew the cassette from the square spindle, and replace it with a new one.
On the internet, you can pick from a variety of uPVC handles, many of which come in different finishes. The finish you select will determine the life span of your handle as well as how easy it will be to clean. Finishes such as PVD, Stainless Steel or Resista are designed to withstand corrosion and will last for up to 25 years.
After you have chosen the colour or style you can choose the kind of handle you want. The most well-known types are the lever and pad configurations. Lever pads are equipped with a lever on the inside and a paddle on the outside, this is often employed as a security measure to stop unauthorised access.
Then, you should measure and note the dimensions of the handle you currently have. You'll need the PZ dimension (the distance from the screw hole to the middle of the lever), the length of the handle, and the dimensions of the keyhole. Once you have the measurements you can then compare them to the handle size matrix to find the correct replacement.
Broken springs
Over time, uPVC door handles are prone to becoming wobbly or loose and at times the spring cassette inside may break. These little springs help to bring the handle lever into a horizontal position and without them your 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 actual lock mechanism. This isn't something you can be fixed on your own, but it is worth getting your locksmith to take a look as this could be the cause of the drooping or sagging uPVC door handles.
The most common problem associated with uPVC handles is that they become loose as time passes. This is usually caused by worn-out springs, which are easy to fix. Generally the reason for this is excessive use of the handle, and as a result of that, the square spindle within the handle will wear out, causing the springs to move out of place.
To correct this you will need to open the door and remove the fixing screws on the back of the handle plate. This can be done using the Philips screwdriver and once the screws have been 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 ones.
It is crucial to keep this in mind when buying a replacement handle. This measurement is referred to as the PZ and it is important to use a calibrated measuring tape to ensure an accurate reading.
After replacing the springs, you should be able to use the handle without any problems. It is important to oil the internal mechanism to make sure that everything is functioning as it should. This will ensure that your uPVC door is as safe as it can be, and also increase their comfort in the long run.
Handles that slide around
Handles that slide around can be caused by a number of reasons, but one of the most frequent causes is when the levers of the handle aren't aligned properly with the lock. This can happen with uPVC doors and composite doors. However, it's more evident on older doors because they are made of cheaper materials that aren't able to stand up to the elements.
This issue can be fixed by a professional, who will realign the handles and make sure they're in line with the door lock. They will also look at the lock itself to see what requires fixing. In many cases, a small adjustment to the springs of the handle can fix the issue.
The replacement of your uPVC door handle is simple enough, but it's important to measure the handles you have in place to ensure that you have the proper size replacement. You'll need to determine the distance of the two screws, the size of the keyhole and lever, as well as the distance between them. You can then make use of this uPVC handles size guide to find the right replacement for your home.
After you've taken the measurements, take off the current uPVC handle. This is usually fairly straightforward and requires only a screwdriver to get to the screws on the inside of the door. After the screws are removed, you can unscrew the handle itself and then proceed to install the new handle.
Before starting the work, you should ensure that the door is secured open with a door wedge to prevent it from closing during the course of your work. Once the handle is removed you'll be able to get to the inside of the door to fix the issues that cause it to slide.
If you don't have the patience or nerves to tackle this job yourself, an expert handyman from Fantastic Services can help. They'll employ locksmith opening techniques to unlock the door without causing damage and then replace the handle that is damaged, making sure everything is in place and functioning exactly as it should.
Gearbox damaged
A damaged gearbox may cause the upvc door handle to become stiff or lose its function. This could prevent the lock from being able be opened using a key. This is a risk and should be addressed as soon as is feasible. If you are unable solve the problem yourself it is crucial to contact a locksmith as they have the expertise and tools to get the job done properly.
The first step is to remove the handle from the cover plate. You can do this using the help of a screwdriver with an angled tip. After you have removed the handle, you need to remove the middle screw that is holding the barrel. After taking out the middle screw, you'll be able to loosen the two screws which secure the barrel. You can then pull the barrel away from the door. To do this, you will require someone to prop the door wide open.
Once you have removed your cylinder from the handle you can replace it with a fresh one. Make sure the new cylinder has the same dimensions as the old one. Otherwise, you could end having an unaligned handle correctly. This can cause a variety of issues, including leaks and drips.
Many upvc door handles have slots that allow for adjustment. These slots can be used to tighten and loosen the handle. They are typically located on the inside of the door near where the handle meets the cylinder. The slots for adjustment can be tightened by using an allen wrench. Once you've made the necessary adjustments, you can screw the handle back in and put it back in position. Then, you can test the handle to make sure that it is working correctly.
If the upvc door handle becomes loose or floppy when closed, it's usually a sign that the gearbox in the upvc has broken down or internal spring components are in the process of breaking down. This could cause the multipoint lock from upvc to fail and leave your door open to intruders. If this happens, it will be necessary to replace the upvc gearbox. The cost will range from PS145 between PS145 and PS280 with the labor included.