Choosing the Right UPVC Door Handle Replacement
It's easy to replace your handles made of upvc however, choosing the correct handle can be a challenge. Modern double-glazed handles come with spring cassettes in them, however older models don't have.
If your upvc handle is loose and floppy there may be an issue with the internal parts of the multipoint lock. This article will discuss several potential problems and their causes.
Handles that slide or drop
UPVC handles can withstand wear and tear, especially in older properties. The most common reason the handle becomes floppy due to a broken spring cassette within the door lever. This is due to excessive force and the spindle that holds the cassette may be dislocated or rounded.
It is important to know that a uPVC handle replacement can be completed within a matter of minutes. The first step is to take off the old handle unit. To remove it, you must unscrew the fixing screws on the backside of the handle lever. After the handles have been removed, you can unscrew and replace the cassette.
Online you can choose from a variety of uPVC handles available with different finishes. The finish you choose will determine the durability of your handle as well as how it will be easy to clean. upvc replacement door handles repairmywindowsanddoors like 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 then select the type of handle you require. The most popular types are pad and lever arrangements. Lever pads have an inside lever and a paddle on the outside and are often used as a security device to block access by unauthorised persons.
The next step is to determine the dimensions of your current handle and record them. You'll need to measure the PZ dimension which is the distance between the screw hole and the middle of the lever. You will also need to be aware of how long the handle is and the size of its keyhole. Once you have these measurements, you can compare them to the handle sizes matrix to determine the appropriate replacement.
Broken springs
Over time uPVC door handles are prone to becoming wobbly or loose and at times the spring cassette inside might break. These little springs help to bring the handle lever to a horizontal position. without them, doors won't lock properly.
Modern uPVC handles are designed with these cassettes integrated directly into the backplate. However older uPVC doors often contain these springs within the lock mechanism. This can't be fixed on your own, but it's worth asking your locksmith to look at as this could be the reason behind the sagging or drooping uPVC door handles.
The most common problem associated with uPVC handles is that they tend to loosen over time. This is usually caused by worn out springs, which are easy to repair. Most often the reason for this is excessive use of the handle and as a result of that the square spindle in the handle will wear out and the springs will shift out of position.
To solve this issue, you'll need open the door to the handle plate and then remove all the screws. This can be done using a Philips screwdriver. Once the screws are removed, the handle can be removed and the handle plates ripped apart with care. Then, you can remove the old springs and replace them with new springs.
Depending on the kind of handle you have the distance between the two fixing screws can vary and this is important to know when buying the replacement. This measurement is known as the PZ measure and it is recommended that this is measured using a calibrated tape measure for accuracy.
After replacing the springs, you should be able to use the handle with no issues. However, it's always worth lubricating the mechanism inside to make sure that everything is working as it should do. This will ensure that your uPVC door is as secure as it could be, and improve their comfort over time.
Handles that slide around
Handles that move around can be caused by a number of things, one of the most frequent causes is when the handle levers aren't aligned properly with the lock. This can happen on both uPVC doors and composite doors. However, it's more noticeable on older doors as they are constructed of lower quality materials that do not hold 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 check the lock to determine what needs to be fixed. In most instances, a minor tweak to the handle springs is enough to solve this problem.
Switching 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 correct size replacement. You'll need to measure the distance between the two fixing screws as well as the dimensions of the lever and key-hole position. Then, you can use this uPVC handle size guide to locate the appropriate replacement for your home.
Once you have the measurements The next step is to eliminate the existing uPVC handles. This is typically quite simple and requires just a screwdriver reach the screws that are on the inside of the door. Once the screws have been removed, you are able to remove the handle and then proceed to install the new one.
Before you begin the work, you should ensure that the door is held open by a wedge to stop it from closing in the middle of your work. After you remove the handle, you can access the parts beneath the door that are causing the door to move.
If you don't have time or energy to tackle this job yourself, a handyman from Fantastic Services can help. They will use specialist locksmith methods to unlock the door without causing any damage, and then replace the handle that is damaged and make sure that everything is in place and working as it should be.
Gearbox damaged
A damaged gearbox could cause the upvc door handle to become stiff or lose its functionality. This can also prevent the lock from being able to be opened using a key. This is a risk and must be addressed as quickly as is feasible. If you are unable solve the problem yourself, it is important to contact a locksmith as they have the experience and tools needed to complete the task properly.
The first step is to unhook the handle from its cover plate. You can do this with the help of a screwdriver with flat-headed tips. After you have removed the handle, you will be able to take out the middle screw that holds the barrel in the position. After removing the middle screw, you'll be able to loosen the two screws which hold the barrel. You can then remove the barrel away from the door. To accomplish this, you'll require someone to hold the door open.
Once you have removed the cylinder from the handle you can replace it with a new one. It is crucial to make sure that the new cylinder is of the same size as the previous one. You might have an incorrectly aligned handle. This could cause numerous issues such as leaks and drafts.
A lot of door handles made of upvc have slots that allow for adjustment. These slots can be used to tighten or loosen the handle. They are usually on the inside of the door, near where the handle joins the cylinder. The slots for adjustment can be tightened by using an allen wrench. After you have made your adjustments you can place the handle back in place and screw it back in. You can then test the handle to ensure it works correctly.
The upvc door handle becoming floppy when closed is usually an indication that the gearbox or internal spring components have failed. This can cause the multipoint lock from upvc to fail, leaving your door open to burglars. In this scenario the gearbox made of upvc will require replacement. It will cost between PS145 between PS145 and PS280 with the labor included.