Choosing the Right UPVC Door Handle Replacement
Replacing the handles on your doors made of upvc is a relatively simple job but picking the right handle can be difficult. Most modern double glazed handles have spring cassettes built into them but older ones don't.
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 sag or loosen
uPVC handles can sustain wear and tear, especially in older properties. A damaged spring cassette on the door lever is the most frequent reason for a handle that is floppy. This is usually due to an excessive force and the square spindle that supports the cassette could be moved or the cassette can be rounded off.
It is a good thing to be aware that a uPVC handle replacement can be completed in a matter of minutes. The first step is removing the handle unit that was previously used. To remove it, you must unscrew the fixing screws that are visible on the back of the handle lever. Once the handles are removed, you can unscrew and replace the cassette.
Online you can choose from a range of uPVC handles, many of which come with different finishes. The finish you choose will determine the durability of your handle and how easy it will be to clean. Finishes such as PVD, Stainless Steel or Resista are made to withstand corrosion and will last up to 25 years.
After choosing a color or style, you can select the kind of handle you want. The most popular are lever and pad arrangements. Lever pads are often used to block access by unauthorised persons. They have both a lever inside and a paddle on the outside.
Then, take a measurement and note the dimensions of the handle you currently have. You'll need to measure the PZ dimension, which is the distance between the screw hole and the center of the lever. It is also important to determine how long the handle is as well as the dimensions of its keyhole. You can compare these measurements to the size matrix of the handle to find the correct replacement.
Broken springs
Over time, uPVC handles may become wobbly or loose. The spring cassette could also break. These springs help make sure that the lever of the handle is in a horizontal direction. Without them your doors will not lock properly.
Modern uPVC handles come with these cassettes built directly into the back plate. 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 as this could be the reason behind the sagging or drooping uPVC door handles.
One of the most frequent issues associated with uPVC door handles is that they get loose or wobbly over time, and this is typically due to worn springs that can be a relatively simple fix. This is usually caused by excessive handling of the handle. The square spindle inside the handle wears down, which causes the springs to move.
To fix this issue, you'll have to open the door to the handle plate, then unwind all screws. This can be done with the help of a Philips screwdriver. Once the screws are removed, the handle can then be removed. The plates for the handle are then able to be gently removed. Then you can take off the springs that were in use and replace them with new springs.
This is important to note when buying a replacement handle. This measurement is referred to as the PZ measure. It is recommended that it be done using an accurate tape measure to ensure accuracy.
After replacing the springs you should be able to use the handle with no issues. It is important to oil your internal mechanism to ensure that everything is working as it should. This will ensure that your uPVC door is as secure as is, and make them more comfortable as time passes.
Handles that slide around
Handles that slide around can be caused by a variety of reasons, but one of the most common is when the handle levers aren't aligned properly with the lock. This is a problem that can occur on uPVC doors and composite doors. However, it is more evident on older doors since they are made of cheaper materials that aren't able to stand up to the elements.
This issue can be resolved by a professional, who will adjust the handles and ensure they're in line with the door lock. They will also check the lock to determine if anything is required to be fixed. In many cases, a small adjustment to the springs of the handle can fix 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 make sure you have the right size replacement. You'll need to determine the distance of the two screws, the size of the keyhole and lever, and the distance between them. Then, window handles can utilize this uPVC handle size guide to determine the correct replacement for your home.
After you have taken the measurements, remove the existing uPVC handle. It is usually a simple procedure and requires only an screwdriver. After the screws have been removed, you'll need to take off the handle, and then put in the new handle.
Before you start the work, you should ensure that the door is secured open with a door wedge to prevent it from closing in the middle of your work. After you have removed the handle, you can access the parts underneath the door that are causing the door to move.
A handyman from Fantastic Services will be able to assist you if want to do the work yourself or don't have the skills. They will use specialist lock picking techniques to open the doors without creating damage. Then they will replace the damaged handle and make sure everything is working exactly as it should.
Gearbox damaged
A damaged gearbox may cause the upvc door handle to become stiff or lose functionality. The lock may also not be able to opened using the use of a key. This is a risk and should be addressed as soon as is feasible. It is crucial to contact an expert locksmith if you can't solve the issue yourself. They have the tools and know-how to do the job right.
The first step is to remove the handle from the cover plate. This can be done by using a screwdriver that has flat heads. After you have removed the handle, you need to remove the middle screw that holds the barrel. After you have removed the middle screw, you will then loosen the two screws that secure the barrel. Then you can take the barrel from the door. To accomplish this, you'll need someone to hold the door open.
After removing the cylinder, you can replace with a new cylinder. Make sure that the new cylinder has the same size as your old one. You may have an incorrectly aligned handle. This can cause a variety of issues, such as leaks and drafts.
A lot of door handles made of upvc have slots for adjustment. These slots can be used to tighten and loosen the handle. The slots are typically located on the inside of doors, near the spot where the handle meets with the cylinder. Allen wrenches can be used to tighten the adjustment slots. Once you have made the adjustments then you can put the handle back on & screw it into. Then, you'll be able to test the handle to make sure that it's functioning correctly.
The upvc door handle becoming floppy when closed is usually an indication that the spring or gearbox components have failed. This can cause your upvc multipoint locks to fail leaving your door open to intruders. In this situation the gearbox made of upvc will need to be replaced. It will cost between PS145 between PS145 and PS280 inclusive of labour.