Choosing the Right UPVC Door Handle Replacement
It's simple to replace your upvc handles, but choosing the right handle can be a bit difficult. Modern double-glazed handles come with spring cassettes, however older handles aren't.
If the upvc handle of your multipoint lock is loose and floppy, there may be an internal issue. This article will cover the various possible issues & their causes.
Sagging or drooping handles
uPVC handles can sustain wear and tear, particularly in older properties. The most common reason handles become floppy is due to a broken spring cassette in the door lever. This is usually due to excessive force and the square spindle that holds the cassette can become displaced or rounded off.
It is good to know that a uPVC handrail replacement can be completed in just a few minutes. The first step is to remove the old handle by removing the fixing screws visible on the back of the handle lever plate. Once the handles are removed you can then remove the cassette from the square spindle and replace with an entirely new one.
You can find a wide range of uPVC door handles to select from online, and many of them are available in various finishes. The finish you choose will determine how long the handle will last and how easy it is to keep clean. Finishes like PVD, Stainless Steel or Resista are designed to resist corrosion and will last for up to 25 years.
Once you've selected a colour or style you can then select the type of handle you need. The most popular types are lever and pad arrangement. Lever pads are commonly used to block access by unauthorised persons. They are equipped with both a lever inside and a paddle outside.
Next, 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 centre of the lever) as well as the length of the handle and the dimension of the keyhole. You can compare the measurements to the size matrix of the handle to find the appropriate replacement.
Broken springs
Over time, handles made of uPVC can become loose or wobbly. The spring cassette could also break. The springs are used to make sure that the lever of the handle is in a horizontal position. Without them, your doors will not lock properly.
Modern uPVC handles have these cassettes built directly into the back plate. The springs are usually built into older uPVC door mechanisms. It is not something you can fix by yourself, but it's definitely worthwhile to have your locksmith take a look as this could be the cause of the loosening of uPVC handles.
One of the most frequent problems with uPVC door handles is that they get loose or wobbly over time. This is typically due to worn-out springs that can be a relatively simple fix. Generally, this is caused by excessive use of the handle, and because of that the square spindle inside the handle will wear away, causing the springs to be displaced.
To solve this issue, you'll need to open the door towards the handle plate and then remove all the screws. This can be accomplished using the help of a Philips screwdriver. Once the screws have been removed the handle can be taken off. The handle plates are then able to be gently taken apart. Then you can take off the old springs and replace them with fresh springs.
This is important to note when purchasing a new handle. This measurement is known as the PZ measure. It is recommended that this measurement is measured using a calibrated tape measure for accuracy.
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 as it should do. This will ensure that your uPVC door is as secure as it is, and increase 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 that the levers of the handle are not aligned with the lock. This can happen with uPVC doors and composite doors. However, it's more evident on older doors as they are made of less durable 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 look at the lock itself to see whether there's anything that needs fixing. In many cases, a slight adjustment to the handle springs can fix the issue.
Switching your uPVC door handle is simple enough, but you need to measure the handles you have in place to ensure you have the proper size replacement. You'll need to determine the distance of the two screws, as well as the size of the keyhole and lever, and the distance between them. Then, use this uPVC handles size guide to find a replacement for your home.
Once you have the measurements then the next step is to take off the old uPVC handles. It is usually a simple procedure that requires only the use of a screwdriver. Once the screws have been removed, you'll have to unscrew the handle and then install the new one.
It's important to secure the door with a wedge prior to starting. This will stop it from closing during your work. After you have removed the handle you'll be able to get to the inside of the door to address the problems that are causing it to slip.
A handyman from Fantastic Services will be able to assist you if want to tackle the task yourself or don't have the skills. They will employ specialist locksmith techniques to unlock the door without causing any damage and then replace the handle that is damaged, making sure everything is in place and working just as it should.
Damaged gearbox
A damaged gearbox can cause the upvc handle to become stiff and lose its functionality. This can also prevent the lock from being able be opened using a key. This could be extremely dangerous and should be addressed as soon as possible. It is crucial to contact an expert locksmith if you can't solve the issue on your own. They have the tools and know-how to do the job right.
The first step is removing the handle from the cover plate. This can be done using an instrument that has a flat-headed tip. After removing the handle, you need to remove the middle screw that is holding the barrel. After you have removed the middle screw you will be able to loosen the two screws which hold the barrel. Then, you can remove the barrel from the door. You'll have to open the door to accomplish this, so make sure that you have someone to help.
Once you have removed your cylinder from the handle, you can replace it with a new one. It is important to ensure that the new cylinder is the same size as the previous one. Otherwise, you may end with an unaligned handle properly. This could cause a number of problems, including leaks and draughts.
Many upvc doors have adjustment slots which can be used to tighten or loosen the handle. These slots are usually found on the inside of doors, near the spot where the handle meets with the cylinder. The slots for adjustment can be tightened using an allen wrench. Once window handles made the necessary adjustments then you can screw the handle in and put it back in position. Then, you can test the handle to ensure it is working as expected.
If the door handle of upvc is loose or sloppy when it is closed, it is typically an indication that the upvc gearbox has failed or the internal spring components are in the process of breaking down. This could cause the upvc multipoint lock to fail and leave your door open to intruders. If this occurs, it will be required to replace the upvc gearbox. This will cost between PS145-PS280 including labor.