Choosing the Right UPVC Door Handle Replacement
Replacing the handles on your doors made of upvc is relatively easy but picking the right handle can be tricky. Modern double glazed handles come with spring cassettes, but older handles don't.
If the handle of your upvc is loose and floppy there may be an issue with the internal components of the multipoint lock. This article will cover several possible problems and their causes.
Handles that slide or droop
uPVC handles can sustain wear and tear, particularly in older properties. A broken spring cassette in the door lever is the most common cause of a floppy handle. This is caused by a lot of force, and the square spindle that holds the cassette may be moved or round.
It is a good thing to know that a uPVC handrail replacement can be done in a matter of minutes. The first step is to disassemble the old handle by unscrewing the fixing screws that are visible on the side of the lever plate. After the handles have been removed, you can remove the screws and replace the cassette.
There is a wide range of uPVC door handles to pick from on the internet and a lot of them are available in various finishes. The finish you choose will determine the longevity of your handle and how easy it will be to clean. Finishes like PVD, Stainless Steel or Resista are designed to withstand corrosion and will last up to 25 years.
After selecting a colour or design, you can select the type 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 and are often employed as a security measure to prevent unauthorised access.
The next step is to determine the dimensions of your current handle and note them down. You'll need to know the PZ dimension (the distance from the screw hole to the center of the lever) and the length of the handle, and the dimensions of the keyhole. You can compare the measurements with the handle size matrix to find the appropriate replacement.
Broken springs
Over time, uPVC handles may become wobbly or loose. The spring cassette may also break. The springs are used to make sure that the lever of the handle is in a horizontal direction. Without them, your doors will not lock properly.
Modern uPVC handles are made with these cassettes built directly into the backplate. However, older uPVC doors usually have these springs built into the lock mechanism. This isn't something you can be fixed on your own, but it's worth contacting your locksmith to look at as this could be the cause of the sagging or drooping uPVC door handles.
One of the most common issues associated 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. The reason for this is usually excessive handling of the handle. The square spindle inside the handle will wear out and causes the springs to move.
To fix this, you will need open the door to the handle plate and unscrew all screws. This can be done by using a Philips screwdriver. Once the screws have been removed, the handle can be removed and the plates pulled apart carefully. The springs that were used before can be removed and replaced with new ones.
Depending on the type of handle you are using the distance between the two fixing screws can vary and this is crucial to know prior to buying the replacement. This measurement is referred to as the PZ measure. It is recommended that this measurement is measured using a calibrated tape measure to ensure accuracy.
After replacing the springs, you should be able to operate the handle with no issues. However, it's always important to grease the mechanism inside to make sure that everything functions just as it should. This will not only ensure that your uPVC doors are as safe as they can be but also make them more comfortable to use over time too.
Handles that slide around
Handles that slide around could be caused by a number of reasons, but one of the most common causes is when the levers of the handle aren't aligned correctly with the lock. This can happen with both uPVC and composite doors, however it is typically more evident on older doors because they are often made from cheaper materials that don't stand up well to the elements.
A professional can address this issue by rearranging the handles to ensure that they are aligned with the lock. They'll also inspect the lock itself to see whether there's anything that needs fixing. In many cases, a slight adjustment to the springs of the handle will solve this problem.
Changing your uPVC door handle is easy enough, but it's important to measure the measurements of the handles you have in place to ensure you have the proper size replacement. You will need to measure the distance between two screws, the dimensions of the keyhole as well as the lever, as well as the distance between them. You can then utilize 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 existing uPVC handles. It's usually a straightforward procedure and requires only an screwdriver. After the screws have been removed, you'll have to unscrew the handle and then replace the new one.
Before you begin, it's worth ensuring that the door is secured open with a door wedge to stop it from closing during the course of your work. Once the handle is removed it is now possible to access the underlying parts of the door to address the problems that are causing it to slide.
If you don't have the patience or the energy to complete this task on your own, an expert handyman from Fantastic Services can help. They will use specialist locksmith methods to open the door without causing damage, and then replace the damaged handle, ensuring that everything is in place and functioning just as it should.
Gearbox damage
A damaged gearbox may cause the upvc handle to become stiff and lose functionality. This can also prevent the lock from being able be opened with a key. This could be extremely dangerous and should be dealt with as soon as is possible. It is important to call an expert locksmith if you can't solve the issue yourself. They have the tools and expertise to complete the task correctly.
The first step is to take the handle from its cover plate. You can do this using a screwdriver that has a flat-headed tip. After removing the handle, you need to remove the middle screw which holds the barrel. After taking out the middle screw, you'll be able loosen the two screws which hold the barrel. Then you can pull the barrel from the door. You'll have to prop the door open to accomplish this, so make sure that you have someone to help.
After you have removed the cylinder from the handle, you can replace it with a fresh one. Make sure that the new cylinder is the exact size as the previous one. In the event that it isn't, you could end up with a handle that isn't aligned correctly. This can lead to various issues that could cause leaks and drips.
Many upvc doors have adjustment slots that allow you to adjust the handle's tension or release. The slots are typically located on the inside of doors, near the spot where the handle joins the cylinder. The slots for adjustment can be tightened by using an allen wrench. After upvc replacement door handles have made the adjustments, you can put the handle back in place and screw it into. Then, you can test the handle and ensure it is working as expected.
The door handle of upvc becoming loose when closed is usually an indication that the spring or gearbox components have broken down. This could cause the upvc multipoint lock to fail, leaving your door open to intrusion. In this scenario, the upvc gearbox will require replacement. It will cost between PS145 and PS280 including labor.