Choosing the Right UPVC Door Handle Replacement
Replacing the handles on your doors made of upvc is relatively easy however choosing the right handle can be tricky. Modern double-glazed handles are fitted with spring cassettes, however older handles do not.
If your upvc handle seems loose and floppy, there could be an issue with the internal parts of the multipoint lock. This article will address the various possible issues and their causes.
Handles that sag or droop
UPVC handles are prone to wear and tear. This is especially the case in older properties. The most frequent reason a handle becomes floppy is due to a damaged spring cassette within the door lever. This is typically caused by excessive force and the square spindle which holds the cassette can become displaced or the cassette can be rounded off.
It is important to know that a uPVC handle replacement can be done in a matter of minutes. The first step is to disassemble the old handle by removing the fixing screws that are visible on the back of the handle lever plate. Once the handles are removed, you can remove the screws and replace the cassette.
You can find a wide selection of uPVC door handles to pick from online and many of them are available in various finishes. The finish you choose will determine the longevity of your handle as well as how it will be easy to clean. Finishes such as PVD, Stainless Steel or Resista are designed to resist corrosion and will last up to 25 years.
Once you have selected the colour or style you can then choose the type of handle you require. The most common types are pad and lever arrangements. upvc door handles are commonly used to block access by unauthorised persons. They are equipped with both a lever inside and a paddle outside.
Next, measure and record the dimensions of the handle you currently have. You'll need to determine the PZ dimension, which is the distance between the screw hole and the middle of the lever. It is also important to know how long the handle is as well as the size of its keyhole. Once you have the measurements you can compare them with the handle sizes matrix to determine the appropriate replacement.
Broken springs
Over time, uPVC door handles are prone to becoming wobbly or loose and sometimes the spring cassette inside might break. These little springs help to bring the lever of the handle to a horizontal position, and without them your doors won't be able to lock properly.
Modern uPVC handles are made with these cassettes integrated directly into the backplate. The springs are usually installed into older uPVC doors mechanisms. This can't be fixed on your own, but it is worth getting your locksmith to take a look as this could be the reason for the drooping or sagging uPVC door handles.
One of the most common problems with uPVC door handles is that they get unstable or wobbly after a certain period of time. This is typically due to worn springs which can be an easy fix. This is usually caused by excessive handling of the handle. The square spindle of the handle will wear down, which causes the springs to move.
To fix this, you will need open the door to the handle plate and then remove all screws. This can be accomplished using a Philips screwdriver. Once the screws have been removed, the handle can be removed and the handle plates pulled apart carefully. Then you can take off the old springs and replace them with new springs.
It is crucial to keep this in mind when purchasing a replacement handle. This measurement is called the PZ and it is essential to use a measuring tape that is calibrated to ensure an accurate reading.
After replacing the springs, you should be able to use the handle with no problems. But, it's important to grease the internal mechanism to make sure that everything functions exactly as it should. This will ensure that your uPVC door is as secure as could be, and increase their comfort in the long run.
Handles that slide around
Handles that slide are caused by a variety of factors. One of the most frequent causes is when the levers of the handle aren't aligned with the lock. This is a problem that can occur with both uPVC and composite doors, however it is generally more noticeable on older doors as they are usually made of cheap materials that aren't able to resist the elements.
A professional can solve this problem by realigning the handles to ensure that they are in line with the lock. They'll also examine the lock itself to determine whether there's anything that needs fixing. In many cases, a small tweak to the handle springs is enough to solve this problem.
The replacement of your uPVC door handle is simple enough, but it's crucial to take the measurements of the handles that are in use to make sure you have the right size replacement. You will need to measure the distance between the two screws, the dimensions of the keyhole as well as the lever, and the distance between them. You can then use this uPVC handle size guide to locate the correct replacement for your home.
After you've taken the measurements, remove the current uPVC handle. It is usually a simple process and only requires an screwdriver. Once the screws are removed, you'll need to take off the handle, and then put in the new one.
Before starting making any changes, make sure that the door is securely open using a wedge to prevent it from closing during the course of your work. After removing the handle, you can access the parts underneath the door that are causing the door to slide.
If you don't have the time or the energy to complete this task on your own, a handyman from Fantastic Services can help. They will use specialist locksmith techniques to unlock the door without causing 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 may cause the handle made of upvc to become stiff and lose function. The lock may also not be able to opened using a key. This is extremely dangerous and should be addressed promptly. It is essential to contact a locksmith if you are unable to solve the issue yourself. They have the equipment and knowledge to complete the task correctly.
The first step is to take the handle from its cover plate. This can be done by using a screwdriver with a flat head. Once you have removed the handle, you are able to take out the middle screw that holds the cylinder in place. Once you have removed this middle screw, you will then loosen the two screws that hold the barrel. Then you can take the barrel from the door. To accomplish this, you'll require someone to prop the door wide open.
Once you have removed the cylinder from the handle you can replace it with a brand new one. It is important to ensure that the new cylinder is the same size as the previous one. Otherwise, you could end having a handle that isn't aligned properly. This could cause a range of issues, including 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 typically located on the inside of the door near where the handle meets the cylinder. Allen wrenches can be used to tighten the slots of adjustment. After you've made the required adjustments then you can screw the handle into and put it back in position. Then, you can test the handle to make sure that it is working properly.
The door handle of upvc becoming floppy 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 burglars. If this occurs, it is necessary to replace the upvc gearbox. This will cost between PS145 to PS280, including labour.