Choosing the Right UPVC Door Handle Replacement
It's easy to replace your upvc handles however choosing the best handle can be a challenge. The majority of modern double-glazed handles have spring cassettes built into them, however older models don't have.
If your upvc handle is loose and floppy, it could be an issue with the internal parts of the multipoint lock. This article will address a variety of potential problems and their causes.
Handles that sag or droop
uPVC handles are susceptible to wear and tear. This is especially the case in older properties. The most common reason handles become floppy is because of a broken spring cassette within 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 accomplished within a matter of minutes. The first step is to remove the handle unit that was previously installed by unscrewing the fixing screws visible on the back of the lever plate. Once the handles are removed you can then remove the cassette from the square spindle and replace with a new one.
You can find a vast range of uPVC door handles to select from online and many of them are available in various finishes. The finish you choose will determine the life span of your handle as well as how it is easy to clean. Finishes like PVD, Stainless Steel or Resista are designed to withstand corrosion and last up to 25 years.
Once you have selected the colour or style you can then select the type of handle you need. The most commonly used types are lever and pad arrangement. Lever pads are typically used to prevent unauthorised access. They have a lever inside and a paddle on the outside.
The next step is to determine the dimensions of your current handle and note them down. You'll need to measure the PZ dimension which is the distance between the screw hole and the centre of your lever. It is also important to determine how the handle's length 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 sometimes the spring cassette inside may break. The springs are used to ensure that the lever is in a horizontal position. Without them your doors will not lock properly.
Modern uPVC handles come with these cassettes incorporated directly into the back plate. These springs are typically integrated into older uPVC door mechanisms. It's not something you can fix yourself, but it's worthwhile to have your locksmith examine the situation as this could be the reason for the sagging uPVC handles.
One of the most common problems with uPVC door handles is that they get loose or wobbly over time, and this is typically due to worn springs, which is easily fixed. This is typically caused by excessive handling of the handle. The square spindle of the handle will wear down and causes the springs to move.
To fix this issue, open the door and loosen the fixing screws on the back of the handle plate. This can be done by using the Philips screwdriver. Once the screws have been removed, the handle can be removed and the handle plates pulled apart with care. The old springs can be removed and replaced with new springs.
Depending on the type of handle you are using the distance between the two fixing screws can differ, and this is important to know when purchasing the replacement. This measurement is referred to as the PZ and it is important to use a measuring tape that is calibrated to ensure an exact reading.
After replacing the springs you should be able to operate the handle without issue. However, it's always worth lubricating the internal mechanism to ensure that everything functions as it should do. This will not only ensure that your uPVC doors are as safe as they can be but also make them more comfortable to operate in the long run.
Handles that slide around
Handles that slide could be 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 on uPVC doors as well as composite doors. However, it is more noticeable on older doors since they are constructed of lower quality materials that aren't able to stand up to the elements.
A professional can address this issue by rearranging the handles to ensure they are aligned with the lock. They'll also inspect the lock itself to determine if there is anything that requires fixing. In many cases, a small adjustment to the springs of the handle will solve this problem.
The replacement of your uPVC door handle is simple enough, but it's important to take the measurements of the existing handles to make sure you have the proper size replacement. You'll need to determine the distance between the two fixing screws as well as the size of the lever as well as the key-hole position. You can then use this uPVC handles size guide to locate an appropriate replacement for your home.
After you have taken the measurements, you can remove the old uPVC handle. repairmywindowsanddoors is typically quite simple and requires only a screwdriver to reach the screws on the interior of the door. Once the screws have been removed, you are able to take off the handle itself and then proceed to install the new one.
It is important to secure the door with a wedge before you begin. This will prevent it from closing during the course of your work. After you remove the handle, you will be able to access the parts beneath the door that are causing the door to slide.
If you don't have the patience or energy to tackle this task on your own, an expert handyman from Fantastic Services can help. They'll employ locksmith methods to unlock the door without causing damage and then replace the faulty handle and make sure that everything is in place and functioning as it should be.
Gearbox damage
A damaged gearbox may cause the upvc handle to become stiff and lose functionality. The lock could also not be able to opened by keys. This could be dangerous and must be addressed as quickly as is possible. If you are unable to resolve the issue yourself it is crucial to contact a locksmith as they have the experience and tools to complete the task correctly.
The first step is to unhook the handle from its cover plate. You can do this using an instrument that has a flat-headed tip. After you have removed the handle, you will be able to take out the middle screw that holds the cylinder in position. After you have removed the middle screw you'll be able loosen the two screws which are holding the barrel. Then you can take the barrel from the door. You will have to open the door to do this, so make sure you have someone on hand to help.
After removing the cylinder you can replace it the cylinder with a new one. Make sure that the new cylinder is the same dimensions as the old one. Otherwise, you may end with an unaligned handle properly. This could cause a range of issues, such as leaks and drafts.
Most door handles made of upvc feature slots for adjustment. These slots can be used to tighten and loosen the handle. They are usually on the inside of the door near where the handle is connected to the cylinder. Allen wrenches can be used to tighten the slots for adjustment. Once you've made the necessary adjustments you can screw the handle back in and put it back in position. Then, you can test the handle to make sure that it is working properly.
If the door handle of upvc becomes floppy or loose when closed, this is usually an indication that the upvc gearbox has been damaged or the internal spring components are breaking down. This can cause the multipoint lock from upvc to fail, leaving your door open to burglars. If this happens, it will be necessary to replace the gearbox. This will cost between PS145-PS280 including labor.