Choosing the Right UPVC Door Handle Replacement
Replacing your upvc door handles is relatively easy but picking the right handle can be tricky. Most modern double glazed handles have spring cassettes built into them but older ones don't.
If the upvc handle on your multipoint lock is sloppy and floppy, it could be an internal issue. This article will discuss the various possible issues & their causes.
Handles that sag or drop
UPVC handles can withstand wear and tear, especially in older properties. A damaged spring cassette on the door lever is the most typical cause of a floppy handle. This is due to excessive force and the square spindle that holds the cassette may be dislocated or turned round.
The good news is that replacing the door handle made of uPVC is a fairly simple task and can be accomplished in a matter of minutes. The first step is to remove the handle unit that was previously used. To remove it, you must unscrew the fixing screws on the backside of the lever. Once the handles have been removed, you can unscrew and replace the cassette.
Online you can choose from a range of uPVC handles that come in a variety of finishes. The finish you choose will determine the durability of your handle and how it will be easy to clean. Finishes like Resista Stainless Steel, or PVD are designed to resist corrosion and last for up to 25 years.
After you have chosen the colour or style you can then select the type of handle you need. The most common types are lever and pad arrangement. Lever pads feature an inside lever and an outside paddle and are often employed as a security measure to stop unauthorised access.
Then, you should measure and record the dimensions of the handle you currently have. You'll need the PZ dimension (the distance from the screw hole to the center of the lever) and the length of the handle, and the size of the keyhole. You can compare the measurements to the size matrix of the handle to find the appropriate replacement.
Broken springs
Over time uPVC door handles may become wobbly or loose and at times the spring cassette inside may break. These little springs help to bring the handle lever into a horizontal position and without them your doors won't be able to lock properly.
Modern uPVC handles have these cassettes built into the back plate. These springs are often installed into older uPVC doors mechanisms. This isn't something that can be fixed by yourself but it's worth contacting your locksmith to look at this as it could be the reason for the sagging or drooping uPVC door handles.
The most common problem that is encountered with uPVC handles is that they tend to loosen over time. This is usually caused by worn-out springs that are easy to fix. This is typically caused by excessive handling of the handle. The square spindle in the handle wears down and cause the springs to move.
In order to rectify this you will need to open the door and loosen the fixing screws located at the back of the handle plate. This can be done with a Philips screwdriver. After the screws are removed, the handle can then be removed. The plates for the handle can then be carefully removed. The old springs can be removed and replaced with new springs.
Depending on the type of handle you have the distance between the two screws can vary and this is important to know when purchasing an alternative. This measurement is called the PZ and it is important to use a measuring tape that is calibrated in order to get an precise reading.
After replacing the springs you should be able to operate the handle without any issues. But, it's worth lubricating the internal mechanism to ensure that everything is working exactly as it should. This will not only ensure that your uPVC doors are as secure as they can be but also make them more comfortable to use in the long run.
Handles that slide around
Handles that slide around can be caused by a number of things, one of the most frequent causes is when the handle levers aren't aligned properly with the lock. This is a problem that can occur on uPVC doors as well as composite doors. However, it's more noticeable on older doors as they are made of cheaper materials that aren't able to stand up to the elements.
A professional can address this issue by rearranging the handles to ensure that they are aligned with the lock. They will also look at the lock to see whether there's anything that needs fixing. In most cases, a simple tweak to the handle springs is all that's needed to fix this issue.
Switching your uPVC door handle is simple enough, but you need to measure the measurements of the handles you have in place to ensure that you have the right 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. Then, you can use this uPVC handle size guide to locate the appropriate replacement for your home.
Once you have the measurements The next step is to remove the existing uPVC handles. It's usually a simple procedure and requires only an screwdriver. Once the screws are removed, you will need to remove the handle and then put in the new one.
Before starting the work, you should ensure that the door is held open with a door wedge to stop it from closing during the course of your work. After you have removed the handle, you'll be able to access the parts beneath the door that cause the door to slide.
A handyman from Fantastic Services will be able to assist you if want to do the job yourself or lack the nerves. They will use specialist locksmith opening techniques to unlock the door without causing damage and then replace the handle that is damaged and make sure that everything is in place and working as it should be.
Damaged gearbox
A damaged gearbox may cause the upvc handle to become stiff and lose its function. This could also stop the lock from being able be opened with a key. This is a risk and should be addressed as soon as possible. If you're unable to resolve the issue yourself it is essential to call a locksmith since they have the experience and tools needed to do the job properly.
The first step is to take the handle from its cover plate. This can be done using a screwdriver that has an angled tip. Once you have removed the handle, you will be able to take out the middle screw that holds the cylinder in the position. After removing the middle screw, you will be able to loosen the two screws which are holding the barrel. Then, you can remove the barrel out of the door. To accomplish this, you'll require someone to hold the door open.
After removing the cylinder you can replace it with a new cylinder. It is crucial to ensure that the new cylinder is of the same size as the old one. Otherwise, you may end with an unaligned handle properly. This can lead to numerous issues, including leaks and draughts.
Many upvc doors have adjustable slots which can be used to tighten or loosen the handle. The slots are typically located on the inside of doors, near the spot where the handle joins the cylinder. Allen wrenches can be used to tighten the adjustment slots. After you've made all the necessary adjustments, you can screw the handle in and then put it back into its place. Then, you can test the handle to be sure that it is working properly.
The door handle made of upvc that becomes loose when closed is typically an indication that the gearbox or internal spring components have failed. This can cause your multipoint locks made from upvc to fail, leaving your door wide open to intrusion. In this scenario the upvc gearbox must be replaced. repairmywindowsanddoors will cost between PS145 to PS280, including labour.