Choosing the Right UPVC Door Handle Replacement
Replacing your door handles made of upvc is an easy task but selecting the correct handle can be a challenge. Modern double-glazed handles are equipped with spring cassettes, however older handles don't.
If your upvc handle is loose and floppy there may be an issue with the internal parts of the multipoint lock. This article will address a number of potential problems & their causes.
Sagging or drooping handles
UPVC handles can withstand wear and tear, especially in older properties. A damaged spring cassette on the door lever is the most common reason for a handle that is floppy. This is caused by a lot of force and the square spindle that holds the cassette may be dislocated or rounded.
The good news is that replacing the door handle made of uPVC is an easy task and can be completed within a couple of minutes. The first step is to remove the old handle by unscrewing the fixing screws visible on the side of the lever plate. Once the handles have been removed, you can unscrew and replace the cassette.
There is a wide selection of uPVC door handles to choose from online, and many of them come in a variety of finishes. The finish you select will determine the durability of your handle as well as how easy it will be to clean. Finishes like PVD, Stainless Steel or Resista are made to withstand corrosion and will last for up to 25 years.
After choosing a color or style, you are able to select the kind of handle you require. The most well-known types are lever and pad arrangements. Lever pads are typically used to block access by unauthorised persons. They feature an inside lever and a paddle out.
The next step is to determine the dimensions of your current handle and write them down. You'll need to measure the PZ dimension which is the distance between the screw hole and the centre of the lever. It is also important to determine how long the handle is and the dimensions of its keyhole. Once you have these measurements, you can then compare these to the handle size matrix to find the correct replacement.
Broken springs
Over time, uPVC handles can become wobbly or loose. The spring cassette might also break. These tiny springs help bring the handle lever into a horizontal position and without them, your doors will not lock properly.
Modern uPVC handles have these cassettes built directly into the back plate. However, older uPVC doors typically include these springs in the actual lock mechanism. This can't be fixed by yourself, but it's worth asking your locksmith to take a look at as this could be the reason for the sagging or drooping uPVC door handles.
The most frequent issue with uPVC handles is that they become loose as time passes. This is usually due to worn-out springs that are simple to fix. This is usually caused by excessive handling of the handle. The square spindle of the handle wears down and cause the springs to move.
To solve this issue, you'll need to open the door towards the handle plate and then remove all the screws. This can be done with the help of a Philips screwdriver. After the screws are removed the handle can be taken off. The handle plates can then be carefully taken apart. Then, you can remove the springs that were in use and replace them with new ones.
This is important to note when purchasing a new handle. This measurement is referred to as the PZ measure. It is recommended that it be measured using a calibrated tape measure to ensure accuracy.
After replacing the springs you should be able to use the handle without any issues. It is important to oil the internal mechanism to ensure that everything is operating as it should. This will not only ensure that your uPVC doors are as secure as possible but will also make them more comfortable to use 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 can happen with both uPVC and composite doors, but is generally more noticeable on older doors since they are usually made of cheaper materials that don't stand up well to the elements.
This issue can be fixed by a professional, who will re-align the handles and ensure that they are in line with the door lock. They'll also examine the lock itself to determine if there is anything that needs fixing. In most cases, a simple tweak to the handle springs is all that's needed to resolve this issue.
Switching your uPVC door handle is easy enough, but you need to measure the handles that are in use to ensure you have the proper size replacement. You will need to measure the distance between the two screws, the size of the keyhole and lever, as well as the distance between them. Then, you can use this uPVC handle size guide to determine the correct replacement for your home.
Once you have the measurements then the next step is to take off the old uPVC handles. It's usually a straightforward procedure that requires only the use of a screwdriver. Once the screws are removed, you can take off the handle itself and then proceed to install the new one.
Before starting, it's worth ensuring that the door is secured open by a wedge to stop it from closing in the middle of your work. After removing the handle, you will be able to inspect the components underneath the door that are causing the door to slide.
A handyman from Fantastic Services will be able to help if you don't want to do the work yourself or aren't confident enough. They will employ sophisticated locks to open the doors without creating damage. Then, they'll replace the broken handle and ensure that everything works exactly as it should.
Gearbox damage
A damaged gearbox could cause the upvc door handle to become stiff or lose functionality. The lock could also be unable to be opened with a key. This can be dangerous and must be addressed as quickly as possible. It is important to call a locksmith if you cannot solve the issue on your own. They have the tools and know-how to complete the task correctly.
The first step is to remove the handle from the cover plate. This can be done 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 barrel in place. After taking out the middle screw, you'll be able to loosen the two screws which are holding the barrel. Then, you can remove the barrel away from the door. You'll have to prop the door open to do this, so make sure to have someone available to assist you.
After taking the cylinder off and replacing it with a brand new cylinder. It is important to make sure that the new cylinder is of the same size as the previous one. You might end up with an improperly aligned handle. This can cause a variety of problems, such as leaks and draughts.
Many upvc door handles have slots for adjustment. These slots can be used to tighten and loosen the handle. These are usually located on the inside of the door near where the handle joins the cylinder. The slots for adjustment can be tightened with an allen wrench. After you've made the required adjustments, you can screw the handle into and put it back in place. Then, you can test the handle to ensure it is working as expected.
The upvc door handle becoming floppy when closed is usually an indication that the gearbox or internal spring components have broken down. This can cause the multipoint lock made of upvc to fail, leaving your door open to burglars. If this happens, it will be necessary to replace the upvc gearbox. This will cost between PS145-PS280 with the labor included.