Choosing the Right UPVC Door Handle Replacement
Replacing your upvc door handles is a relatively simple job however choosing the right handle can be tricky. Most modern double glazed handles have spring cassettes built into them, however older models don't have.
If the upvc handle of your multipoint lock is loose and floppy, there may be an internal issue. This article will cover a number of potential problems & their causes.
Handles that slide or drop
uPVC handles are susceptible to wear and tear. This is especially true in older properties. The most frequent reason a handle becomes floppy is due to a broken spring cassette inside the door lever. This is usually caused by excessive force, and the square spindle that holds the cassette may be displaced or rounded off.
It is a good thing to know that a uPVC handle replacement can be accomplished within a matter of minutes. The first step is to take off the old handle unit. To do this, unscrew the fixing screws on the backside of the handle lever. Once the handles have been removed you can then unscrew the cassette from the square spindle, and replace it with the new one.
On the internet, you can select from a range of uPVC handles, many of which come in different finishes. Choosing the right finish will determine how long the handle will last and how easy it is to keep clean. Finishes like Resista, Stainless Steel, or PVD are designed to resist corrosion and last up to 25 years.
Once you've selected a colour or style you can then choose the type of handle you require. The most common kinds are lever and pad arrangements. Lever pads are typically used to prevent unauthorised access. They are equipped with a lever inside and a paddle outside.
Next, measure and note the dimensions of the handle you currently have. You'll need to know the PZ dimension (the distance from the screw hole to the middle of the lever) as well as the length of the handle and the dimensions of the keyhole. You can compare the measurements with the handle size matrix to determine the right replacement.
Broken springs
Over time, handles made of uPVC may become wobbly or loose. The spring cassette could also break. These springs are used to ensure that the lever is in a horizontal direction. Without them your doors will not lock properly.
Modern uPVC handles have these cassettes built directly into the back plate. However door handles repair near me have these springs built into the lock mechanism. This isn't something you can be fixed on your own, but it is worth getting your locksmith to look at as this could be the reason behind the sagging or drooping uPVC door handles.
The most common issue that is encountered with uPVC handles is that they loosen over time. This is usually caused by worn-out springs that are simple to fix. Most often the reason for this is excessive use of the handle and because of that, the square spindle within the handle will wear away, causing the springs to shift out of position.
In order to rectify this you will need to open the door and remove the fixing screws on the back of the handle plate. This can be done using a Philips screwdriver. Once the screws are removed, the handle can then be taken off. The plates for the handle can then be carefully pulled apart. You can then remove the old springs and replace them with fresh ones.
This is a crucial point to remember when buying a replacement handle. This measurement is known as the PZ measure and it is recommended that it be taken with an instrument that is calibrated in order to be accurate.
After replacing the springs you should be able operate the handle with no problems. However, it's always important to grease the internal mechanism to make sure that everything functions just as it should. This will ensure that your uPVC door is as safe as it could be, and improve their comfort as time passes.
Handles that slide around
Handles that move around can be caused by a variety of things, one of the most common is when the handle levers aren't aligned properly with lock. This can happen with uPVC doors and composite doors. However, it's more evident on older doors because they are made of less durable materials that aren't able to stand up to the elements.
This problem can be solved by a professional who will realign the handles and ensure they're in line with the door lock. They will also check the lock to determine what requires fixing. In most instances, a minor tweak to the handle springs is all that's needed to resolve this issue.
It's simple to replace your uPVC handle however, you must take measurements of the handle you have to ensure that the new one is the correct size. You'll need to take measurements of the distance between the two fixing screws, and the dimensions of the lever as well as the key-hole position. Then, you can use this uPVC handle size guide to find the correct replacement for your home.
Once you have the measurements then the next step is to remove the existing uPVC handles. It's usually a straightforward process and only requires an screwdriver. Once the screws have been removed, you are able to remove the handle and then install the new handle.
It is essential to secure the door using a wedge prior to starting. This will prevent it from closing during your work. After you have removed the handle, you will be able to access the parts underneath the door that are causing the door to slip.
If you don't have time or nerves to tackle this job yourself, a handyman from Fantastic Services can help. They will employ specialist locksmith opening techniques to open the door without causing any damage and will then replace the handle that is damaged, ensuring that everything is working as it should be.
Gearbox damage
A damaged gearbox can cause the handle made of upvc to become stiff and lose its functionality. This could also stop the lock from being able be opened with keys. This is extremely dangerous and should be addressed promptly. It is crucial to contact a locksmith if you are unable to resolve the problem yourself. They have the tools and expertise to get the job done right.
The first step is removing the handle from the cover plate. This can be done using the help of a screwdriver with flat-headed tips. After you have removed the handle, you need to remove the middle screw that holds the cylinder. Once you have removed the middle screw, you can then loosen the two screws that secure the barrel. You can then remove the barrel out of the door. To accomplish this, you'll require someone to prop the door wide open.
After you have removed the cylinder from the handle you can replace it with a new one. It is essential to ensure that the new cylinder is the exact size as the old one. You could have an incorrectly aligned handle. This can cause a variety of problems, such as leaks and draughts.
Most door handles made of upvc feature slots for adjustment. These slots can be used to tighten or loosen the handle. These are usually located on the inside of the door near where the handle joins the cylinder. The adjustment slots can be tightened using an allen wrench. Once you have made the adjustments, you can put the handle back in place & screw it into. You can then test the handle and ensure it is working as expected.
The door handle made of upvc that becomes loose when closed is usually an indication that the gearbox or internal spring components have broken down. This can cause the multipoint lock from upvc to fail and leave your door open to burglars. In this case the upvc gearbox will require replacement. This will cost between PS145 to PS280 inclusive of labour.