Choosing the Right UPVC Door Handle Replacement
Replacing your upvc door handles is a relatively simple job but selecting the correct handle can be a challenge. Modern double-glazed handles are fitted with spring cassettes, but older handles aren't.
If the upvc handle of the multipoint lock is loose and floppy, there could be an internal issue. This article will discuss several possible problems & their causes.
Handles that slide or drop
UPVC handles are prone to wear and tear, especially in older properties. A broken spring cassette in the door lever is the most common reason for a handle that is floppy. This is caused by a lot of force and the spindle that holds the cassette could be displaced or round.
The good news is that replacing the door handle made of uPVC is a relatively simple job and can be accomplished in just a few minutes. The first step is removing the handle unit that was previously used. To remove it, loosen the fixing screws visible on the backside of the lever. After the handles have been removed, you can then remove the cassette from the square spindle, and replace it with a new one.
Online you can choose from a range of uPVC handles that come in different finishes. Choosing the right finish will determine the length of time your handle will last as well as how it is easy to keep clean. Finishes such as Resista, Stainless Steel, or PVD are designed to resist corrosion and last for up to 25 years.
After you have selected a colour or style, you are able to select the type of handle you require. The most popular types are lever and pad arrangements. Lever pads are equipped with a lever inside and an outside paddle, this is often employed as a security measure to block access by unauthorised persons.
Then, you should 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. You will also need to determine how the handle's length is and the size of its keyhole. You can compare these measurements to the handle size matrix to find the correct replacement.
Broken springs
Over time, uPVC door handles are prone to becoming wobbly or loose and occasionally the spring cassette inside could break. The tiny springs move the lever into a horizontal position and without them, your doors won't be able to lock properly.
Modern uPVC handles come with these cassettes built directly into the back plate. However, older uPVC doors usually include these springs in the actual lock mechanism. This isn't something you can do by 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 frequent issues that is commonly encountered with uPVC door handles is that they become unstable or wobbly after a certain period of time, and this is typically due to worn-out springs that can be a relatively simple fix. The reason for this is usually excessive handling of the handle. The square spindle of the handle will wear out and cause the springs to move.
In upvc door handles Repair My Windows And Doors to rectify this, you'll need to open the door and loosen the fixing screws at the back of the handle plate. This can be accomplished using the Philips screwdriver. Once the screws have been removed, the handle can be removed and the handle plates ripped apart with care. Then you can take off the old springs and replace them with fresh springs.
Depending on the type of handle you have the distance between the two fixing screws can vary and this is important to know when buying a replacement. This measurement is known as the PZ measure. It is recommended that this measurement is done using an accurate tape measure to ensure accuracy.
After replacing the springs, you should be able to use the handle with no problems. It is important to oil the internal mechanism to ensure that everything is operating just as it should. This will not only ensure that your uPVC doors are as safe as they can be but also makes them more comfortable to operate in the long run.
Handles that slide around
Handles that slide around can be caused by a number of things, one of the most common causes is when the handle levers aren't aligned properly with lock. This is a problem that can occur on uPVC doors as well as composite doors. However, it's more evident on older doors as they are made of less durable materials that don't stand up to the elements.
A professional can address this issue by re-aligning the handles to ensure they are in line with the lock. They'll also inspect the lock to see whether anything requires fixing. In many cases, a minor adjustment to the springs of the handle can fix the issue.
Switching your uPVC door handle is simple enough, but it's important to measure the handles you have in place to ensure that you have the proper size replacement. You'll need to measure the distance between the two fixing screws, and the size of the lever and 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 take off the existing uPVC handles. It's usually a simple process and only requires an screwdriver. After the screws have been removed, you'll have to remove the handle and then install the new handle.
It's important to secure the door with a wedge prior to starting. This will prevent it from closing during your work. After removing the handle, you can access the parts beneath the door that are causing the door to slide.
If you don't have the time or the energy to complete this task yourself, a handyman from Fantastic Services can help. They'll employ locksmith opening methods to open the door without causing damage and will then replace the damaged handle, making sure everything is in place and functioning exactly as it should.
Damaged gearbox
A damaged gearbox can cause the upvc door handle to become stiff or lose function. The lock could also not be able to opened with a key. This can be very dangerous and should be dealt with as soon as possible. It is important to call an expert locksmith if you can't solve the issue on your own. They have the tools and expertise to complete the task correctly.
The first step is removing the handle from the cover plate. This can be done using an instrument that has a flat-headed tip. After you have removed your handle, you will be able to take out the middle screw that holds the barrel in position. After you have removed the middle screw, you can then loosen the two screws that hold the barrel. You can then pull the barrel away from the door. To accomplish this, you'll require someone to prop the door wide.
After taking the cylinder off and replacing it the cylinder with a new one. It is important to make sure that the new cylinder is the same size as the previous one. In the event that it isn't, you could end up with an unaligned handle properly. This can cause a variety of problems, such as leaks and drips.
A lot of door handles made of upvc have slots for adjustment. These slots can be used to tighten and loosen the handle. These slots are usually located on the inside of doors, near the spot where the handle connects with the cylinder. Allen wrenches can be used to tighten the slots of adjustment. After you've made the required adjustments you can screw the handle back in and then put it back into its place. After that, you can test the handle to be sure it's working correctly.
The upvc door handle becoming loose when closed is typically an indication that the spring or gearbox components have broken down. This can cause your multipoint locks made of upvc to fail leaving your door open to intruders. In this situation the upvc gearbox will require replacement. It will cost between PS145 and PS280, including labour.