Choosing the Right UPVC Door Handle Replacement
Replacing your door handles made of upvc is a relatively simple job but picking the right handle can be tricky. The majority of modern double-glazed handles have spring cassettes built into them but older ones don't.
If the upvc handle of your multipoint lock is loose and floppy, there may be an internal issue. This article will cover the various possible issues and their causes.
Handles that are drooping or sagging
uPVC handles are susceptible to wear and wear and. This is particularly true in older properties. A broken spring cassette in the door lever is the most frequent reason for a handle that is floppy. This is caused by a lot of force and the square spindle that holds the cassette could be dislocated or rounded.
The good news is that replacing the door handle made of uPVC is a fairly simple task and can be completed in a matter of minutes. The first step is removing the old handle unit. To remove it, loosen the fixing screws that are visible on the backside of the handle lever. Once the handles are removed, you can take them off and replace the cassette.
You can find a vast range of uPVC door handles to pick from online and many of them come in different finishes. Selecting the right finish will determine the length of time 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 the color or style, you can choose the kind of handle you want. The most commonly used types are lever and pad arrangement. Lever pads have a lever on the inside and a paddle on the outside, this is often used as a security feature to prevent unauthorised access.
The next step is to determine the dimensions of your existing handle and record them. You will need to measure the PZ dimension, which is the distance between the screw hole and the center of the lever. You will also need to know how the handle's length is and the size of its keyhole. Once you have the measurements you can then compare these to the handle size matrix to determine the right replacement.
Broken springs
Over time, uPVC door handles may become wobbly or loose and occasionally the spring cassette inside might break. These little springs help to move the lever into a horizontal position and without them your doors will not lock properly.
Modern uPVC handles are constructed with these cassettes directly built into the backplate. However, older uPVC doors usually contain these springs within the lock mechanism. This can't be fixed on your own, but it is worth getting your locksmith to look as this could be the reason behind the drooping or sagging uPVC door handles.
One of the most frequent problems associated with uPVC door handles is that they get loose or wobbly with time, and this is typically due to worn-out springs that can be a relatively simple fix. Most often the reason for this is excessive use of the handle, and as a result the square spindle in the handle will wear out and cause the springs to be displaced.
In order to rectify this issue, open the door and unscrew the fixing screws located at the back of the handle plate. This can be accomplished using the Philips screwdriver and once the screws have been removed, the handle can be removed and the plates pulled apart carefully. Then door handle repairs can take off the springs from the old ones and replace them with fresh ones.
It is crucial to keep this in mind when buying a replacement handle. This measurement is known as the PZ measure. It is recommended that it be measured using a calibrated tape measure for accuracy.
After reinstalling the springs, you should be able to use the handle with no issues. However, it's always important to grease the mechanism inside to ensure that everything functions just as it should. This will ensure that your uPVC door is as secure as it is, and improve their comfort over time.
Handles that slide around
Handles that slide are caused by a variety of things. One of the most common causes is when the levers of the handle are not aligned with the lock. This can happen on both uPVC and composite doors, but it is usually more noticeable on older doors as they are typically made of cheap materials that aren't able to resist the elements.
A professional can address this problem by realigning the handles to ensure they are in line with the lock. They'll also examine the lock to determine what requires fixing. In many cases, a small adjustment to the springs of the handle can solve the issue.
It's easy to replace your uPVC handle, but you need to measure the handle that you are replacing to ensure that the replacement is the correct size. You'll need to determine the distance between the two screws, as well as the dimensions of the keyhole as well as the lever, and the distance between them. Then, you can use this uPVC handles size guide to locate an appropriate 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 straightforward process and only requires an screwdriver. After the screws are removed, you are able to take off the handle itself and then proceed to install the new handle.
Before starting the work, you should ensure that the door is secured open using a wedge to stop it from closing during the course of your work. After you have removed the handle, you can now get to the inside of the door to correct the problems that are causing it to slide.
If you don't have time or energy to tackle this task yourself, a handyman from Fantastic Services can help. They will employ specialist locksmith methods to open the door without causing damage and then replace the handle that is damaged, ensuring that everything is working as it should be.
Damaged gearbox
A damaged gearbox may cause the upvc handle to become stiff and lose functionality. This could prevent the lock from being able to be opened with keys. This can be very dangerous and should be addressed promptly. If you are unable to solve the problem yourself, it is important to contact a locksmith as they are experts and have the tools necessary to do the job right.
The first step is to remove the handle from its cover plate. You can do this with the help of a screwdriver with flat-headed tips. After you remove the handle, take out the middle screw that holds the barrel. After you have removed the middle screw, you can then loosen the two screws that secure the barrel. Then, you can remove the barrel away from the door. To do this, you will need someone to prop the door wide.
Once you have removed the cylinder from the handle, you can replace it with a fresh one. It is essential to ensure that the new cylinder is of the same size as the old one. Otherwise, you may end having an unaligned handle properly. This could cause a range of problems, such as leaks and drafts.
Many upvc door handles have 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 slots for adjustment can be tightened using an allen wrench. After you've made all the necessary adjustments, you can screw the handle in and then put it back into place. You can then test the handle to ensure it works correctly.
The door handle made of upvc that becomes floppy when closed is usually an indication that the spring or gearbox components have broken down. This could cause the multipoint lock made of upvc to fail, leaving your door open to burglars. In this situation the gearbox made of upvc will need to be replaced. This will cost between PS145-PS280 including labor.