Choosing the Right UPVC Door Handle Replacement
It's easy to replace your handles made of upvc however, choosing the correct handle can be difficult. Modern double-glazed handles come with spring cassettes in them, however older models don't have.
If the upvc handle on your multipoint lock is loose and floppy, there may be an internal issue. This article will address the various possible issues and their causes.
Handles that are drooping or sagging
uPVC handles can sustain wear and tear, particularly in older properties. A broken spring cassette in the door lever is the most frequent reason for a handle that is floppy. This is typically caused by excessive force and the square spindle which holds the cassette may be displaced or the cassette can be rounded off.
upvc replacement door handles is that replacing the door handle with uPVC is an easy task and can be done within a couple of minutes. The first step is to take off the handle unit that was previously used. To remove it, you must unscrew the fixing screws that are visible on the back of the lever. Once the handles have been removed, you can unscrew and replace the cassette.
Online you can choose from a wide selection of uPVC handles, many of which come in different finishes. The finish you choose will determine the life span 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 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 feature a lever inside and an outside paddle which is typically employed as a security measure to prevent unauthorised access.
The next step is to measure the dimensions of your current handle and note them down. You'll need to know the PZ dimension (the distance from the screw hole to the center of the lever) and the length of the handle as well as the dimension of the keyhole. Once you have these measurements, you can compare them to the handle sizes matrix to find the correct replacement.
Broken springs
Over time uPVC door handles are prone to becoming wobbly or loose and sometimes the spring cassette inside might break. These little springs help to bring the handle lever to a horizontal position, and without them your doors won't be able to lock properly.
Modern uPVC handles are made with these cassettes directly built into the backplate. The springs are usually built into older uPVC door mechanisms. It is not something you can do by yourself, but it's worth having your locksmith examine the issue as it could be causing the loosening of uPVC handles.
One of the most frequent problems associated with uPVC door handles is that they become loose or wobbly with time. This is typically due to worn-out springs that can be a relatively simple fix. The majority of the time, this is caused by excessive use of the handle and because of that, the square spindle within the handle will wear away and the springs will move out of place.
In order to rectify this issue, open the door and loosen the fixing screws located at the back of the handle plate. This can be done by using the Philips screwdriver. Once the screws are removed the handle can be removed and the handle plates pulled apart carefully. The springs are able to be removed and replaced with new springs.
Depending on the type of handle you are using the distance between the two screws can vary and this is crucial to know prior to purchasing an alternative. This measurement is known as the PZ measure and it is recommended that this measurement is measured using a calibrated tape measure to ensure accuracy.
After replacing the springs, you should be able to use the handle without issue. However, it's always recommended to lubricate the mechanism inside to ensure that everything functions exactly as it should. This will not just ensure that your uPVC doors are as secure as they can be but will also make them more comfortable to operate in the long run.
Handles that slide around
Handles that slide could be caused by many things. One of the most frequent causes is that the levers of the handle are not aligned with the lock. This can happen with both uPVC and composite doors, however it is usually more noticeable on older doors because they are typically made of cheap materials that aren't able to hold up to the elements.
This issue can be resolved by a professional who will re-align the handles and make sure they're in line with the door lock. They will also check the lock to see if anything is required to be fixed. In many cases, a small adjustment to the springs of the handle can solve the issue.
It's easy to replace your uPVC handle however, you must take measurements of the handle you have to ensure that the replacement is of the right size. You'll need to measure the distance between the two fixing screws, and the size of the lever and key-hole position. You can then utilize this uPVC handles size guide to locate the right replacement for your home.
After you have taken the measurements, take off the existing uPVC handle. It's usually a simple procedure and requires only a screwdriver. Once the screws are removed, you are able to take off the handle itself and then install the new one.
Before starting, it's worth ensuring 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 will be able to access the parts beneath the door that cause the door to slip.
If you don't have the patience or the energy to complete this task on your own, an expert handyman from Fantastic Services can help. They will employ sophisticated locks to unlock the doors without creating damage. They will then replace the damaged handle and make sure everything works as it should.
Gearbox damage
A damaged gearbox could cause the upvc door handle to become stiff or lose functionality. This can also prevent the lock from being able be opened using a key. This can be very dangerous and should be addressed promptly. If you are unable to solve the problem yourself it is crucial to call a locksmith since they have the expertise and tools needed to get the job done properly.
The first step is removing the handle from the cover plate. You can do this using a screwdriver that has an angled tip. Once you have removed the handle, you can then take out the middle screw that holds the barrel in place. After you have removed the middle screw, you will then loosen the two screws that secure the barrel. Then, you can pull the barrel out of the door. To do this, you will require someone to prop the door wide.
Once you have removed the cylinder from the handle you can replace it with a new one. It is crucial to ensure that the new cylinder is of the same size as the old one. Otherwise, you may end up with an unaligned handle correctly. This can lead to a myriad of issues, such as leaks and draughts.
Many upvc door handles have slots for adjustment. These slots can be used to tighten or loosen the handle. These slots are usually located on the inside of doors, near the place where the handle meets with the cylinder. Allen wrenches can be used to tighten the slots for adjustment. Once you've made the necessary adjustments then you can screw the handle back in and then put it back into position. Then, you can test the handle and make sure it is working as expected.
If the upvc door handle becomes loose or floppy when closed, it is typically a sign that the gearbox in the upvc has broken down or internal spring components are breaking down. This could cause your multipoint locks made of upvc to fail leaving your door open to burglars. In this situation the upvc gearbox will require replacement. It will cost between PS145 and PS280, including labour.