Choosing the Right UPVC Door Handle Replacement
It's easy to replace your handles made of upvc however choosing the best handle can be a bit difficult. Modern double glazed handles are equipped with spring cassettes, whereas older handles don't.
If your upvc handle seems loose and floppy, there could be an issue with the internal parts of the multipoint lock. This article will discuss several possible issues and their causes.
Sagging or drooping handles
uPVC handles can sustain wear and tear, particularly in older properties. A damaged spring cassette on the door lever is the most frequent reason for a handle that is floppy. This is usually caused by an excessive force and the square spindle that holds the cassette can become displaced or round off.
It is good to be aware that a uPVC handle replacement can be completed within a matter of minutes. The first step is to remove the old handle by removing the fixing screws that are visible on the back of the handle lever plate. Once the handles are removed, you can take them off and replace the cassette.
You can find a vast selection of uPVC door handles to pick from on the internet and a lot of them are available in various finishes. The finish you select will determine the longevity of your handle and how it is easy to clean. Finishes like PVD, Stainless Steel or Resista are designed to withstand corrosion and will last up to 25 years.
After you have chosen a colour or style you can choose the type of handle you need. The most well-known types are pad and lever arrangements. Lever pads are often used to stop access from unauthorised people. They are equipped with both a lever inside and a paddle on the outside.
The next step is to determine the dimensions of your existing handle and record them. You will need to know the PZ dimension (the distance from the screw hole to the centre of the lever), the length of the handle, and the dimensions of the keyhole. Once you have the measurements you can compare them with the handle sizes matrix to determine the appropriate replacement.
Broken springs
Over time, uPVC handles can become loose or wobbly. The spring cassette could also break. The tiny springs bring the handle lever into a horizontal position and without them, doors won't be able to lock properly.
Modern uPVC handles have these cassettes built directly into the back plate. However repairmywindowsanddoors include these springs in the actual lock mechanism. This isn't something you can be fixed by yourself, but it's worth asking your locksmith to take a look at this as it could be the reason behind the drooping or sagging uPVC door handles.
One of the most frequent problems with uPVC door handles is that they get loose or wobbly over time. This is typically due to worn springs which can be an easy fix. This is usually caused by excessive handling of the handle. The square spindle of the handle will wear down and cause the springs to move.
In order to rectify this you will need to open the door and loosen the fixing screws located at the back of the handle plate. This can be accomplished using a Philips screwdriver and once the screws are removed, the handle can be removed and the handle plates pulled apart carefully. The springs that were used before can be removed and replaced with new springs.
It is crucial to keep this in mind when purchasing a replacement handle. This measurement is known as the PZ and it is important to use a measuring tape that is calibrated to ensure an accurate reading.
After reinstalling the springs, you will be able to operate the handle without issue. However, it's always important to grease the mechanism inside to ensure that everything works as it should do. This will not just ensure that your uPVC doors are as safe as they can be but also makes them more comfortable to use over time too.
Handles that slide around
Handles that slide could be caused by a variety of factors. One of the most common causes is when the levers of the handle aren't aligned with the lock. This can happen with both uPVC and composite doors, but it is generally more noticeable on older doors since they are typically made of cheap materials that aren't able to hold up to the elements.
A professional can address this issue by rearranging the handles to ensure they are in line with the lock. They'll also examine the lock to see whether there's anything that requires fixing. In most instances, a minor modification to the springs of the handle is all that's needed to fix this issue.
Switching your uPVC door handle is easy enough, but you need to take the measurements of the handles you have in place to make sure you have the correct size replacement. You'll need to determine the distance of the two screws, as well as the dimensions of the keyhole as well as the lever, as well as the distance between them. Then, you can use this uPVC handle size guide to determine the appropriate replacement for your home.
Once you have the measurements The next step is to eliminate the existing uPVC handles. This is usually fairly straightforward and requires only a screwdriver to reach the screws on the interior of the door. After the screws have been removed, you will need to remove the handle and then install the new handle.
Before you start the work, you should ensure that the door is held open with a door wedge to prevent it from closing during the course of your work. After you have removed the handle, you can access the parts underneath the door that cause the door to move.
If you don't have time or the energy to complete this job yourself, an expert handyman from Fantastic Services can help. They will use specialist locksmith techniques to unlock the door without causing damage and then replace the faulty handle and make sure that everything is working just as it should.
Gearbox damaged
A damaged gearbox could cause the upvc handle to become stiff and lose its functionality. The lock may also not be able to be opened with the use of a key. This is a risk and must be addressed as quickly as is possible. If you are unable to solve the issue on your own it is crucial to get in touch with a locksmith because they have the expertise and tools needed to get the job done correctly.
The first step is to remove the handle from its cover plate. This can be done using a screwdriver that has flat-headed tips. Once you have removed the handle, you will be able to remove the middle screw that holds the barrel in place. After taking out the middle screw, you will be able to loosen the two screws that hold the barrel. Then you can take the barrel out of the door. To do this, you will require someone to prop the door wide open.
After taking the cylinder off you can replace it with a brand new cylinder. Make sure the new cylinder is the same size as your old one. You could have an incorrectly aligned handle. This can lead to numerous issues that could cause 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 is connected to 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 put it back in position. Then, you can test the handle to be sure it's working correctly.
The door handle made of upvc that becomes loose when closed is usually an indication that the spring or gearbox components have failed. This could cause the multipoint lock made of upvc to fail and leave your door open to intrusion. In this scenario, the upvc gearbox must be replaced. The cost will range from PS145 to PS280 with the labor included.