Choosing the Right UPVC Door Handle Replacement
It's easy to replace your handles made of upvc however, choosing the correct handle can be a bit difficult. Modern double glazed handles are equipped with spring cassettes, but older handles aren't.
If your upvc handle seems loose and floppy, there could be an issue with the internal components of the multipoint lock. This article will address a number of potential problems & their causes.
Handles that are drooping or sagging
UPVC handles are prone to wear and tear, especially in older properties. The most common reason handles become floppy is due to a broken spring cassette in the door lever. This is usually due to an excessive force and the square spindle that supports the cassette could be moved or the cassette can be rounded off.
It is good to know that a uPVC handle replacement can be accomplished in a matter of minutes. The first step is removing the old handle unit. To do this, unscrew the fixing screws on the back of the handle lever. After the handles have been removed, you can unscrew and replace the cassette.
On the internet, you can pick from a variety of uPVC handles that come with different finishes. Selecting the right finish will determine how long your handle will last as well as how easy it is to keep clean. Finishes such as PVD, Stainless Steel or Resista are designed to withstand corrosion and will last for up to 25 years.
After you have selected a colour or style, you can select the type of handle that you need. The most popular types are pad and lever arrangements. Lever pads feature a lever on the inside and an outside paddle and are often used as a security feature to block access by unauthorised persons.
The next step is to measure the dimensions of your current handle and note them down. 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 size of the keyhole. You can compare the measurements with the handle size matrix to find the correct replacement.
Broken springs
Over time, the handles of uPVC doors may become wobbly or loose and sometimes the spring cassette inside might break. The tiny springs bring the handle lever to 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 often include these springs in the lock mechanism. upvc door handles 's not something you can fix yourself, but it's worthwhile to have your locksmith examine the situation as this could be causing the sliding uPVC handles.
One of the most frequent issues that is commonly encountered with uPVC door handles is that they get unstable or wobbly after a certain period of time, and this is usually due to worn out springs that can be an easy fix. Most often the reason for this is excessive use of the handle, and as a result of that the square spindle in the handle will wear away and the springs will shift out of position.
To fix this issue, open the door and loosen the fixing screws at the back of the handle plate. This can be done with the help of a Philips screwdriver. Once the screws have been removed, the handle can then be taken off. The handle plates are then able to be gently taken apart. You can then remove the springs from the old ones and replace them with fresh ones.
It is crucial to keep this in mind when purchasing a replacement handle. This measurement is known as the PZ measure and it is recommended that it be done using an accurate tape measure to ensure accuracy.
After replacing the springs you should be able to operate the handle without issue. But, it's recommended to lubricate the mechanism inside to make sure that everything is working exactly as it should. This will not just ensure that your uPVC doors are as secure as possible but also make them more comfortable to operate over time too.
Handles that slide around
Handles that slide around can be caused by a variety of reasons, but one of the most frequent causes is when the levers of the handle aren't aligned correctly with the lock. This can happen on both uPVC doors as well as composite doors. However, it is more noticeable on older doors because they are made of less durable materials that do not hold up to the elements.
A professional can solve this issue by re-aligning the handles to ensure that they are aligned with the lock. They'll also examine the lock to see if there is anything that needs fixing. In many cases, a small modification to the springs of the handle is enough to fix this issue.
Changing your uPVC door handle is easy enough, but it's important to take the measurements of the existing handles to ensure you have the correct size replacement. You'll need to determine 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 right replacement for your home.
Once you have the measurements The next step is to take off the existing uPVC handles. It is usually quite easy and requires just a screwdriver reach the screws on the inside of the door. Once the screws have been removed, you'll need to unscrew the handle and then install the new handle.
It is essential to secure the door with an appropriate wedge prior to beginning. This will stop it from closing during the course of your work. After you have removed the handle you'll be able to access the underlying parts of the door to address the issues that are causing it to slip.
A handyman from Fantastic Services will be able to help if you don't want to tackle the task yourself or don't have the skills. They will use specialist locksmith opening methods to unlock the door without causing any damage and will then replace the faulty handle, ensuring that everything is in place and functioning just as it should.
Gearbox damaged
A damaged gearbox may cause the upvc door handle to become stiff or lose its functionality. This could prevent the lock from being able be opened with the use of a key. This is a risk and must be addressed as quickly as possible. It is important to call a locksmith if you cannot solve the issue yourself. They have the equipment and knowledge to complete the task correctly.
The first step is to remove the handle from the cover plate. This can be done using a screwdriver that has flat-headed tips. After removing the handle, you need to remove the middle screw which holds the barrel. After you have removed the middle screw you will be able to loosen the two screws that hold the barrel. Then you can pull the barrel from the door. You will have to prop the door open to do this, so make sure to have someone available to assist you.
Once you have removed your cylinder from the handle you can replace it with a fresh one. It is essential to ensure that the new cylinder is the same size as the old one. Otherwise, you may end up with an unaligned handle properly. This could cause a range 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 or loosen the handle. The slots are typically located on the inside of doors, close to the point where the handle joins the cylinder. Allen wrenches can be used to tighten the slots of adjustment. After you have made your adjustments, you can put the handle back into place & screw it into. After that, you can test the handle to make sure it's working properly.
If the upvc door handle becomes floppy or loose when it is closed, it is typically a sign that the gearbox in the upvc has been damaged or the internal spring components are in the process of breaking down. This can cause the multipoint lock made of upvc to fail, leaving your door open to intruders. In this case the gearbox made of upvc will require replacement. This will cost between PS145 between PS145 and PS280 inclusive of labour.