20 Fun Facts About Upvc Door Handle Replacement
Choosing the Right UPVC Door Handle Replacement
It's simple to replace your handles made of upvc however choosing the best handle can be a bit difficult. Modern double-glazed handles include spring cassettes within them but older ones 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 cover a number of potential problems and their causes.
Handles that are drooping or sagging
UPVC handles are susceptible to wear and tear. This is particularly true in older properties. A broken spring cassette in the door lever is the most typical cause of a floppy handle. This is typically caused by excessive force and the square spindle that holds the cassette could be moved or rounded off.
The good news is that replacing the door handle with uPVC is an easy task and can be done in a matter of minutes. The first step is to disassemble the handle unit that was previously installed by unscrewing the fixing screws visible on the back of the lever plate. Once the handles have been removed you can then remove the cassette from the square spindle and replace with a new one.
There is a wide range of uPVC door handles to select from on the internet and a lot of them come in a variety of finishes. Choosing the right finish will determine the length of time the handle will last and how easy it is to keep clean. Finishes such as Resista, Stainless Steel, or PVD are designed to resist corrosion and last for up to 25 years.
After choosing a color or design, you can select the kind of handle you require. The most common types are pad and lever arrangements. Lever pads are commonly used to stop access from unauthorised people. They are equipped with 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'll need the PZ dimension (the distance from the screw hole to the middle of the lever) and the length of the handle and the dimensions of the keyhole. You can compare the measurements to the handle size matrix to find the right replacement.
Broken springs
Over time uPVC door handles are prone to becoming wobbly or loose and occasionally the spring cassette inside could break. These springs help ensure that the lever is in a horizontal position. Without them your doors will not lock properly.
Modern uPVC handles have these cassettes built into the back plate. However older uPVC doors often have these springs built into the lock mechanism. It is not something you can fix by yourself, but it's definitely worthwhile to have your locksmith take a look as this could be causing the sliding uPVC handles.
The most common problem with uPVC handles is that they tend to loosen as time passes. This is usually due to worn-out springs, which are simple to fix. Generally it is due to excessive use of the handle, and as a result the square spindle inside the handle will wear out, causing the springs to move out of place.
In order to rectify this you will need to open the door and loosen the fixing screws on the back of the handle plate. This can be done with the help of a Philips screwdriver. After the screws have been removed, the handle can then be removed. The handle plates are then able to be gently taken apart. Then, you can remove the springs that were in use and replace them with fresh springs.
This is important to note when purchasing a replacement handle. 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 without issue. It's worth lubricating the internal mechanism to ensure that everything is working exactly as it should. This will not only ensure that your uPVC doors are as safe 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 a variety of things. One of the most frequent causes is that the levers of the handle aren't aligned with the lock. This is a problem that can occur with both uPVC and composite doors, however it is usually more noticeable on older doors as they are often made from less durable materials that don't resist the elements.
A professional can address this issue by re-aligning the handles to ensure that they are aligned with the lock. They'll also examine the lock to determine whether anything requires fixing. In many cases, a slight adjustment to the springs of the handle can fix the issue.
The replacement of your uPVC door handle is simple enough, but you need to measure the existing handles to make sure you have the correct size replacement. You'll need to determine the distance of two screws, the size of the keyhole and lever, as well as the distance between them. Then, you can use this uPVC handle size guide to find the appropriate replacement for your home.
Once you have the measurements The next step is to eliminate the existing uPVC handles. It is usually a simple process and only requires the use of a screwdriver. Once the screws have been removed, you'll need to unscrew the handle and then replace the new one.
Before you start, it's worth ensuring that the door is securely open with a door wedge to stop it from closing during the course of your work. After you have removed the handle, you'll be able to access the parts underneath the door that are causing the door to slide.
A handyman from Fantastic Services will be able assist if you don't want to do the job yourself or don't have the skills. They will use specialist locksmith techniques to open the door without causing any damage and then replace the damaged handle, ensuring that everything is in place and working as it should be.
Damaged gearbox
A damaged gearbox can cause the upvc handle to become stiff and lose function. This can also prevent the lock from being able to be opened using keys. This is extremely dangerous and should be dealt with as soon as possible. It is crucial to contact a locksmith if you are unable to resolve the problem yourself. They have the tools and expertise to complete the task correctly.
The first step is to remove the handle from its cover plate. This can be done by using a screwdriver equipped with flat heads. After you have removed your handle, you will be able to take out the middle screw that holds the cylinder in the position. After you have removed the middle screw you'll be able loosen the two screws that hold the barrel. Then, you can pull the barrel out of the door. To accomplish this, you'll need someone to prop the door wide.
After taking the cylinder off, you can replace with a new cylinder. It is important to make sure that the new cylinder is the exact size as the old one. In the event that it isn't, you could end with an unaligned handle correctly. This can lead to numerous issues that could cause 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 spot where the handle meets with the cylinder. The slots for adjustment can be tightened with an allen wrench. Once you have made the adjustments you can place the handle back into place & screw it in. Then, you can test the handle to make sure that it's functioning properly.
The upvc door handle becoming floppy when closed is usually an indication that the spring or gearbox components have failed. This can cause the upvc multipoint lock to fail and leave your door open to intrusion. If this happens, it will be required to replace the upvc gearbox. This will cost between PS145-PS280 including labor.