20 Irrefutable Myths About Upvc Door Handle Replacement: Busted
Choosing the Right UPVC Door Handle Replacement
It's simple to replace your upvc handles however choosing the best handle can be difficult. The majority of modern double-glazed handles have spring cassettes built into them, however older models don't have.
If your upvc handle seems loose and floppy, it could be an issue with the internal parts of the multipoint lock. This article will address several possible problems & their causes.
Sagging or drooping handles
UPVC handles can withstand wear and tear, especially in older properties. A damaged spring cassette on the door lever is the most frequent reason for a floppy handle. This is caused by excessive force and the square spindle holding the cassette can be moved or turned round.
It is important to know that a uPVC handle replacement can be done in just a few minutes. The first step is removing the handle unit that was previously used. To remove it, you must unscrew the fixing screws that are visible on the backside of the lever. Once the handles are removed, you can unscrew and replace the cassette.
You can find a vast range of uPVC door handles to select from online, and many of them are available in various finishes. Selecting the right finish will determine the length of time 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 resist corrosion and will last up to 25 years.
After choosing a color or style, you can select the kind of handle you require. The most popular are lever and pad arrangements. Lever pads are often used to prevent unauthorised access. They are equipped with a lever inside and a paddle outside.
The next step is to determine the dimensions of your existing handle and write them down. You'll need to determine the PZ dimension, which is the distance between the screw hole and the centre of the lever. It is also important to know how long the handle is and the dimensions of its keyhole. You can compare the measurements to the handle size matrix to determine the appropriate replacement.
Broken springs
Over time, uPVC handles can become loose or wobbly. The spring cassette may also break. The tiny springs bring the lever of the handle into a horizontal position and without them, doors will not lock properly.
Modern uPVC handles are designed with these cassettes built directly into the backplate. However, older uPVC doors typically have these springs built into the actual lock mechanism. This isn't something you can do yourself, but it's worthwhile to have your locksmith take a look as this could be the cause of the loosening of uPVC handles.
The most frequent issue that is encountered with uPVC handles is that they loosen over time. This is usually caused by worn-out springs that are easy to fix. Generally it is due to excessive use of the handle and because of that the square spindle in the handle will wear out, causing the springs to move out of place.
To correct this, you'll need to open the door and unscrew the fixing screws at the back of the handle plate. This can be done using a Philips screwdriver and once the screws are removed, the handle can be removed and the plates pulled apart with care. Then you can take off the old springs and replace them with new ones.
Depending on the kind of handle you have the distance between the two screws can differ, and this is crucial to know prior to purchasing the replacement. This measurement is called the PZ and it is important to use a calibrated measuring tape for an exact reading.
After reinstalling the springs, you should be able to operate the handle without issue. But, it's recommended to lubricate the mechanism inside to ensure that everything works exactly as it should. This will ensure that your uPVC door is as safe as it is, and make them more comfortable as time passes.
Handles that slide around
Handles that slide around could be caused by a variety of things, one of the most common causes is when the levers on 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 evident on older doors as they are made of cheaper materials that do not hold up to the elements.
A professional can fix this issue by rearranging the handles to ensure that they are in line with the lock. They'll also inspect the lock itself to see whether there's anything that needs fixing. In many cases, a minor adjustment to the springs of the handle can fix the issue.
It's simple to replace your uPVC handle, but you need to take measurements of the handle you have to ensure that the new one is of the right size. You'll need to measure the distance between the two fixing screws, and the dimensions of the lever and key hole position. Then, you can use this uPVC handle size guide to determine the appropriate replacement for your home.
After you've taken the measurements, take off the old uPVC handle. It is usually a simple procedure and requires only an screwdriver. After the screws are removed, you can then unscrew the handle itself and then move onto installing the new one.
Before you begin the work, you should ensure that the door is secured open using a wedge to prevent it from closing in the middle of your work. After you remove the handle, you'll be able to access the parts beneath the door that are causing the door to move.
A handyman from Fantastic Services will be able assist if you don't want to tackle the task yourself or aren't confident enough. They will employ special lock picking techniques to open the doors without creating damage. They will then replace the broken handle and make sure that everything works just as it should.
Gearbox damaged
A damaged gearbox could cause the door handle made of upvc to become stiff or lose its function. The lock may also not be able to opened using the use of a key. This is a risk and should be addressed as soon as possible. If you are unable solve the issue on your own it is crucial to contact a locksmith as they have the expertise and tools necessary to complete the task properly.
The first step is to remove the handle from its cover plate. repairmywindowsanddoors can be done by using a screwdriver with a flat head. After you have removed the handle, you will be able to take out the middle screw that holds the cylinder in the position. After taking out the middle screw, you'll be able loosen the two screws that are holding the barrel. Then you can pull the barrel from the door. To do this, you will need someone to prop the door wide open.

Once you have removed the cylinder from the handle you can replace it with a new one. Make sure the new cylinder is the same size as the previous one. In the event that it isn't, you could end having a handle that isn't aligned properly. This could lead to a number of problems that could cause leaks and draughts.
Many doors made of upvc feature adjustment slots that can be used to tighten or loosen the handle. These slots are usually found on the inside of doors, near the place where the handle connects with the cylinder. The slots for adjustment can be tightened by using an allen wrench. Once you have made the adjustments, you can put the handle back in place and screw it in. Then, you can test the handle and ensure it works correctly.
If the door handle made of upvc becomes loose or floppy when closed, this is usually a sign that the upvc gearbox has failed or the internal spring components are in the process of breaking down. This can cause the upvc multipoint lock to fail and leave your door open to burglars. In this case the gearbox made of upvc must be replaced. The cost will range from PS145 - PS280 with the labor included.