Don't Make This Silly Mistake With Your Upvc Door Handle Replacement
Choosing the Right UPVC Door Handle Replacement
It's easy to replace your upvc handles however choosing the best handle can be difficult. Modern double-glazed handles are fitted with spring cassettes, however older handles don't.
If the handle made of upvc on your multipoint lock is loose and floppy, there may be an internal problem. This article will discuss several potential problems and their causes.
Sagging or drooping handles
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 reason for a floppy handle. 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.
The good news is that replacing the door handle made of uPVC is an easy task and can be completed within a couple of minutes. The first step is to take off the handle unit that was previously used. To do this, unscrew the fixing screws visible on the back of the lever. After the handles have been removed, you can then remove the cassette from the square spindle, and replace it with a new one.
On the internet, you can select from a range of uPVC handles, many of which come in different finishes. The finish you choose will determine the longevity of your handle as well as how it is easy to clean. Finishes like Resista Stainless Steel, or PVD are designed to resist corrosion and last up to 25 years.
Once you have selected a colour or style you can then select the type of handle you need. The most common types are lever and pad arrangement. Lever pads are equipped with an inside lever and a paddle on the outside, this is often used as a security feature to prevent unauthorised access.
Next, measure and record the dimensions of the handle you currently have. You'll need to know the PZ dimension (the distance from the screw hole to the middle of the lever), the length of the handle and the dimension of the keyhole. Once you know the measurements, you can compare them to the handle size matrix to determine the appropriate replacement.
Broken springs
Over time, the handles of uPVC doors can get loose or wobbly and occasionally the spring cassette inside could break. These springs are used to ensure that the lever is in a horizontal direction. Without them your doors will not lock properly.
Modern uPVC handles are constructed with these cassettes directly built into the backplate. The springs are usually integrated into older uPVC door mechanisms. This isn't something that can be fixed by yourself but it's worth contacting your locksmith to look at as this could be the cause of the drooping or sagging uPVC door handles.
The most common issue that is encountered with uPVC handles is that they tend to loosen over time. This is usually due to worn-out springs that are simple to fix. Most often the reason for this is excessive use of the handle and as a result, the square spindle within the handle will wear away and cause the springs to be displaced.
In order to rectify this, you'll need to open the door and loosen the fixing screws located at the back of the handle plate. This can be done using a Philips screwdriver. Once the screws are removed the handle can be taken off. The plates for the handle are then able to be gently taken apart. You can then remove the springs that were in use 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 important to know when purchasing the replacement. This measurement is called the PZ and it is essential to make use of a calibrated measuring tape to ensure an accurate reading.
After replacing the springs you should be able to operate the handle without any issues. It is important to oil your internal mechanism to make sure that everything is functioning as it should. This will ensure that your uPVC door is as secure as is, and increase their comfort over time.
Handles that slide around
Handles that slide around could be caused by a number of things, one of the most common is when the levers on the handle aren't aligned correctly with the lock. This can happen with both uPVC and composite doors, however it is typically more evident on older doors since they are often made from cheaper materials that don't hold up to the elements.
This issue can be fixed by a professional who will adjust the handles and ensure that they are in line with the door lock. They will also check the lock to see what requires fixing. In many cases, a minor adjustment to the springs of the handle will solve this problem.
It's simple to replace your uPVC handle however, you must measure the handle that you are replacing to ensure that the replacement is the correct size. You'll need to determine the distance between two screws, the size of the keyhole and lever, and the distance between them. Then, use this uPVC handles size guide to locate the right replacement for your home.
After you have taken the measurements, remove the old uPVC handle. This is usually fairly straightforward and requires a screwdriver to reach the screws on the interior of the door. After the screws are removed, you can take off the handle itself and then move onto installing the new handle.
Before you start, it's worth ensuring that the door is secured open using a wedge to stop it from closing during the course of your work. After you have removed the handle, you can now inspect the underside of the door to address the issues that are causing it 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 unlock the door without causing any damage and will then replace the damaged handle, making sure everything is in place and working exactly as it should.
Damaged gearbox
A damaged gearbox may cause the handle made of upvc to become stiff and lose functionality. This can also prevent the lock from being able be opened with a key. This could be extremely dangerous and should be dealt with promptly. If you are unable resolve the issue yourself it is essential to get in touch with a locksmith because they have the experience and tools to complete the task right.
The first step is to unhook the handle from its cover plate. This can be done using a screwdriver that has a flat head. After you have removed the handle, you are able to take out the middle screw that holds the cylinder in the position. After removing the middle screw, you'll be able to loosen the two screws which hold the barrel. You can then pull the barrel from the door. To accomplish this, you'll need someone to hold the door open.
After removing the cylinder, you can replace with a new cylinder. Make sure the new cylinder has the same size as the previous one. You may end up with an improperly aligned handle. This can cause a variety of problems, such as leaks and drips.
Many doors made of upvc feature adjustable slots that allow you to tighten or loosen the handle. They are usually on the inside of the door close to where the handle joins the cylinder. The adjustment slots can be tightened by using an allen wrench. Once you have made the adjustments then you can put the handle back in place and screw it back in. Then, you can test the handle and ensure it is working as expected.
The door handle made of upvc that becomes loose when closed is typically an indication that the gearbox or internal spring components have failed. This could cause the multipoint lock from upvc to fail, leaving your door open to burglars. In this case the upvc gearbox will need to be replaced. Repair My Windows And Doors will cost between PS145 to PS280, including labour.