Don't Make This Silly Mistake With Your Upvc Door Handle Replacement
Choosing the Right UPVC Door Handle Replacement
Replacing your door handles made of upvc is an easy task but picking the right handle can be a challenge. The majority of modern double-glazed handles come with spring cassettes in them, however older models don't have.
If the upvc handle of your multipoint lock is loose and floppy, there could be an internal issue. This article will cover several possible problems and their causes.
Handles that sag or drop
UPVC handles are prone to wear and tear, particularly in older properties. The most common reason a handle becomes floppy is due to a damaged spring cassette inside the door lever. This is due to excessive force and the square spindle holding the cassette can be moved or turned round.
The good news is that replacing the door handle made of uPVC is a relatively simple job and can be done in a matter of minutes. The first step is to take off the old handle by removing the fixing screws visible on the side of the lever plate. After the handles have been removed, you can remove the screws and replace the cassette.
You can find a wide selection of uPVC door handles to pick from online and many of them come in a variety of finishes. The finish you choose will determine the longevity of your handle and how easy it will be to clean. Finishes like Resista, Stainless Steel, or PVD are designed to resist corrosion and last for up to 25 years.
After you have selected a colour or style, you are able to choose the type of handle that you need. The most popular are pad and lever arrangements. Lever pads feature a lever inside and a paddle on the outside, this is often employed as a security measure to block access by unauthorised persons.
The next step is to determine the dimensions of your existing handle and write them down. You'll need to know the PZ dimension (the distance from the screw hole to the centre of the lever) as well as the length of the handle, and the size of the keyhole. You can compare the measurements to the handle size matrix to find the right replacement.
Broken springs
Over time, the handles of uPVC doors may become wobbly or loose and at times the spring cassette inside might break. These tiny springs help move the lever into a horizontal position and without them, doors will not lock properly.
Modern uPVC handles come with these cassettes built into the back plate. These springs are typically built into older uPVC door mechanisms. This isn't something you can fix yourself, but it's worthwhile to have your locksmith examine the issue as it could be the cause of the loosening of uPVC handles.
One of the most frequent problems with uPVC door handles is that they get loose or wobbly with time, and this is usually due to worn out springs which can be easily fixed. This is usually caused by excessive handling of the handle. The square spindle inside the handle wears down and causes the springs to move.
To fix this, you'll need to open the door and loosen the fixing screws on the back of the handle plate. This can be accomplished using the help of a Philips screwdriver. After the screws have been removed the handle can be taken off. The plates for the handle can then be carefully removed. Then, you can remove the old springs and replace them with new springs.
This is important to note when buying a replacement handle. This measurement is referred to 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 with no issues. It is recommended to lubricate the internal mechanism to ensure that everything is operating exactly as it should. This will not just ensure that your uPVC doors are as secure as they can be but will also make them more comfortable to use over time too.
Handles that slide around
Handles that slide are caused by a variety of things. One of the most common causes is when the levers of the handle aren't aligned with the lock. This can happen on both uPVC doors and composite doors. However, it is more noticeable on older doors as they are made of less durable materials that aren't able to stand up to the elements.
A professional can fix this issue by rearranging the handles to ensure that they are aligned with the lock. They'll also inspect the lock itself to determine if there is anything that needs fixing. In many cases, a small adjustment to the handle springs can solve the issue.
It's easy to replace your uPVC handle However, you must measure the handle that you are replacing to ensure that the new one is the correct size. You'll need to determine the distance between the two screws, as well as the dimensions of the keyhole and lever, and the distance between them. Then, you can utilize this uPVC handles size guide to locate the right replacement for your home.
Once you have the measurements then the next step is to take off the existing uPVC handles. It's usually a straightforward procedure and requires only a screwdriver. Once the screws have been removed, you will need to remove the handle and then replace the new handle.
Before window handles begin, it's worth ensuring that the door is secured open using a wedge to prevent it from closing during the course of your work. After removing the handle, you'll be able to inspect the components underneath the door that are causing the door to move.
If you don't have the patience or nerves to tackle this task yourself, a handyman from Fantastic Services can help. They will employ special lock picking techniques to unlock the doors without damaging the door. Then they will replace the damaged handle and make sure everything works just as it should.
Gearbox damaged
A damaged gearbox may cause the door handle made of upvc to become stiff or lose function. The lock may also be unable to be opened using a key. This is a risk and must be addressed as quickly as is feasible. If you're unable to resolve the issue yourself, it is important to get in touch with a locksmith because they have the experience and tools necessary to do the job properly.
The first step is to unhook the handle from its cover plate. You can do this using an instrument that has an angled tip. After you have removed your handle, you are able to remove the middle screw that holds the barrel in the position. After you have removed the middle screw, you can then loosen the two screws that secure the barrel. Then you can take the barrel from the door. You will need to open the door to do this, so make sure that you have someone to assist you.
After taking the cylinder off and replacing it the cylinder with a new one. It is important to make sure that the new cylinder is the exact size as the previous one. You might end up with an incorrectly aligned handle. This could cause a range of issues, including leaks and draughts.
Many doors made of upvc feature adjustment slots which 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. After you've made the required adjustments, you can screw the handle into and put it back in its place. Then, you can test the handle and make sure it functions as intended.
The door handle made of upvc that becomes floppy when closed is usually an indication that the spring or gearbox components have broken down. This could cause your upvc multipoint locks to fail and leave your door open to intrusion. If this occurs, it is necessary to replace the upvc gearbox. The cost will range from PS145 to PS280 inclusive of labour.