Guide To Upvc Door Handle Replacement: The Intermediate Guide The Steps To 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 a challenge. Modern double glazed handles are fitted with spring cassettes, whereas older handles don't.
If the upvc handle of your multipoint lock is sloppy and floppy, it could be an internal issue. This article will cover several possible problems & their causes.
Handles that slide or loosen
uPVC handles are susceptible to wear and tear. This is especially true in older properties. The most common reason the handle becomes floppy due to a damaged spring cassette in the door lever. This is due to excessive force, and the square spindle that holds the cassette could be dislocated or round.
The good news is that replacing the door handle made of uPVC is an easy task and can be done in a matter of minutes. The first step is to disassemble the old handle by removing the fixing screws that are visible on the back of the handle lever plate. Once the handles have been removed you can then unscrew the cassette from the square spindle and replace with the new one.
Online you can choose from a variety of uPVC handles that come with different finishes. The finish you select will determine the durability of your handle as well as how it will be easy to clean. Finishes like PVD, Stainless Steel or Resista are designed to withstand corrosion and will last for up to 25 years.
Once you've selected the colour or style you can choose the kind of handle you want. The most popular types are lever and pad arrangements. Lever pads have an inside lever and an outside paddle, this is often employed as a security measure to prevent unauthorised access.
The next step is to measure the dimensions of your existing handle and write them down. You'll need the PZ dimension (the distance from the screw hole to the centre of the lever), the length of the handle and the dimension 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 can get loose or wobbly and occasionally the spring cassette inside could break. These little springs help to bring the handle lever to a horizontal position. without them, doors won't be able to lock properly.
Modern uPVC handles are designed with these cassettes integrated directly into the backplate. The springs are usually installed into older uPVC doors mechanisms. This isn't something that can be fixed by yourself but it is worth getting your locksmith to look at this as it could be the reason for the sagging or drooping uPVC door handles.
One of the most frequent problems that is commonly encountered with uPVC door handles is that they get loose or wobbly with time. This is usually due to worn out springs that can be easily fixed. The majority of the time the reason for this is excessive use of the handle and as a result the square spindle inside the handle will wear away and cause the springs to be displaced.
To fix this issue, you'll need open the door to the handle plate and then remove all screws. This can be done by using a Philips screwdriver. Once the screws are removed the handle can be removed and the plates pulled apart with care. Then, you can remove the old springs and replace them with new springs.
This is a crucial point to remember when buying a replacement handle. This measurement is referred to as the PZ measure and it is recommended that this measurement is taken with a calibrated tape measure to ensure accuracy.
After replacing the springs you should be able operate the handle with no problems. But, it's worth lubricating the mechanism inside to make sure that everything functions as it should do. 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 for a long time.
Handles that slide around
Handles that slide could be caused by many things. One of the most common causes is that the levers of the handle aren't aligned with the lock. This can happen on both uPVC doors as well as composite doors. However, it's more evident on older doors because they are made of less durable materials that don't stand up to the elements.
A professional can solve this problem by realigning the handles so that they are in line with the lock. They'll also examine the lock itself to determine whether there's anything that needs fixing. In many cases, a minor adjustment to the handle springs will solve this problem.
Switching your uPVC door handle is simple enough, but it's crucial to take the measurements of the handles you have in place to ensure that you have the right size replacement. You'll need to take measurements of the distance between the two fixing screws and the size of the lever and key hole position. You can then use this uPVC handles size guide to find a replacement for your home.
Once you have the measurements, the next step is to remove the current uPVC handles. It's usually a simple procedure and requires only an screwdriver. After the screws have been removed, you'll need to take off the handle, and then put in the new handle.
Before starting making any changes, make sure that the door is securely open by a wedge to stop it from closing during the course of your work. After you have removed the handle you'll be able to get to the inside of the door to fix the issues that are causing it to slide.
If you don't have the time or nerves to tackle this task yourself, an expert handyman from Fantastic Services can help. They will use specialist locksmith opening methods to unlock the door without causing damage and then replace the faulty handle, ensuring that everything is in place and working exactly as it should.
Gearbox damaged
A damaged gearbox could cause the upvc handle to become stiff and lose its function. The lock may also not be able to opened by a key. This could be extremely dangerous and should be dealt with as soon as possible. If you're unable to solve the issue on your own it is crucial to call a locksmith since they have the expertise and tools to get the job done properly.

The first step is to remove the handle from its cover plate. You can do this using a screwdriver that has an angled tip. After you have removed the handle, take out the middle screw that holds the cylinder. After taking out the middle screw, you'll be able to loosen the two screws that secure the barrel. Then you can pull the barrel out of the door. You'll need to open the door to accomplish this, so be sure you have someone on hand to help.
After dig this have removed the cylinder, you can replace with a new cylinder. It is important to ensure that the new cylinder is of the same size as the old one. You might end up with an improperly aligned handle. This can lead to a myriad of issues, such as leaks and draughts.
Many doors made of upvc feature adjustable slots that can be used to tighten or loosen the handle. They are usually on the inside of the door close to where the handle joins the cylinder. Allen wrenches can be used to tighten the slots for adjustment. After you've made all the necessary adjustments then you can screw the handle into and put it back in position. You can then test the handle and make sure it works correctly.
The door handle of upvc becoming floppy when closed is usually an indication that the gearbox or internal spring components have broken down. This could cause your multipoint locks made from upvc to fail, leaving your door wide open to intrusion. In this scenario, the upvc gearbox must be replaced. This will cost between PS145-PS280 including labor.