Watch Out: How Upvc Door Handle Replacement Is Taking Over And What We Can Do About It
Choosing the Right UPVC Door Handle Replacement
It's easy to replace your handles made of upvc however choosing the best handle can be difficult. Modern double-glazed handles are fitted with spring cassettes, whereas older handles aren't.
If the upvc handle of your multipoint lock is loose and floppy, it could be an internal issue. This article will address several possible problems & their causes.
Sagging or drooping handles
uPVC handles can sustain wear and tear, particularly in older properties. A broken spring cassette in the door lever is the most common reason for a handle that is floppy. This is caused by a lot of force and the square spindle that holds the cassette could be moved or rounded.
It is a good thing to be aware that a uPVC handle replacement can be completed in just a few minutes. The first step is to take off the old handle unit. To remove it, loosen the fixing screws that are visible on the back of the handle lever. Once the handles have been removed, you can unscrew and replace the cassette.
Online you can choose from a range of uPVC handles, many of which come in different finishes. The finish you choose will determine the length of time the handle will last and how it is easy to keep clean. Finishes such as 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 choose the type of handle you require. The most popular types are lever and pad arrangements. Lever pads are typically used to block access by unauthorised persons. They feature both a lever inside and a paddle on the outside.
Then, you should measure and record the dimensions of the handle you have. You will need to know the PZ dimension (the distance from the screw hole to the middle of the lever) as well as the length of the handle and the dimension of the keyhole. You can compare the measurements with the size matrix of the handle to find the correct replacement.
Broken springs
Over time, the handles of uPVC doors may become wobbly or loose and at times the spring cassette inside could break. These tiny springs help bring the lever of the handle to a horizontal position, and without them your doors will not lock properly.
Modern uPVC handles are made with these cassettes built directly into the backplate. These springs are typically integrated into older uPVC door mechanisms. This isn't something that can be fixed by yourself, but it is worth getting your locksmith to look as this could be the cause of the drooping or sagging uPVC door handles .
The most common issue with uPVC handles is that they loosen over time. This is usually caused by worn out springs, which are simple to fix. This is typically caused by excessive handling of the handle. The square spindle of the handle will wear down and causes the springs to move.
In order to rectify this issue, open the door and loosen the fixing screws at the back of the handle plate. This can be done using the Philips screwdriver and once the screws are removed, the handle can be removed and the handle plates pulled apart with care. The springs are able to be removed and replaced with new ones.
This is a crucial point to remember when purchasing a new handle. This measurement is referred to as the PZ measure. It is recommended that this is measured using an accurate tape measure to ensure accuracy.
After replacing the springs you should be able to use the handle with no issues. It's worth lubricating your internal mechanism to ensure that everything is working exactly as it should. This will not only ensure that your uPVC doors are as secure as possible but will also make them more comfortable to use for a long time.
Handles that slide around
Handles that slide can be caused by many things. One of the most frequent causes is when the levers of the handle are not 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 because they are often made from cheaper materials that don't resist the elements.
A professional can fix this issue by re-aligning the handles to ensure they are in line with the lock. They'll also inspect the lock itself to determine what needs fixing. In most cases, a small modification to the springs of the handle is enough to solve this problem.
It's easy to replace your uPVC handle, but you need to measure the handle that you are replacing to ensure that the new one is the correct size. You'll need to take measurements of the distance between the two fixing screws, and the dimensions of the lever as well as the key-hole position. Then, make use of this uPVC handles size guide to locate an appropriate replacement for your home.
After you've taken the measurements, you can remove the existing uPVC handle. This is typically quite simple and requires just a screwdriver reach the screws that are on the inside of the door. Once the screws are removed, you'll need to unscrew the handle and then install the new handle.
It is essential to secure the door with an appropriate wedge prior to beginning. This will prevent it from closing during the course of your work. Once the handle is removed you'll be able to get to the inside of the door to fix the issues that are causing it to sag.
A handyman from Fantastic Services will be able to assist you if want to do the job yourself or don't have the skills. They will employ special locks to unlock the doors without damaging the door. They will then replace the damaged handle and ensure that everything works just as it should.
Gearbox damaged
A damaged gearbox can cause the upvc handle to become stiff and lose its function. The lock may also not be able to be opened by the use of a key. This is extremely dangerous and should be addressed 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 know-how to get the job done right.
The first step is to remove the handle from the cover plate. You can do this with a screwdriver that has flat-headed tips. Once you have removed the handle, you are able to remove the middle screw that holds the barrel in place. After removing the middle screw, you'll be able to loosen the two screws that are holding the barrel. Then, you can remove the barrel away from the door. To do this, you will need someone to prop the door wide open.
After taking the cylinder off, you can replace with a brand new cylinder. Make sure the new cylinder has the same size as the previous one. You might have an incorrectly aligned handle. This could cause a range of issues, including leaks and draughts.
Many upvc door handles have slots that allow for adjustment. These slots can be used to tighten and loosen the handle. These are usually located on the inside of the door, near where the handle meets the cylinder. Allen wrenches can be used to tighten the slots for adjustment. After you've made the required adjustments, you can screw the handle back in and put it back in its place. Then, you can test the handle and make sure it works correctly.
If the door handle made of upvc becomes loose or floppy when it is closed, this is usually a sign that the gearbox in the upvc has failed or the internal spring components are in the process of breaking down. This could cause the multipoint lock from upvc to fail and leave your door open to intruders. If this happens, it will be necessary to replace the gearbox. This will cost between PS145 - PS280, including labour.