Watch Out: How Upvc Door Handle Replacement Is Taking Over And What You Can Do About It

Choosing the Right UPVC Door Handle Replacement

It's easy to replace your upvc handles however choosing the best handle can be a bit difficult. Modern double-glazed handles are equipped with spring cassettes, but older handles aren't.

If the handle of your upvc is loose and floppy, it could be an issue with the internal components of the multipoint lock. This article will discuss the various possible issues and their causes.

Sagging or drooping handles

UPVC handles can withstand wear and tear, especially in older properties. upvc door handle replacement broken spring cassette inside the door lever is the most typical cause of a floppy handle. This is caused by excessive force, and the square spindle holding the cassette can be dislocated or turned round.

The good news is that replacing the door handle made of uPVC is a fairly simple task and can be completed in a matter of minutes. The first step is to remove the handle unit that was previously installed by unscrewing the fixing screws that are visible on the side of the lever plate. Once the handles are removed, you can unscrew and replace the cassette.

On the internet, you can select from a wide selection of uPVC handles that come in a variety of finishes. Selecting the right finish will determine how long your handle will last as well as how it is easy to keep clean. Finishes such as PVD, Stainless Steel or Resista are made to withstand corrosion and will last for up to 25 years.

Once you have selected the color or style, you can choose the type of handle you require. The most popular types are the lever and pad configurations. Lever pads are equipped with an inside lever and a paddle on the outside which is typically employed as a security measure to stop unauthorised access.

The next step is to measure the dimensions of your current handle and note them down. You'll 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 size of the keyhole. Once you have these measurements, you can compare them to the handle sizes matrix to find the correct replacement.

Broken springs

Over time uPVC door handles can get loose or wobbly and at times the spring cassette inside might break. The tiny springs bring the handle lever to a horizontal position, and without them, your doors will not lock properly.

Modern uPVC handles are designed with these cassettes directly built into the backplate. These springs are typically built into older uPVC door mechanisms. This can't be fixed by yourself but it's worth asking your locksmith to look as this could be the reason for the drooping or sagging uPVC door handles.

One of the most common problems that is commonly encountered with uPVC door handles is that they get loose or wobbly with time, and this is typically due to worn-out springs, which is an easy fix. The majority of the time the reason for this is excessive use of the handle, and as a result the square spindle in the handle will wear away and cause the springs to move out of place.

To fix this issue, open the door and remove the fixing screws at the back of the handle plate. This can be accomplished using the Philips screwdriver. Once the screws have been removed, the handle can be removed and the handle plates pulled apart with care. You can then remove the springs from the old ones and replace them with new ones.

Depending on the type of handle you have the distance between the two screws can differ, and this is essential to know before buying a replacement. This measurement is referred to as the PZ and it is crucial to use a measuring tape that is calibrated for an accurate reading.

After replacing the springs you should be able to operate the handle without any issues. However, it's always recommended to lubricate the mechanism inside to make sure that everything works as it should do. This will ensure that your uPVC door is as safe as it could be, and increase their comfort in the long run.

Handles that slide around

Handles that slide can be 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 with uPVC doors and composite doors. However, it's more noticeable on older doors since they are made of cheaper materials that do not hold up to the elements.

This problem can be solved by a professional who will adjust the handles and ensure that they are in line with the door lock. They'll also inspect the lock itself to determine whether there's anything that requires fixing. In many cases, a simple adjustment to the handle springs is all that's needed to solve this problem.

It's simple to replace your uPVC handle however, you must take measurements of the handle you have to ensure that the replacement is the correct size. You'll need to determine the distance of the two screws, as well as the dimensions of the keyhole and lever, and the distance between them. You can then make use of this uPVC handles size guide to find a replacement for your home.

Once you have the measurements then the next step is to remove the current uPVC handles. It is usually quite easy and requires just a screwdriver reach the screws on the interior of the door. Once the screws have been removed, you will need to unscrew the handle and then install the new handle.

Before you start, it's worth ensuring that the door is securely open by a wedge to stop it from closing in the middle of your work. After you have removed the handle you'll be able to access the underlying parts of the door to correct the issues that cause it to sag.

If you don't have time or nerves to tackle this job yourself, a handyman from Fantastic Services can help. They will use special locks to open the doors without damaging the door. They will then replace the broken handle and make sure that everything works exactly as it should.

Gearbox damage

A damaged gearbox may cause the handle made of upvc to become stiff and lose its functionality. The lock may also not be able to be opened by keys. This can be very dangerous and should be dealt with as soon as is possible. It is crucial to contact a locksmith if you are unable to solve the issue yourself. They have the tools and know-how to get the job done right.

The first step is to take the handle from its cover plate. This can be done using a screwdriver that has flat heads. After you have removed the handle, you need to remove the middle screw which holds the barrel. After you have removed the middle screw you'll be able to loosen the two screws that hold the barrel. Then you can pull the barrel from the door. To accomplish this, you'll need someone to prop the door wide.

After you have removed the cylinder from the handle you can replace it with a fresh one. Make sure that the new cylinder is the same dimensions as the old one. Otherwise, you could end up with an unaligned handle correctly. This can lead to a myriad of problems, such as leaks and drafts.

Many upvc doors have adjustable slots that allow you to adjust the handle's tension or release. They are usually on the inside of the door near where the handle is connected to the cylinder. The slots for adjustment can be tightened using an allen wrench. Once you have made the adjustments then you can put the handle back into place and screw it back in. You can then test the handle and ensure it works correctly.

If the upvc door handle becomes floppy or loose when closed, it is typically a sign that the upvc gearbox has failed or the internal spring components are in the process of breaking down. This can cause your upvc multipoint locks to fail, leaving your door wide open to intruders. In this scenario, the upvc gearbox will require replacement. It will cost between PS145 and PS280 including labor.