Choosing the Right UPVC Door Handle Replacement
Replacing your upvc door handles is a relatively simple job however choosing the right handle can be difficult. Modern double glazed handles are fitted with spring cassettes, but older handles do not.
If your upvc handle seems loose and floppy, there could be an issue with the internal parts of the multipoint lock. This article will look at a number of possible causes and the potential solutions.
Handles that slide or drop
uPVC handles can sustain wear and tear, especially in older properties. The most common reason that a handle becomes floppy is due to a damaged spring cassette within the door lever. This is caused by excessive force and the spindle that holds the cassette may be displaced or turned round.
It is good to know that a uPVC handle replacement can be done in a matter of minutes. The first step is to take off the old handle by unscrewing the fixing screws that are visible on the side of the lever plate. After the handles have been removed, you can unscrew and replace the cassette.
On the internet, you can select from a range of uPVC handles available in different finishes. The finish you choose will determine how long your handle will last and how easy it is to keep clean. Finishes like Resista, Stainless Steel, or PVD are designed to resist corrosion and last up to 25 years.
After choosing a color or design, you can choose the type of handle you want. The most commonly used types are lever and pad arrangements. Lever pads are equipped with a lever inside and an outside paddle, this is often used as a security device to prevent unauthorised access.
The next step is to determine the dimensions of your current handle and note them down. You'll need to measure the PZ dimension which is the distance between the screw hole and the middle of your lever. You'll also need to be aware of how long the handle is as well as the dimensions of its keyhole. You can compare the measurements to the handle size matrix to determine the correct replacement.
Broken springs
Over time, uPVC handles can become wobbly or loose. The spring cassette could also break. The springs are used to align the handle lever in a horizontal direction. Without them, your doors will not lock properly.
Modern uPVC handles are made with these cassettes integrated directly into the backplate. These springs are typically built into older uPVC door mechanisms. This isn't something you can be fixed by yourself but it's worth asking your locksmith to take a look at this as it could be the reason behind the sagging or drooping uPVC door handles.
The most common issue with uPVC handles is that they tend to loosen as time passes. This is usually due to worn-out springs that are easy to repair. Most often, this is caused by excessive use of the handle, and as a result, the square spindle within the handle will wear out, causing the springs to be displaced.
In order to rectify this issue, open the door and unscrew the fixing screws at the back of the handle plate. repairmywindowsanddoors can be done with the help of a Philips screwdriver. After the screws are removed the handle can be taken off. The plates for the handle can then be taken apart. The springs that were used before can be removed and replaced with new springs.
Depending on the kind of handle you have the distance between the two fixing screws may differ and it is crucial to know prior to purchasing an alternative. This measurement is called the PZ and it is essential to use a calibrated measuring tape to ensure an accurate reading.
After replacing the springs, you will be able to operate the handle without issue. It is recommended to lubricate the internal mechanism to ensure that everything is operating exactly as it should. This will ensure that your uPVC door is as safe as it can be, and also make them more comfortable in the long run.
Handles that slide around
Handles that slide around could be caused by a variety different reasons. One of the most common causes is when the levers of the handle aren't aligned correctly with the lock. This is a problem that can occur with both uPVC and composite doors, but is typically more evident on older doors as they are often made from less durable materials that don't hold up to the elements.
A professional can solve this issue by re-aligning the handles to ensure they are aligned with the lock. They'll also examine the lock to see if there is anything that requires 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 However, you must take measurements of the handle you have to ensure that the replacement is of the right size. You'll need to determine the distance between the two fixing screws as well as the dimensions of the lever and key hole position. Then, you can utilize this uPVC handle size guide to find the correct replacement for your home.
After you have taken the measurements, you can remove the old 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 have to remove the handle and then put in the new one.
Before you begin making any changes, make sure that the door is securely open with a door wedge to stop it from closing in the middle of your work. After you have removed the handle, you will be able to inspect the components underneath the door that are causing the door to slip.
If you don't have the patience or nerves to tackle this job yourself, a handyman from Fantastic Services can help. They will employ sophisticated locks to open the doors without causing damage. They will then replace the damaged handle and make sure everything works exactly as it should.
Gearbox damage
A damaged gearbox may cause the upvc door handle to become stiff or lose function. The lock may also be unable to be opened using a key. This could be dangerous and should be addressed as soon as possible. It is crucial to contact a locksmith if you are unable to solve the issue yourself. They have the tools and expertise to do the job right.
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 removing the handle, take out the middle screw that holds the cylinder. After removing the middle screw, you will be able to loosen the two screws that secure the barrel. Then, you can remove the barrel out of the door. You'll have to open the door to accomplish this, so be sure to have someone available to help.
Once you have removed your cylinder from the handle, you can replace it with a new one. It is important to make sure that the new cylinder is the exact size as the old one. Otherwise, you could end up with an unaligned handle correctly. This can lead to a number of problems such as leaks and draughts.
A lot of door handles made of upvc have slots that allow for adjustment. These slots can be used to tighten or loosen the handle. These are usually located on the inside of the door close to where the handle is connected to the cylinder. Allen wrenches can be used to tighten the adjustment slots. Once you have made the adjustments you can place the handle back on & screw it in. You can then test the handle and make sure it functions as intended.
The door handle of upvc becoming loose when closed is typically an indication that the spring or gearbox components have failed. This can cause the multipoint lock from upvc to fail, leaving your door open to intrusion. If this happens, it will be necessary to replace the upvc gearbox. This will cost between PS145 between PS145 and PS280, including labour.