Choosing the Right UPVC Door Handle Replacement
Replacing your upvc door handles is a relatively simple job however choosing the right handle can be a challenge. Modern double-glazed handles are equipped with spring cassettes, whereas older handles do not.
If your upvc handle seems loose and floppy, there could be a problem with the internal components of the multipoint lock. This article will discuss several potential problems and their causes.
Handles that are drooping or sagging
UPVC handles are prone to wear and tear. This is particularly true in older properties. The most common reason that handles become floppy is due to a broken spring cassette in the door lever. This is due to excessive force, and the square spindle that holds the cassette may be dislocated or rounded.
The good news is that a uPVC door handle replacement is a fairly simple task and can be accomplished in a matter of minutes. The first step is to remove the old handle by unscrewing the fixing screws visible on the back of the lever plate. Once the handles have been removed you can then unscrew the cassette from the square spindle and replace with an entirely new one.
You can find a wide variety of uPVC door handles to select from online and many of them come in different finishes. Selecting the right finish will determine the length of time the handle will last and how it is easy to keep clean. Finishes like PVD, Stainless Steel or Resista are designed to withstand corrosion and will last up to 25 years.
After you have selected a colour or style, you are able to select the kind of handle you require. The most well-known types are pad and lever arrangements. Lever pads feature a lever on the inside and an outside paddle which is typically used as a security feature to stop unauthorised access.
The next step is to determine 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 dimensions of the keyhole. Once you know the measurements, you can compare them to the handle sizes matrix to determine the appropriate replacement.
Broken springs
Over time uPVC door handles can get loose or wobbly and sometimes the spring cassette inside could break. The tiny springs move the lever into a horizontal position and without them, doors won't be able to lock properly.
Modern uPVC handles have these cassettes incorporated directly into the back plate. However, older uPVC doors usually include these springs in the actual lock mechanism. This can't be fixed by yourself, but it's worth contacting your locksmith to look at this as it could be the reason for the drooping or sagging uPVC door handles.
The most frequent issue associated with uPVC handles is that they become loose as time passes. This is usually caused by worn-out springs that are easy to fix. The majority of the time the reason for this is excessive use of the handle, and as a result, the square spindle within the handle will wear away and the springs will shift out of position.
In order to rectify this, you'll need to open the door and remove the fixing screws on the back of the handle plate. This can be done using a Philips screwdriver. Once the screws are removed, the handle can be removed and the handle plates ripped apart carefully. The springs that were used before can be removed and replaced with new ones.
Depending on the type of handle you are using the distance between the two fixing screws can vary and this is essential to know before buying a replacement. This measurement is referred to as the PZ and it is crucial to make use of a calibrated measuring tape for an precise reading.
After replacing the springs, you should be able operate the handle with no issues. It is important to oil the internal mechanism to ensure that everything is working exactly as it should. This will not just ensure that your uPVC doors are as secure as they can be but also makes them more comfortable to operate over time too.
Handles that slide around
Handles that slide could be caused by a variety of factors. One of the most frequent causes is when the levers of the handle aren't aligned with the lock. This is a problem that can occur on uPVC doors and composite doors. However, it's more evident on older doors since they are made of less durable materials that don't stand up to the elements.
A professional can solve this issue by re-aligning the handles to ensure that they are in line with the lock. They will also look at the lock itself to see if there is anything that requires fixing. In most cases, a small modification to the springs of the handle is all it takes to fix this issue.
Changing your uPVC door handle is simple enough, but you need to take the measurements of the handles that are in use to make sure you have the proper size replacement. You'll need to determine the distance of the two screws, as well as the size of the keyhole and lever, and the distance between them. You can then utilize this uPVC handles size guide to locate an appropriate replacement for your home.
Once you have the measurements The next step is to eliminate the old uPVC handles. This is usually fairly straightforward and requires just a screwdriver reach the screws on the inside of the door. Once the screws have been removed, you will need to remove the handle and then put in the new one.
Before you start, it's worth ensuring that the door is secured open with a door wedge to prevent it from closing in the middle of your work. After you remove the handle, you can access the parts underneath the door that are causing the door to move.
If you don't have the time or nerves to tackle this task on your own, a handyman from Fantastic Services can help. They will employ special lock picking techniques to unlock the doors without creating damage. Then they will replace the broken handle and make sure everything is working just as it should.
Gearbox damage
A damaged gearbox could cause the door handle made of upvc to become stiff or lose function. This can also prevent the lock from being able to be opened with keys. This is extremely dangerous and should be dealt with as soon as possible. If you are unable resolve the issue yourself it is crucial to contact a locksmith as they have the experience and tools needed to do the job correctly.
The first step is to remove the handle from the cover plate. You can do this using the help of a screwdriver with flat-headed tips. After removing 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 take the barrel out of the door. You will have to open the door to do this, so make sure you have someone on hand to assist you.
Once you have removed the cylinder from the handle, you can replace it with a fresh one. Make door handle repairs near me that the new cylinder is the same dimensions as the old one. You could end up with an improperly aligned handle. This can lead to numerous issues, including leaks and drips.
Most door handles made of upvc feature slots that allow for adjustment. These slots can be used to tighten or loosen the handle. The slots are typically located on the inside of the doors, close to the point where the handle connects with the cylinder. Allen wrenches can be used to tighten the slots for adjustment. After you have made your adjustments you can place the handle back on and screw it back into. After that, you can test the handle to make sure it's working correctly.
If the door handle of upvc becomes loose or floppy when closed, this is usually an indication that the gearbox in the upvc has been damaged or the internal spring components are in the process of breaking down. This could cause your multipoint locks made from upvc to fail leaving your door open to burglars. In this case the gearbox made of upvc must be replaced. This will cost between PS145 - PS280, including labour.