Choosing the Right UPVC Door Handle Replacement
It's easy to replace your handles made of upvc, but choosing the right handle can be a challenge. Modern double-glazed handles come with spring cassettes in them but older ones don't.
If your upvc handle is loose and floppy there may be a problem with the internal components of the multipoint lock. This article will address several possible problems & their causes.
Handles that are drooping or sagging
UPVC handles are prone to wear and tear, particularly in older properties. A broken spring cassette inside the door lever is the most common cause of a floppy handle. This is usually due to an excessive force and the square spindle that supports the cassette could be moved or the cassette can be rounded off.
The good news is that a uPVC door handle replacement is a relatively simple job and can be completed within a couple of minutes. The first step is to remove the handle unit that was previously used. To remove it, loosen the fixing screws on the back of the handle lever. After the handles have been removed, you can then unscrew the cassette from the square spindle, and replace it with the new one.
You can find a vast selection of uPVC door handles to select from online, and many of them come in different finishes. The finish you choose will determine the longevity of your handle as well as how it will be easy to clean. Finishes like Resista, Stainless Steel, or PVD are designed to resist corrosion and last up to 25 years.
After you have chosen a colour or style you can choose the type of handle you need. The most popular types are lever and pad arrangements. Lever pads have a lever inside and a paddle on the outside and are often used as a security device to stop unauthorised access.
The next step is to determine the dimensions of your existing handle and write them down. You will need to know 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 to the handle size matrix to find the correct replacement.
Broken springs
Over time, the handles of uPVC doors are prone to becoming wobbly or loose and sometimes the spring cassette inside may break. These springs are used to make sure that the lever of the handle is in a horizontal position. Without them, your doors will not lock properly.
Modern uPVC handles have these cassettes built directly into the back plate. However older uPVC doors often have these springs built into the lock mechanism. It is not something you can repair by yourself, but it's worthwhile to have your locksmith examine the issue as it could be the reason for the sagging uPVC handles.
One of the most frequent problems associated with uPVC door handles is that they get unstable or wobbly after a certain period of time, and this is usually due to worn out springs, which is a relatively simple fix. This is typically caused by excessive handling of the handle. The square spindle in the handle will wear down and cause the springs to move.
To fix this issue, you'll have to open the door to the handle plate and unscrew all the screws. This can be done by using the Philips screwdriver and once the screws are removed, the handle can be removed and the handle plates pulled apart carefully. The springs that were used before can be removed and replaced with new springs.
This is important to note when purchasing a replacement handle. This measurement is referred to as the PZ measure and it is recommended that this is done using a calibrated tape measure in order to be accurate.
After replacing the springs you should be able to use the handle with no issues. However, it's always worth lubricating the mechanism inside to ensure that everything works just as it should. This will not just 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 move around can be caused by a variety different reasons. One of the most frequent causes is when the levers on the handle aren't aligned properly with the lock. This can happen with both uPVC and composite doors, however it is usually more noticeable on older doors because they are usually made of 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 itself to determine whether there's anything that needs fixing. In most instances, a minor tweak to the handle springs is all that's needed to solve this problem.
It's simple to replace your uPVC handle however, you must measure the handle that you are replacing to ensure that the replacement is of the right size. door handle repair near me will need to measure the distance between two screws, the size of the keyhole and lever, as well as the distance between them. Then, utilize this uPVC handles size guide to locate an appropriate replacement for your home.
After you have taken the measurements, take off the current uPVC handle. It is usually a simple procedure that requires only an screwdriver. Once the screws have been removed, you will need to remove the handle and then install the new handle.
It is important to secure the door with a wedge before you begin. This will prevent it from closing during your work. After the handle has been removed, you can now inspect the underside of the door to fix the issues that cause it to slip.
If you don't have time or energy to tackle this job yourself, an expert handyman from Fantastic Services can help. They'll employ locksmith methods to unlock the door without causing damage and will then replace the handle that is damaged and make sure that everything is in place and working exactly as it should.
Damaged gearbox
A damaged gearbox may cause the upvc handle to become stiff and lose function. This can also prevent the lock from being able to be opened with a key. This can be dangerous and should be addressed as soon as is feasible. It is crucial to contact a locksmith if you cannot solve the issue on your own. They have the tools and expertise to do the job right.
The first step is to remove the handle from its cover plate. This can be accomplished using a screwdriver equipped with a flat head. After you remove the handle, you need to remove the middle screw which holds the barrel. After you have removed the middle screw you'll be able loosen the two screws that are holding the barrel. You can then pull the barrel away from the door. To accomplish this, you'll need someone to hold the door open.
After you have removed the cylinder, you can replace with a brand new cylinder. Make sure that the new cylinder is the same size as your old one. You might end up with an improperly aligned handle. This could lead to various issues such as leaks and drafts.
Many upvc door handles have slots that allow for adjustment. These slots can be used to tighten and loosen the handle. They are usually on the inside of the door, near where the handle joins the cylinder. The slots for adjustment can be tightened by using an allen wrench. After you have made your adjustments then you can put the handle back into place and screw it back into. After that, you can test the handle to be sure that it is working properly.
If the door handle made of upvc becomes loose or floppy when it is closed, this is usually a sign that the upvc gearbox has broken down or internal spring components are breaking down. This could cause the multipoint lock from upvc to fail and leave your door open to intruders. In this scenario, the upvc gearbox will require replacement. It will cost between PS145 and PS280, including labour.