Choosing the Right UPVC Door Handle Replacement
Replacing your door handles made of upvc is a relatively simple job however choosing the right handle can be difficult. Most 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 parts of the multipoint lock. This article will discuss several possible issues and their causes.
Sagging or drooping handles
uPVC handles can sustain wear and tear, particularly in older properties. A broken spring cassette inside the door lever is the most typical cause of a floppy handle. This is due to excessive force, and the square spindle holding the cassette can be displaced or turned round.
It is a good thing to know that a uPVC handle replacement can be accomplished in just a few minutes. The first step is to take off the old handle by unscrewing the fixing screws visible on the back of the handle lever plate. After the handles have been removed, you can remove the screws and replace the cassette.
You can find a wide range of uPVC door handles to choose from online and many of them come in different finishes. The finish you choose will determine how long your handle will last and how easy it is to keep clean. Finishes such as PVD, Stainless Steel or Resista are made to withstand corrosion and last up to 25 years.
After you have chosen the colour or style you can then select the kind of handle you want. The most well-known types are pad and lever arrangements. Lever pads are often used to stop access from unauthorised people. They have an inside lever and a paddle outside.
The next step is to determine the dimensions of your existing handle and record them. You will need to measure the PZ dimension which is the distance between the screw hole and the middle of your lever. You will also need to be aware of how the handle's length is and the size of its keyhole. You can compare these measurements to the handle size matrix to determine the correct replacement.
Broken springs
Over time uPVC door handles are prone to becoming wobbly or loose and sometimes the spring cassette inside could break. The tiny springs bring the lever of the handle to a horizontal position. without them, doors won't lock properly.
Modern uPVC handles are constructed with these cassettes integrated directly into the backplate. However, door handles repairmywindowsanddoors include these springs in the actual lock mechanism. This isn't something you can repair by yourself, but it's worth asking your locksmith to examine the situation as this could be causing the loosening of uPVC handles.
One of the most common issues that is commonly encountered with uPVC door handles is that they get loose or wobbly with time. This is typically due to worn springs which can be easily fixed. Most often the reason for this is excessive use of the handle, and because of that the square spindle in the handle will wear out and cause the springs to be displaced.
To fix this, you will have to open the door to the handle plate, then unwind all screws. This can be done using a Philips screwdriver. Once the screws are removed the handle can be removed and the plates pulled apart with care. The old springs can be removed and replaced with new ones.
Depending on the kind of handle you have the distance between the two fixing screws may differ and it is essential to know before buying the replacement. This measurement is known as the PZ measure and it is recommended that this is taken with an instrument that is calibrated in order to be accurate.
After replacing the springs, you should be able to use the handle with no problems. However, it's always recommended to lubricate the internal mechanism to make sure that everything is working as it should do. This will ensure that your uPVC door is as secure as could be, and increase their comfort in the long run.
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 can happen with uPVC doors and composite doors. However, it's more evident on older doors because 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 they are aligned with the lock. They'll also inspect the lock itself to see whether there's anything that needs fixing. In many cases, a slight adjustment to the springs of the handle can solve the issue.
It's simple to replace your uPVC handle however, you must measure the handle that you are replacing to ensure that the replacement is the correct size. You'll need to determine the distance between the two fixing screws and the dimensions of the lever and key-hole position. Then, you can 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 take off the existing uPVC handles. It is usually quite easy and requires a screwdriver to reach the screws that are on the inside of the door. After the screws have been removed, you will need to unscrew the handle and then install the new handle.
Before you start the work, you should ensure that the door is secured open using a wedge to stop it from closing during the course of your work. After you have removed the handle, you will be able to access the parts underneath the door that are causing the door to move.
A handyman from Fantastic Services will be able to assist you if want to do the work yourself or aren't confident enough. They will use specialist locksmith opening techniques to unlock the door without causing damage and then replace the damaged handle, making sure everything is working as it should be.
Damaged gearbox
A damaged gearbox could cause the upvc door handle to become stiff or lose its function. The lock may also not be able to opened with a key. This can be very dangerous and should be addressed 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 necessary to complete the task correctly.
The first step is to remove the handle from the cover plate. This can be done by using a screwdriver that has flat heads. After you have removed the handle, you can then take out the middle screw that holds the cylinder in the position. After you have removed the middle screw, you will then loosen the two screws that hold the barrel. You can then pull the barrel away from the door. You will have to open the door to accomplish this, so make sure that you have someone to help.
After taking the cylinder off, you can replace with a new cylinder. It is important to ensure that the new cylinder is the same size as the previous one. You could have an incorrectly aligned handle. This can lead to various issues that could cause leaks and draughts.
A lot of doors made of upvc have adjustable slots that can be used to adjust the handle's tension or release. These are usually located on the inside of the door close to where the handle meets the cylinder. The adjustment slots can be tightened using an allen wrench. After you've made the required adjustments, you can screw the handle in and then put it back into place. You can then test the handle and ensure it functions as intended.
The door handle made of upvc that becomes floppy when closed is usually an indication that the spring or gearbox components have failed. This could cause your multipoint locks made of upvc to fail and leave your door open to burglars. In this situation the upvc gearbox will require replacement. The cost will range from PS145 to PS280 with the labor included.