Choosing the Right UPVC Door Handle Replacement
Replacing your upvc door handles is an easy task but selecting the correct handle can be difficult. Modern double-glazed handles come with spring cassettes, whereas older handles aren'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 and their causes.
Handles that slide or drop
UPVC handles can withstand wear and tear, especially in older properties. A broken spring cassette in the door lever is the most typical reason for a handle that is floppy. This is usually due to excessive force, and the square spindle which holds the cassette can become displaced or round off.
The good news is that replacing the door handle made of uPVC is a fairly simple task and can be completed in just a few minutes. The first step is to disassemble the old handle unit by unscrewing the fixing screws that are visible on the back of the handle lever plate. After the handles have been removed, you can unscrew and replace the cassette.
You can find a wide variety of uPVC door handles to choose from on the internet and a lot of them come in different finishes. The finish you choose 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 made to withstand corrosion and last up to 25 years.
After you have selected a colour or design, you can select the kind of handle that you need. The most popular are pad and lever arrangements. Lever pads are commonly used to block access by unauthorised persons. They are equipped with an inside lever and a paddle outside.
The next step is to measure the dimensions of your existing handle and record them. You will need to know the PZ dimension (the distance from the screw hole to the middle of the lever) and the length of the handle as well as the size of the keyhole. You can compare these measurements to the handle size matrix to find the right replacement.
Broken springs
Over time, uPVC handles can become loose or wobbly. The spring cassette could also break. These little springs help to bring the handle lever to a horizontal position. without them your doors will not lock properly.
Modern uPVC handles come with these cassettes built into the back plate. However older uPVC doors often have these springs built into the actual lock mechanism. It's not something you can fix by yourself, but it's worth having your locksmith examine the situation as this could be the reason for the loosening of uPVC handles.
The most common problem associated with uPVC handles is that they loosen over time. This is usually due to worn-out springs that are simple to fix. The majority of the time, this is caused by excessive use of the handle, and because of that, the square spindle within the handle will wear away and the springs will move out of place.
To correct this you will need to open the door and remove the fixing screws at the back of the handle plate. This can be accomplished using a Philips screwdriver. After the screws have been removed the handle can be taken off. The plates for the handle are then able to be gently removed. The springs are able to 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 crucial to know prior to purchasing a replacement. This measurement is referred to as the PZ measure. It is recommended that this measurement is done using an accurate tape measure in order to be accurate.
After replacing the springs you should be able to operate the handle with no issues. It is important to oil your internal mechanism to make sure that everything is functioning exactly as it should. This will not just ensure that your uPVC doors are as secure as possible but also makes them more comfortable to use over time too.
Handles that slide around
Handles that slide can be caused by many things. One of the most common causes is when the levers of the handle are not aligned with the lock. This can happen on both uPVC and composite doors, but is usually more noticeable on older doors as they are typically made of cheaper materials that don't stand up well to the elements.
This issue can be fixed by a professional who will re-align the handles and make sure they're in line with the door lock. They will also look at the lock itself to determine what requires fixing. In most cases, a simple tweak to the handle springs is enough to solve this problem.
It's simple to replace your uPVC handle, but you need to measure the handle that you are replacing to ensure that the replacement is the correct size. upvc replacement door handles 'll need to determine the distance between the two fixing screws as well as the dimensions of the lever and key hole position. Then, utilize this uPVC handles size guide to locate a replacement for your home.
Once you have the measurements, the next step is to take off the existing uPVC handles. It's usually a simple procedure that requires only the use of a screwdriver. Once the screws are removed, you'll have to remove the handle and then replace the new handle.
Before starting, it's worth ensuring that the door is securely open by a wedge to prevent it from closing in the middle of your work. After removing the handle, you'll be able to access the parts underneath the door that are causing the door to slide.
A handyman from Fantastic Services will be able assist if you don't want to tackle the task yourself or don't have the skills. They will use specialist locksmith techniques to unlock the door without causing any damage and will then replace the damaged handle, ensuring that everything is working exactly as it should.
Damaged gearbox
A damaged gearbox could cause the upvc door handle to become stiff or lose its function. This can also prevent the lock from being able be opened with the use of a key. This can be very dangerous and should be addressed as soon as possible. It is crucial to contact an expert locksmith if you can't solve the issue on your own. They have the equipment and knowledge 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 will be able to take out the middle screw that holds the cylinder in place. Once you have removed the middle screw, you will then loosen the two screws that hold the barrel. Then you can take the barrel from the door. You'll need to prop the door open to accomplish this, so be sure that you have someone to help.
After removing the cylinder you can replace it with a new cylinder. Make sure the new cylinder has the same dimensions as the old one. You could end up with an improperly aligned handle. This can lead to various issues, including leaks and drafts.
Most door handles made of upvc feature slots for adjustment. These slots can be used to tighten and loosen the handle. These slots are usually located on the inside of doors, close to the point where the handle connects with the cylinder. Allen wrenches can be used to tighten the slots for adjustment. Once you've made the necessary adjustments, you can screw the handle into and then put it back into position. Then, you can test the handle to be sure that it's functioning properly.
If the door handle made of upvc becomes loose or floppy when it is closed, it's usually an indication that the upvc gearbox has failed or the internal spring components are breaking down. This can cause the upvc multipoint lock to fail and leave your door open to intruders. If this happens, it will be necessary to replace the gearbox. This will cost between PS145 to PS280 inclusive of labour.