Choosing the Right UPVC Door Handle Replacement
Replacing the handles on your doors made of upvc is relatively easy but selecting the correct handle can be tricky. Modern double glazed handles are equipped with spring cassettes, whereas older handles do not.
If your upvc handle seems loose and floppy there may be an issue with the internal parts of the multipoint lock. This article will discuss a number of potential problems & their causes.
Handles that are drooping or sagging
UPVC handles are prone to wear and tear. This is especially true in older properties. The most frequent reason handles become floppy is due to a damaged spring cassette in the door lever. This is typically caused by excessive force, and the square spindle that holds the cassette can become displaced or the cassette can be rounded off.
The good news is that a uPVC door handle replacement is an easy task and can be completed within a couple of minutes. The first step is to take off the old handle unit by removing the fixing screws visible on the back of the lever plate. Once the handles have been removed, you can remove the screws and replace the cassette.
On the internet, you can pick from a range of uPVC handles, many of which come with different finishes. Choosing the right finish will determine how long the 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 selecting a colour or design, you can choose the type of handle that you need. The most popular types are pad and lever arrangements. Lever pads have a lever inside and an outside paddle which is typically used as a security feature to block access by unauthorised persons.
Then, take a measurement and record the dimensions of the handle you have. You'll need the PZ dimension (the distance from the screw hole to the centre of the lever), the length of the handle, and the size of the keyhole. You can compare the measurements with the handle size matrix to determine the appropriate replacement.
Broken springs
Over time, uPVC handles can become wobbly or loose. The spring cassette might also break. These tiny springs help bring the lever of the handle into a horizontal position and without them, your doors won't lock properly.
Modern uPVC handles have these cassettes built directly into the back plate. However, older uPVC doors usually have these springs built into the lock mechanism. This isn't something you can be fixed by yourself, but it's worth asking your locksmith to take a look as this could be the cause of the drooping or sagging uPVC door handles.
The most common problem with uPVC handles is that they loosen as time passes. This is usually due to worn-out springs, which are easy to repair. This is typically caused by excessive handling of the handle. The square spindle inside the handle wears down and cause the springs to move.
To fix this, you'll need to open the door and remove the fixing screws on the back of the handle plate. This can be done by using a Philips screwdriver. Once the screws are removed the handle can be removed and the handle plates ripped apart with care. You can then remove the old springs and replace them with fresh springs.
This is important to note when purchasing a new handle. This measurement is referred to as the PZ measure and it is recommended that this measurement is measured using an accurate tape measure to ensure accuracy.
After reinstalling the springs, you will be able to operate the handle with no issues. It's worth lubricating the internal mechanism to ensure that everything is working as it should. This will not only ensure that your uPVC doors are as secure as possible but will also make them more comfortable to operate for a long time.
Handles that slide around
Handles that slide could be caused by many things. One of the most frequent causes is that the levers of the handle aren't aligned with the lock. This can happen with uPVC doors as well as composite doors. However, it's more noticeable on older doors since they are constructed of lower quality materials that aren't able to stand up to the elements.
A professional can solve this problem by realigning the handles to ensure they are aligned with the lock. They will also check the lock to see if anything is required to be fixed. In many cases, a small adjustment to the handle springs can fix the issue.
Switching your uPVC door handle is easy enough, but it's important to measure the measurements of the handles that are in use to make sure you have the right size replacement. You will need to measure the distance between two screws, the dimensions of the keyhole as well as the lever, as well as the distance between them. Then, you can utilize this uPVC handle size guide to locate the correct replacement for your home.
After you've taken the measurements, you can remove the old uPVC handle. This is usually fairly straightforward and requires a screwdriver to reach the screws on the inside of the door. After the screws are removed, you can remove the handle and then move onto installing the new handle.
It is important to secure the door using a wedge before you begin. This will prevent it from closing during the course of your work. After you have removed the handle, you will be able to access the parts beneath the door that cause the door to move.
A handyman from Fantastic Services will be able assist if you don't want to do the work yourself or aren't confident enough. They will use specialist locksmith opening methods to open the door without causing any damage and then replace the faulty handle, making sure everything is in place and working as it should be.
Damaged gearbox
A damaged gearbox can cause the upvc door handle to become stiff or lose its functionality. This can also prevent the lock from being able be opened with the use of a key. This could be dangerous and must be addressed as quickly as is feasible. If you're unable to solve the issue on your own it is crucial to contact a locksmith as they have the expertise and tools to complete the task right.
The first step is to remove the handle from the cover plate. You can do this using the help of a screwdriver with an angled tip. After you have removed the handle, remove the middle screw that is holding the barrel. After taking out the middle screw, you'll be able to loosen the two screws that secure the barrel. Then, you can pull the barrel out of the door. You will have to open the door to accomplish this, so be sure to have someone available to help.
Once upvc door handle replacement gravesend repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk have removed your cylinder from the handle, you can replace it with a fresh one. It is essential to ensure that the new cylinder is the exact size as the old one. Otherwise, you could end up with a handle that isn't aligned correctly. This can cause a variety of problems, such as leaks and draughts.
Many upvc doors have adjustable slots that allow you to tighten or loosen the handle. These slots are usually located on the inside of doors, near the place where the handle connects with the cylinder. The adjustment slots can be tightened with an allen wrench. Once you have made the adjustments then you can put the handle back in place and screw it back in. After that, you can test the handle to be sure that it is working properly.
If the upvc door handle 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 in the process of breaking down. This could cause your upvc multipoint locks to fail, leaving your door wide open to intruders. In this scenario the upvc gearbox must be replaced. The cost will range from PS145 to PS280 with the labor included.