Choosing the Right UPVC Door Handle Replacement
Replacing the handles on your doors made of upvc is a relatively simple job but picking the right handle can be tricky. Modern double glazed handles are equipped with spring cassettes, but older handles don't.
If the upvc handle of your multipoint lock is sloppy and floppy, there could be an internal problem. This article will address several possible problems & their causes.
Handles that slide or drop
UPVC handles can withstand wear and tear, especially in older properties. The most common reason that handles become floppy is because of a broken spring cassette inside the door lever. This is due to excessive force and the spindle that holds the cassette could be dislocated or rounded.
It is good to be aware that a uPVC handle replacement can be accomplished in a matter of minutes. The first step is to remove the old handle unit. To remove it, you must unscrew the fixing screws visible on the backside of the lever. Once the handles have been removed, you can unscrew and replace the cassette.
There is a wide selection of uPVC door handles to choose from online and many of them come in a variety of 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 Resista, Stainless Steel, or PVD are designed to resist corrosion and last up to 25 years.
Once you have selected the color or style, you can choose the type of handle you need. The most popular types are lever and pad arrangement. Lever pads are typically used to stop access from unauthorised people. They feature both a lever inside and a paddle on the outside.
Then, take a measurement and note the dimensions of the handle you have. You'll need to determine the PZ dimension, which is the distance between the screw hole and the middle of the lever. It is also important to be aware of how the handle's length is and the dimensions of its keyhole. Once you have these measurements, you can then compare these to the handle sizes matrix to determine the appropriate replacement.
Broken springs
Over time uPVC door handles may become wobbly or loose and at times the spring cassette inside could break. The tiny springs move the lever to a horizontal position. without them, doors will not 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 isn't something that can be fixed by yourself but it's worth contacting your locksmith to take a look as this could be the cause of the drooping or sagging uPVC door handles.
One of the most frequent issues with uPVC door handles is that they become loose or wobbly over time. This is usually due to worn out springs that can be an easy fix. This is usually caused by excessive handling of the handle. The square spindle of the handle will wear out, which causes the springs to move.
To correct this, you'll need to open the door and unscrew the fixing screws at the back of the handle plate. This can be done with a Philips screwdriver. After the screws are removed, the handle can then be removed. The plates for the handle are then able to be gently taken apart. The springs that were used before can be removed and replaced with new springs.
This is important to note when purchasing a new handle. This measurement is known as the PZ measure and it is recommended that this is taken with an accurate tape measure to ensure accuracy.
After replacing the springs you should be able to use the handle with no issues. But, it's worth lubricating the mechanism inside to make sure that everything is working just as it should. This will not only ensure that your uPVC doors are as secure as they can be but also makes them more comfortable to operate in the long run.
Handles that slide around
Handles that slide are caused by a variety of things. One of the most frequent causes is that the levers of the handle aren't aligned with the lock. This can happen with both uPVC and composite doors, but it is usually more noticeable on older doors since they are usually made of cheaper materials that don't stand up well to the elements.
A professional can address this issue by re-aligning the handles to ensure they are in line with the lock. They'll also examine the lock to determine whether anything requires fixing. In many cases, a minor adjustment to the springs of the handle can fix 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 take measurements of the distance between the two screws, as well as the dimensions of the keyhole and lever, as well as the distance between them. You can then make use of this uPVC handles size guide to find the right replacement for your home.
Once you have the measurements The next step is to eliminate the existing uPVC handles. It's usually a straightforward procedure that requires only the use of a screwdriver. After the screws have been removed, you'll need to unscrew the handle and then install the new one.
Before you start making any changes, make sure that the door is held open with a door wedge to prevent it from closing during the course of your work. After the handle has been removed it is now possible to access the underlying parts of the door to address the issues that cause it to slide.
A handyman from Fantastic Services will be able to assist you if want to tackle the task yourself or don't have the skills. They will employ specialist lock picking techniques to open the doors without damaging the door. Then they will replace the broken handle and make sure everything works just as it should.
Gearbox damaged
A damaged gearbox could cause the upvc door handle to become stiff or lose its function. This could prevent the lock from being able to be opened using keys. This can be very dangerous and should be dealt with promptly. If you are unable to solve the issue on your own it is essential to contact a locksmith as they are experts and have the 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 equipped with flat heads. After you have removed the handle, you are able to remove the middle screw that holds the barrel in place. After you have removed the middle screw, you can then loosen the two screws that secure the barrel. Then you can pull the barrel from the door. To accomplish this, you'll require someone to hold the door open.
After removing the cylinder and replacing it with a brand new cylinder. It is important to ensure that the new cylinder is the same size as the previous one. You may end up with an improperly aligned handle. This could cause a range of issues, including leaks and draughts.
A lot of doors made of upvc have adjustable slots which can be used to tighten or loosen the handle. They are typically located on the inside of the door close to where the handle meets the cylinder. The slots for adjustment can be tightened with an allen wrench. After you've made all the necessary adjustments then you can screw the handle back in and put it back in its place. Then, you can test the handle to ensure it works correctly.
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 been damaged or the internal spring components are in the process of breaking down. This could cause your multipoint locks made of upvc to fail, leaving your door wide open to intrusion. If this occurs, it is necessary to replace the gearbox. This will cost between PS145-PS280 including labor.