Choosing upvc door handle www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk
Replacing the handles on your doors made of upvc is relatively easy however choosing the right handle can be tricky. Modern double-glazed handles have spring cassettes built into the handles, but older ones don't.
If your upvc handle is loose and floppy, there could be an issue with the internal components of the multipoint lock. This article will cover a number of potential problems & their causes.
Sagging or drooping handles
UPVC handles are prone to wear and tear, especially in older properties. The most common reason a handle becomes floppy is because of a broken spring cassette inside the door lever. This is usually due to excessive force and the square spindle that supports the cassette may be displaced or round off.
The good news is that a uPVC door handle replacement is a relatively simple job and can be done in just a few minutes. The first step is removing the handle unit that was previously used. To do this, unscrew the fixing screws that are visible on the back of the handle lever. After the handles have been removed, you can remove the cassette from the square spindle and replace it with an entirely new one.
Online you can choose from a range of uPVC handles, many of which come in a variety of finishes. The finish you select will determine the durability of your handle and how easy it will be to clean. Finishes like PVD, Stainless Steel or Resista are designed to withstand corrosion and will last for up to 25 years.
Once you have selected a colour or style you can then choose the kind of handle you want. The most commonly used types are lever and pad arrangements. Lever pads are equipped with a lever inside and an outside paddle and are often used as a security feature to prevent unauthorised access.
Then, you should measure and note the dimensions of the handle you currently have. You will need to measure the PZ dimension which is the distance between the screw hole and the center of your lever. You'll also need to be aware of how long the handle is and the size of its keyhole. You can compare the measurements to the handle size matrix to determine the correct replacement.
Broken springs
Over time, handles made of uPVC may become wobbly or loose. The spring cassette could also break. These little springs help to bring the lever of the handle to a horizontal position. without them, doors won't be able to lock properly.
Modern uPVC handles have these cassettes incorporated directly into the back plate. However older uPVC doors often contain these springs within 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 at this as it could be the cause of the drooping or sagging uPVC door handles.
One of the most common issues that is commonly encountered with uPVC door handles is that they become unstable or wobbly after a certain period of time, and this is typically due to worn-out springs, which is a relatively simple fix. The reason for this is usually excessive handling of the handle. The square spindle of the handle wears down, which causes the springs to move.
To correct this you will need to open the door and remove the fixing screws on the back of the handle plate. This can be done with the help of a Philips screwdriver. After the screws are removed the handle can be taken off. The handle plates can then be carefully pulled apart. You can then remove the old springs and replace them with new springs.
This is important to note when buying a replacement handle. This measurement is known as the PZ and it is crucial to use a measuring tape that is calibrated for an accurate reading.
After replacing the springs you will be able to operate the handle with no issues. It is important to oil your internal mechanism to ensure that everything is working just as it should. This will not just ensure that your uPVC doors are as safe as they can be but also makes them more comfortable to operate for a long time.
Handles that slide around
Handles that slide can be caused by many things. One of the most common causes is that the levers of the handle are not aligned with the lock. This is a problem that can occur on uPVC doors as well as composite doors. However, it's more evident on older doors as they are constructed of lower quality materials that do not hold up to the elements.
A professional can address this issue by rearranging the handles so that they are in line with the lock. They'll also examine the lock to see whether there's anything that requires fixing. In many cases, a minor adjustment to the springs of the handle will solve this problem.
It's easy to replace your uPVC handle, but you need to measure the existing handle to ensure that the replacement is of the right size. You'll need to take measurements of the distance between the two fixing screws, and the dimensions of the lever and key hole position. Then, make use of this uPVC handles size guide to find an appropriate replacement for your home.
Once you have the measurements, the next step is to remove the old uPVC handles. It's usually a simple process and only requires an screwdriver. After the screws have been removed, you'll have to remove the handle and then install the new handle.
Before you start making any changes, make sure that the door is securely open using a wedge to stop it from closing during the course of your work. After you have removed the handle, you can inspect the components underneath the door that cause the door to slip.
A handyman from Fantastic Services will be able to assist you if want to do the job yourself or aren't confident enough. They will employ sophisticated lock picking techniques to open the doors without damaging the door. They will then replace the broken handle and ensure that everything is working just as it should.
Gearbox damaged
A damaged gearbox could cause the upvc door handle to become stiff or lose functionality. This could prevent the lock from being able to be opened with the use of a key. This could be dangerous and should be addressed as soon as possible. It is important to call a locksmith if you are unable to solve the issue yourself. They have the tools and expertise to get the job done right.
The first step is to remove the handle from the cover plate. You can do this with the help of a screwdriver with flat-headed tips. After you remove the handle, you need to remove the middle screw that is holding the barrel. After you have removed the middle screw you'll be able to loosen the two screws which hold the barrel. You can then pull the barrel out of the door. You'll have to prop the door open to accomplish this, so make sure to have someone available to assist you.
After you have removed the cylinder you can replace it with a new cylinder. It is crucial to make sure that the new cylinder is the exact size as the previous one. You might end up with an incorrectly aligned handle. This can lead to a number of problems such as leaks and drafts.
Most door handles made of upvc feature slots that allow for adjustment. These slots can be used to tighten and loosen the handle. These slots are usually found on the inside of the doors, near the spot where the handle joins the cylinder. The adjustment slots can be tightened by using an allen wrench. Once you've made the necessary adjustments, you can screw the handle back in and then put it back into place. You can then test the handle to ensure it is working as expected.
If the door handle of upvc is loose or sloppy when closed, it's usually an indication that the upvc gearbox has failed or the internal spring components are in the process of breaking down. This can cause your upvc multipoint locks to fail, leaving your door wide open to intrusion. If this occurs, it will be necessary to replace the gearbox. The cost will range from PS145 to PS280 with the labor included.