Choosing the Right UPVC Door Handle Replacement
Replacing your door handles made of upvc is an easy task but picking the right handle can be difficult. upvc door handles glazed handles include spring cassettes within them, however older models don't have.
If your upvc handle seems loose and floppy there may be an issue with the internal components of the multipoint lock. This article will discuss the various possible issues and their causes.
Sagging or drooping handles
UPVC handles can withstand wear and tear, particularly in older properties. The most frequent reason handles become floppy is because of a broken spring cassette inside the door lever. This is caused by a lot of force and the square spindle that holds the cassette may be moved or turned round.
The good news is that replacing the door handle with uPVC is a fairly simple task and can be accomplished in just a few minutes. The first step is to disassemble the handle unit that was previously installed by removing the fixing screws visible on the back of the lever plate. After the handles have been removed, you can unscrew and replace the cassette.
On the internet, you can select from a wide selection of uPVC handles available 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 designed to resist corrosion and will last up to 25 years.
After you have selected a colour or style, you can select the kind of handle that you need. The most popular types are pad and lever arrangements. Lever pads are equipped with an inside lever and a paddle on the outside and are often employed as a security measure to block access by unauthorised persons.
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 centre of your lever. You will also need to be aware of how the handle's length is and the size of its keyhole. Once you have the measurements you can then compare them to the handle sizes matrix to find the correct replacement.
Broken springs
Over time, handles made of uPVC can become wobbly or loose. The spring cassette could also break. These tiny springs help move the lever into a horizontal position and without them, doors won't be able to lock properly.
Modern uPVC handles are constructed with these cassettes built directly into the backplate. However older uPVC doors often contain these springs within the lock mechanism. This isn't something you can be fixed by yourself but it is worth getting your locksmith to take a look at as this could be the reason behind the drooping or sagging uPVC door handles.
The most common problem associated with uPVC handles is that they tend to loosen over time. This is usually due to worn-out springs that are simple to fix. This is typically caused by excessive handling of the handle. The square spindle inside the handle will wear down and cause the springs to move.
To fix this, you will need open the door to the handle plate, then unwind all the screws. This can be accomplished using the Philips screwdriver and 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 springs.
This is a crucial point to remember when buying a replacement handle. This measurement is referred to as the PZ measure. It is recommended that this measurement is taken with a calibrated tape measure to ensure accuracy.
After replacing the springs, you will be able to operate the handle without any issues. It's worth lubricating the internal mechanism to make sure that everything is functioning as it should. This will not just ensure that your uPVC doors are as secure as they can be but also makes them more comfortable to use for a long time.
Handles that slide around
Handles that slide are caused by a variety of 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 doors as well as composite doors. However, it is more evident on older doors since they are made of cheaper materials that don't stand up to the elements.
A professional can fix this issue by rearranging the handles to ensure they are aligned with the lock. They'll also inspect the lock to determine whether anything requires fixing. In many cases, a slight adjustment to the springs of the handle will solve this problem.
Changing your uPVC door handle is easy enough, but you need to measure the handles that are in use to make sure you have the proper size replacement. You'll need to measure the distance between the two fixing screws, and the dimensions of the lever as well as the key-hole position. You can then use this uPVC handle size guide to determine the appropriate replacement for your home.
After you've taken the measurements, remove the existing uPVC handle. It's usually a simple process and only requires the use of a screwdriver. Once the screws are removed, you'll need to remove the handle and then put in the new one.
It is essential to secure the door using an appropriate wedge prior to beginning. This will stop it from closing during the course of your work. After you remove the handle, you will be able to access the parts underneath the door that cause the door to move.
A handyman from Fantastic Services will be able to help if you don't want to tackle the task yourself or aren't confident enough. They will employ specialist locksmith techniques to open the door without causing any damage and then replace the faulty handle and make sure that everything is in place and functioning just as it should.
Gearbox damage
A damaged gearbox may cause the handle made of upvc to become stiff and lose function. The lock may also not be able to be opened with keys. This is extremely dangerous and should be dealt with as soon as is possible. If you are unable to solve the problem yourself it is essential to contact a locksmith as they have the expertise and tools to complete the task properly.
The first step is removing the handle from the cover plate. You can do this using the help of a screwdriver with an angled tip. After removing the handle, you need to remove the middle screw which holds the cylinder. Once you have removed the middle screw, you can then loosen the two screws that hold the barrel. Then you can take the barrel out of the door. To do this, you will need someone to prop the door wide.
After you have removed the cylinder you can replace it with a new cylinder. It is essential to make sure that the new cylinder is the same size as the old one. Otherwise, you could end up with a handle that isn't aligned properly. This can lead to a myriad of issues, including leaks and draughts.
A lot of door handles made of upvc have slots for adjustment. These slots can be used to tighten or loosen the handle. The slots are typically located on the inside of the doors, near the spot where the handle meets with the cylinder. Allen wrenches can be used to tighten the slots for adjustment. After you've made the required adjustments, you can screw the handle in and put it back in position. Then, you'll be able to test the handle to make sure that it is working properly.
The door handle made of upvc that becomes loose when closed is usually an indication that the gearbox or internal spring components have broken down. This can cause the multipoint lock made of upvc to fail and leave your door open to intruders. If this occurs, it is necessary to replace the gearbox. It will cost between PS145 and PS280 including labor.