Choosing the Right UPVC Door Handle Replacement
Replacing your upvc door handles is an easy task but selecting the correct handle can be a challenge. Modern double-glazed handles come with spring cassettes, but older handles do not.
If the handle of your upvc is loose and floppy, there could be a problem 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 can withstand wear and tear, especially in older properties. The most common reason handles become floppy is because of a broken spring cassette within the door lever. This is typically caused by excessive force, and the square spindle which holds the cassette may be displaced or rounded off.
The good news is that replacing the door handle with uPVC is an easy task and can be done in a matter of minutes. The first step is to remove the old handle unit. To do this, unscrew the fixing screws visible on the back of the lever. Once the handles are removed you can then remove the cassette from the square spindle and replace with a new one.
On the internet, you can select from a wide selection of uPVC handles that come with different finishes. The finish you choose will determine the life span of your handle as well as how easy it will be to 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 are able to select the kind of handle you want. The most well-known types are pad and lever arrangements. Lever pads are equipped with a lever on the inside and an outside paddle, this is often used as a security device to stop unauthorised access.
The next step is to determine the dimensions of your existing handle and record them. You'll need to determine the PZ dimension which is the distance between the screw hole and the center of your lever. You will also need to be aware of how long the handle is as well as the dimensions of its keyhole. Once you have these measurements, you can then compare them to the handle size matrix to determine the right replacement.
Broken springs
Over time uPVC door handles are prone to becoming wobbly or loose and occasionally the spring cassette inside might break. These springs help make sure that the lever of the handle is in a horizontal position. Without them, your doors will not lock properly.
Modern uPVC handles come with these cassettes incorporated directly into the back plate. These springs are often built into older uPVC door mechanisms. It is not something you can do by yourself, but it's worth asking your locksmith to examine the situation as this could be the reason for the sagging uPVC handles.
door handle repair near me that is encountered with uPVC handles is that they loosen as time passes. This is usually due to worn-out springs, which are simple to fix. Most often the reason for this is excessive use of the handle, and as a result of that the square spindle in the handle will wear away and the springs will be displaced.
To fix this you will need to open the door and unscrew the fixing screws on the back of the handle plate. This can be done using the help of a Philips screwdriver. Once the screws have been removed, the handle can then be taken off. The handle plates 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 have the distance between the two screws can differ, and this is crucial to know prior to purchasing an alternative. This measurement is referred to as the PZ and it is important to use a measuring tape that is calibrated to ensure an precise reading.
After replacing the springs, you should be able to operate the handle without any problems. But, it's worth lubricating the mechanism inside to make sure that everything is working exactly 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 operate in the long run.
Handles that slide around
Handles that slide around could be caused by a variety of reasons, but one of the most common is when the levers on the handle aren't aligned properly with the lock. This is a problem that can occur with both uPVC and composite doors, but it is generally more noticeable on older doors because they are usually made of cheaper materials that don't hold up to the elements.
This issue can be fixed by a professional who will realign the handles and make sure they're in line with the door lock. They'll also examine the lock itself to see what requires fixing. In many cases, a minor adjustment to the springs of the handle will solve this problem.
Changing your uPVC door handle is easy enough, but it's crucial to measure the measurements of the handles you have in place to ensure you have the proper size replacement. You'll need to measure the distance between the two fixing screws and the dimensions of the lever and key-hole position. Then, you can utilize this uPVC handle size guide to find the right replacement for your home.
Once you have the measurements then the next step is to eliminate the existing uPVC handles. This is typically quite simple and requires a screwdriver to get to the screws that are on the inside of the door. After the screws have been removed, you'll need to unscrew the handle and then put in the new handle.
Before you begin the work, you should ensure that the door is held open with a door wedge to stop it from closing in the middle of your work. After you have removed the handle, you will be able to access the parts beneath the door that are causing the door to slip.
If you don't have the time or nerves to tackle this task yourself, an expert handyman from Fantastic Services can help. They will use specialist lock picking techniques to open the doors without damaging the door. Then, they'll replace the damaged handle and ensure that everything works as it should.
Gearbox damaged
A damaged gearbox may cause the upvc door handle to become stiff or lose its functionality. This could prevent the lock from being able to be opened using the use of a key. This can be very dangerous and should be dealt with promptly. It is essential to contact an expert locksmith if you can't solve the issue yourself. They have the tools and expertise to complete the task correctly.
The first step is to remove the handle from its cover plate. This can be done by using a screwdriver with a flat head. After you have removed the handle, take out the middle screw which holds the barrel. After removing the middle screw, you will be able to loosen the two screws which secure the barrel. Then, you can pull the barrel out of the door. You will need to open the door to do this, so make sure you have someone on hand to assist.
After you have removed the cylinder and replacing it with a brand new cylinder. It is crucial to make sure that the new cylinder is the same size as the old one. In the event that it isn't, you could end up with an unaligned handle properly. This could cause a range of issues, including leaks and draughts.
Many upvc door handles have slots that allow for adjustment. These slots can be used to tighten or loosen the handle. These are usually located on the inside of the door near where the handle is connected to the cylinder. The slots for adjustment can be tightened by using an allen wrench. Once you have made the adjustments then you can put the handle back into place & screw it into. Then, you can test the handle and ensure it functions as intended.
If the upvc door handle is loose or sloppy when it is closed, it's usually an indication that the gearbox in the upvc has been damaged or the internal spring components are breaking down. This could cause your multipoint locks made from upvc to fail, leaving your door wide open to intrusion. In this case the gearbox made of upvc must be replaced. This will cost between PS145-PS280 including labor.