Choosing the Right UPVC Door Handle Replacement
Replacing your upvc door handles is an easy task however choosing the right handle can be difficult. Modern double-glazed handles have spring cassettes built into them but older ones don't.
If the upvc handle on your multipoint lock is loose and floppy, there could be an internal issue. This article will look at a number of possible issues and their causes.
Handles that slide or loosen
UPVC handles are susceptible to wear and tear. This is especially the case in older properties. The most common reason that handles become floppy is due to a broken spring cassette within the door lever. This is due to excessive force and the spindle holding the cassette can be displaced or rounded.
It is good to know that a uPVC handrail replacement can be accomplished in a matter of minutes. The first step is removing the handle unit that was previously used. To remove it, you must unscrew the fixing screws that are visible on the backside of the handle lever. Once the handles have been removed, you can take them off and replace the cassette.
You can find a vast range of uPVC door handles to pick from on the internet and a lot of them are available in various finishes. Choosing the right finish will determine the length of time your handle will last as well as how easy it is to keep clean. Finishes such as PVD, Stainless Steel or Resista are made to withstand corrosion and will last for up to 25 years.
After choosing a color or design, you can choose the type of handle you want. The most popular are pad and lever arrangements. Lever pads feature a lever on the inside and an outside paddle which is typically used as a security feature to prevent unauthorised access.
The next step is to determine the dimensions of your current handle and record them. You'll need the PZ dimension (the distance from the screw hole to the center of the lever) as well as the length of the handle and the dimension of the keyhole. You can compare these measurements to the handle size matrix to determine the correct replacement.
Broken springs
Over time uPVC door handles may become wobbly or loose and at times the spring cassette inside might break. These tiny springs help bring the lever of the handle into a horizontal position and without them, your doors won't lock properly.
upvc replacement door handles are made with these cassettes directly built into the backplate. These springs are typically integrated into older uPVC door mechanisms. This can't 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 sagging or drooping uPVC door handles.
The most common issue with uPVC handles is that they become loose as time passes. This is usually caused by worn-out springs that are easy to repair. Most often the reason for this is excessive use of the handle, and because of that, the square spindle within the handle will wear out, causing the springs to move out of place.
In order to rectify this you will need to open the door and loosen the fixing screws on the back of the handle plate. This can be accomplished using the help of a Philips screwdriver. Once the screws are removed the handle can be taken off. The handle plates are then able to be gently removed. The springs that were used before can be removed and replaced with new springs.
This is a crucial point to remember when purchasing a replacement handle. This measurement is referred to as the PZ and it is essential to use a calibrated measuring tape in order to get an accurate reading.
After reinstalling the springs, you should be able to use the handle with no issues. However, it's always recommended to lubricate the internal mechanism to make sure that everything works exactly as it should. This will ensure that your uPVC door is as secure as it could be, and improve their comfort as time passes.
Handles that slide around
Handles that slide can be caused by a variety of things. One of the most common causes is that the levers of the handle aren't aligned with the lock. This is a problem that can occur on uPVC doors as well as composite doors. However, it is more noticeable on older doors as they are constructed of lower quality materials that do not hold up to the elements.
This issue can be resolved by a professional, who will realign the handles and make sure they're in line with the door lock. They'll also inspect the lock itself to determine if there is anything that needs fixing. In many cases, a slight adjustment to the handle springs will solve this problem.
It's simple to replace your uPVC handle, but you need to take measurements of the handle you have to ensure that the new one is of the right size. You'll need to measure the distance between the two fixing screws and the dimensions of the lever and key-hole position. Then, use this uPVC handles size guide to find a replacement for your home.
Once you have the measurements, the next step is to eliminate the old uPVC handles. This is usually fairly straightforward and requires only a screwdriver to get to the screws on the interior of the door. Once the screws have been removed, you'll need to remove the handle and then replace the new one.
Before you begin, it's worth ensuring that the door is securely open by a wedge to prevent it from closing during the course of your work. After you remove the handle, you can access the parts beneath the door that are causing the door to move.
A handyman from Fantastic Services will be able assist if you don't want to do the work yourself or lack the nerves. They will employ specialist locksmith opening methods to unlock the door without causing any damage and will then replace the faulty handle, making sure everything is working just as it should.
Gearbox damaged
A damaged gearbox may cause the handle made of upvc to become stiff and lose functionality. This could also stop the lock from being able to be opened using keys. This could be dangerous and must be addressed as quickly as is possible. If you are unable to solve the issue on your own it is essential to get in touch with a locksmith because they have the experience and tools to complete the task properly.
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, you are able to remove the middle screw that holds the cylinder in place. After taking out the middle screw, you'll be able to loosen the two screws which are holding the barrel. Then you can pull the barrel out of the door. To accomplish this, you'll need someone to prop the door wide open.
After taking the cylinder off and replacing it the cylinder with a new one. Make sure that the new cylinder is the exact dimensions as the old one. Otherwise, you may end up with a handle that isn't aligned correctly. This could cause a number of problems, including leaks and drafts.
Many doors made of upvc feature adjustable slots which can be used to adjust the handle's tension or release. 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've made the necessary adjustments then you can screw the handle into and put it back in its place. You can then test the handle and make sure it works correctly.
The door handle of upvc becoming loose when closed is usually an indication that the spring or gearbox components have broken down. This could cause your upvc multipoint locks to fail leaving your door open to burglars. In this case the gearbox made of upvc will require replacement. The cost will range from PS145 to PS280 with the labor included.