Choosing the Right UPVC Door Handle Replacement
It's easy to replace your upvc handles, but choosing the right handle can be a challenge. Modern double glazed handles are fitted with spring cassettes, but older handles aren't.
If the handle made of upvc on your multipoint lock is sloppy and floppy, there could be an internal problem. This article will address the various possible issues & their causes.
Handles that sag or droop
UPVC handles are susceptible to wear and tear. This is particularly true in older properties. The most common reason a handle becomes floppy is because of a broken spring cassette inside the door lever. This is caused by a lot of force and the spindle that holds the cassette could be moved or turned round.
It is a good thing to be aware that a uPVC handle replacement can be completed in a matter of minutes. The first step is to remove the old handle unit by removing the fixing screws visible on the side of the lever plate. Once the handles are removed you can then remove the cassette from the square spindle and replace it with a new one.
You can find a wide variety of uPVC door handles to select from online and many of them come in different finishes. The finish you choose will determine the durability of your handle and how it is easy to clean. Finishes such as Resista, Stainless Steel, or PVD are designed to resist corrosion and last up to 25 years.
After selecting a colour or style, you are able to select the type of handle that you need. The most popular types are lever and pad arrangement. Lever pads are commonly used to prevent unauthorised access. They have both a lever inside and a paddle on the outside.
The next step is to measure the dimensions of your current handle and note them down. You will need to know the PZ dimension (the distance from the screw hole to the middle of the lever) and the length of the handle as well as the dimension of the keyhole. You can compare the measurements to the size matrix of the handle to find the appropriate replacement.
Broken springs
Over time, uPVC door handles are prone to becoming wobbly or loose and occasionally the spring cassette inside may break. These springs are used to make sure that the lever of the handle is in a horizontal position. Without them, your doors will not lock properly.
Modern uPVC handles are made with these cassettes integrated directly into the backplate. However, older uPVC doors typically have these springs built into the lock mechanism. This isn't something that can be fixed by yourself but it's worth asking your locksmith to look as this could be the cause of the sagging or drooping uPVC door handles.
One of the most frequent problems that is commonly encountered with uPVC door handles is that they become unstable or wobbly after a certain period of time. This is typically due to worn-out springs, which is easily fixed. This is typically caused by excessive handling of the handle. The square spindle of the handle will wear down and causes the springs to move.
To solve this issue, you'll need to open the door towards the handle plate and unscrew all the screws. This can be done by using the Philips screwdriver. Once the screws are removed the handle can be removed and the handle plates pulled apart carefully. You can then remove the springs from the old ones and replace them with new ones.
Depending on the type of handle you are using the distance between the two fixing screws can differ, and this is essential to know before buying a replacement. This measurement is known as the PZ measure. It is recommended that this is measured using an instrument that is calibrated for accuracy.
After replacing the springs you should be able to operate the handle with no problems. However, it's always recommended to lubricate the internal mechanism to ensure that everything functions just as it should. This will ensure that your uPVC door is as secure as is, and make them more comfortable in the long run.
Handles that slide around
Handles that slide are caused by many things. One of the most frequent causes is when the levers of the handle are not aligned with the lock. This can happen on both uPVC and composite doors, however it is usually more noticeable on older doors because they are often made from cheaper materials that don't stand up well to the elements.
This issue can be fixed by a professional, who will realign the handles and ensure they're in line with the door lock. They will also check the lock to determine whether anything requires fixing. In many cases, a small modification to the springs of the handle is enough to solve this problem.
Switching your uPVC door handle is simple enough, but it's important to measure the measurements of the handles you have in place to ensure you have the right size replacement. door handle repairs 'll need to take measurements of 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 appropriate replacement for your home.
After you've taken the measurements, remove the old uPVC handle. It's usually a simple procedure that requires only a screwdriver. Once the screws are removed, you are able to remove the handle and then proceed to install the new one.
Before starting, it's worth ensuring that the door is secured open with a door wedge to prevent it from closing during the course of your work. After the handle has been removed, you can now get to the inside of the door to fix the issues that are causing it to sag.
If you don't have the patience or the energy to complete this task yourself, an expert handyman from Fantastic Services can help. They will employ special locks to open the doors without damaging the door. Then, they'll replace the damaged handle and make sure everything is working just as it should.
Gearbox damaged
A damaged gearbox could cause the door handle made of upvc to become stiff or lose function. The lock may also not be able to opened using keys. This could be extremely dangerous and should be addressed promptly. If you are unable to solve the issue on your own it is crucial to contact a locksmith as they are experts and have the tools needed to complete the task correctly.
The first step is to remove the handle from the cover plate. You can do this using a screwdriver that has a flat-headed tip. After you have removed the handle, you can then take out the middle screw that holds the cylinder in place. Once you have removed this middle screw, you can then loosen the two screws that hold the barrel. You can then pull the barrel from the door. To do this, you will require someone to hold the door open.
After you have removed the cylinder you can replace it with a brand new cylinder. Make sure that the new cylinder is the exact size as the previous one. You could end up with an incorrectly aligned handle. This can lead to a myriad of problems, such as leaks and drips.
Many upvc doors have adjustment slots that can be used to adjust the handle's tension or release. They are usually on the inside of the door, near where the handle meets the cylinder. The slots for adjustment can be tightened using an allen wrench. After you have made your adjustments, you can put the handle back on and screw it in. Then, you'll be able to test the handle to be sure that it is working correctly.
If the door handle of upvc becomes floppy or loose when it is closed, this is usually an indication that the gearbox in the upvc has failed or the internal spring components are in the process of breaking down. This can cause your upvc multipoint locks to fail and leave your door open to intrusion. If this happens, it will be required to replace the upvc gearbox. It will cost between PS145 to PS280 with the labor included.