Choosing the Right UPVC Door Handle Replacement
Replacing the handles on your doors made of upvc is an easy task however choosing the right handle can be tricky. Modern double glazed handles are equipped with spring cassettes, but older handles aren't.
If the upvc handle on the multipoint lock is loose and floppy, it could be an internal problem. This article will address a variety of potential problems and their causes.
Handles that sag or droop
uPVC handles can sustain wear and tear, especially in older properties. The most frequent reason a handle becomes floppy is due to a damaged spring cassette inside the door lever. This is caused by excessive force and the square spindle that holds the cassette may be moved or turned round.
The good news is that replacing the door handle made of uPVC is a relatively simple job and can be accomplished within a couple of minutes. The first step is to disassemble the handle unit that was previously installed by unscrewing the fixing screws visible on the back of the lever plate. Once the handles are removed you can then unscrew the cassette from the square spindle, and replace it with a new one.
You can find a vast selection of uPVC door handles to pick from online and many of them are available in various finishes. The finish you select will determine the durability of your handle and how easy it will be to clean. Finishes such as PVD, Stainless Steel or Resista are designed to withstand corrosion and will last up to 25 years.
After you have selected a colour or style, you are able to select the type of handle that you need. The most common types are pad and lever arrangement. Lever pads have a lever on the inside and a paddle on the outside and are often used as a security feature to block access by unauthorised persons.
Then, you should measure and record the dimensions of the handle you have. You'll need to know the PZ dimension (the distance from the screw hole to the middle of the lever) and the length of the handle, and the dimension of the keyhole. You can compare the measurements to the handle size matrix to determine the correct replacement.
Broken springs
Over time, the handles of uPVC doors may become wobbly or loose and at times the spring cassette inside may break. window handles www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk help ensure that the lever is in a horizontal direction. Without them, your doors will not lock properly.
Modern uPVC handles come with these cassettes incorporated directly into the back plate. However older uPVC doors often have these springs built into the lock mechanism. This isn't something you can repair by yourself, but it's definitely worthwhile to have your locksmith examine the situation as this could be causing the loosening of uPVC handles.
The most common issue that is encountered with uPVC handles is that they tend to loosen as time passes. This is usually caused by worn-out springs, which are easy to fix. The reason for this is usually excessive handling of the handle. The square spindle inside the handle wears down, which causes the springs to move.
To fix this, you'll need to open the door and remove the fixing screws at the back of the handle plate. This can be done with the help of a Philips screwdriver. After the screws have been removed the handle can be removed. The handle plates can then be carefully taken apart. Then, you can remove the springs from the old ones and replace them with new ones.
It is crucial to keep this in mind when purchasing a new handle. This measurement is referred to as the PZ measure and it is recommended that it be done using an accurate tape measure in order to be accurate.
After reinstalling the springs, you should be able to use the handle without issue. However, it's always recommended to lubricate the internal mechanism to ensure that everything works just as it should. This will ensure that your uPVC door is as safe as it can be, and also make them more comfortable as time passes.
Handles that slide around
Handles that slide could be caused by a variety of things. One of the most frequent causes is when the levers of the handle aren't aligned with the lock. This can happen with uPVC doors as well as composite doors. However, it's more noticeable on older doors since they are made of cheaper materials that aren't able to stand up to the elements.
A professional can fix this issue by re-aligning the handles to ensure they are in line with the lock. They'll also examine the lock to determine what is required to be fixed. In most cases, a small tweak to the handle springs is all that's needed to fix this issue.
It's easy to replace your uPVC handle, but you need to measure the existing handle to ensure that the new one is of the right size. You will need to measure the distance of the two screws, as well as the size of the keyhole and lever, as well as the distance between them. Then, make use of this uPVC handles size guide to locate a replacement for your home.
After you have made the measurements, you can remove the current uPVC handle. It is usually a simple process and only requires an screwdriver. After the screws are removed, you can then remove the handle and then move onto installing the new one.
It is important to secure the door using an appropriate wedge prior to beginning. This will prevent it from closing during your work. After you have removed 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 assist you if want to tackle the task yourself or aren't confident enough. They'll employ locksmith opening methods to open the door without causing any damage, and then replace the damaged handle and make sure that everything is working exactly as it should.
Gearbox damaged
A damaged gearbox could cause the handle made of upvc to become stiff and lose its function. The lock could also not be able to opened by a key. This could be dangerous and should be addressed as soon as possible. It is important to call an expert locksmith if you can't solve the issue yourself. They have the tools and know-how to complete the task correctly.
The first step is to unhook the handle from its cover plate. This can be accomplished using a screwdriver with flat heads. Once you have removed the handle, you are able to take out the middle screw that holds the cylinder in place. After removing the middle screw, you'll be able to loosen the two screws which are holding the barrel. Then, you can remove the barrel away from the door. To accomplish this, you'll require someone to prop the door wide.
Once you have removed your cylinder from the handle, you can replace it with a new one. Make sure the new cylinder is the same size as your old one. In the event that it isn't, you could end with a handle that isn't aligned correctly. This can lead to numerous issues such as leaks and drafts.
Many upvc doors have adjustable slots that can be used to tighten or loosen the handle. They are usually on the inside of the door near where the handle meets the cylinder. Allen wrenches can be used to tighten the slots for adjustment. After you've made all the necessary adjustments you can screw the handle into and put it back in position. Then, you can test the handle to make sure it's working correctly.
If the door handle made of upvc becomes loose or floppy when it is closed, it's usually an indication that the gearbox in the upvc has failed or the internal spring components are in the process of breaking down. This could cause your multipoint locks made from upvc to fail, leaving your door wide open to intrusion. In this scenario the upvc gearbox will require replacement. It will cost between PS145 between PS145 and PS280 inclusive of labour.