Choosing the Right UPVC Door Handle Replacement
It's easy to replace your handles made of upvc however choosing the best handle can be a challenge. Most modern double glazed handles come with spring cassettes in the handles, but older ones don't.
If the handle made of upvc on your multipoint lock is sloppy and floppy, it could be an internal problem. This article will address a variety of possible issues and their causes.
Sagging or drooping handles
UPVC handles are prone to wear and tear, especially in older properties. The most common reason a handle becomes floppy is due to a damaged spring cassette in the door lever. This is caused by excessive force, and the square spindle that holds the cassette may be displaced or round.
The good news is that a uPVC door handle replacement is a fairly simple task and can be accomplished in a matter of minutes. The first step is to remove the handle unit that was previously used. To remove it, loosen the fixing screws that are visible on the backside of the handle lever. Once the handles have been removed, you can remove the screws and replace the cassette.
On the internet, you can select from a variety of uPVC handles available in different finishes. Choosing the right finish will determine the length of time your handle will last and how easy it is to keep clean. Finishes such as Resista, Stainless Steel, or PVD are designed to resist corrosion and last for up to 25 years.
Once you've selected the colour or style you can choose the type of handle you need. The most common types are lever and pad arrangements. Lever pads feature a lever inside and an outside paddle and are often used as a security device to stop unauthorised access.
Then, door handle repair should measure and note the dimensions of the handle you currently have. You'll need to know the PZ dimension (the distance from the screw hole to the centre of the lever), the length of the handle and the dimensions of the keyhole. You can compare the measurements with the size matrix of the handle to find the appropriate replacement.
Broken springs
Over time, the handles of uPVC doors are prone to becoming wobbly or loose and sometimes the spring cassette inside may break. The springs are used to align the handle lever in a horizontal position. Without them your doors will not lock properly.
Modern uPVC handles are designed with these cassettes integrated directly into the backplate. The springs are usually built into older uPVC door mechanisms. This isn't something you can repair yourself, but it's worth having your locksmith examine the issue as it could be the cause of the loosening of uPVC handles.
The most frequent issue that is encountered with uPVC handles is that they tend to loosen over time. This is usually due to worn-out springs that are easy to repair. This is typically caused by excessive handling of the handle. The square spindle of the handle wears down and causes the springs to move.
To fix this issue, open the door and loosen the fixing screws located at the back of the handle plate. This can be done with a Philips screwdriver. Once the screws have been removed, the handle can then be removed. The plates for the handle are then able to be gently pulled apart. You can then remove the old springs and replace them with fresh 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 purchasing the replacement. This measurement is known as the PZ measure. It is recommended that this is measured using an accurate tape measure in order to be accurate.
After replacing the springs you should be able to operate the handle without any problems. However, it's always important to grease the mechanism inside to make sure that everything works exactly as it should. This will ensure that your uPVC door is as safe as it could be, and improve their comfort as time passes.
Handles that slide around
Handles that slide could be caused by a variety of things. One of the most common causes is that the levers of the handle are not aligned with the lock. This is a problem that can occur with both uPVC and composite doors, however it is generally more noticeable on older doors as they are often made from less durable materials that don't stand up well to the elements.
This problem can be solved by a professional, who will adjust the handles and make sure they're in line with the door lock. They'll also inspect the lock itself to determine what needs fixing. In most cases, a simple modification to the springs of the handle is enough to solve this problem.
The replacement of your uPVC door handle is simple enough, but it's important to measure the handles that are in use to ensure you have the right size replacement. You will need to measure the distance of the two screws, the dimensions of the keyhole and lever, as well as the distance between them. Then, you can utilize this uPVC handles size guide to locate an appropriate replacement for your home.
Once you have the measurements, the next step is to take off the existing uPVC handles. This is typically quite simple and requires only a screwdriver to get to the screws on the inside of the door. Once the screws are removed, you can take off the handle itself and then move onto installing the new handle.
Before starting making any changes, make sure that the door is held open using 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 cause the door to slide.
A handyman from Fantastic Services will be able to assist you if want to do the job yourself or don't have the skills. They'll employ locksmith methods to unlock the door without causing any damage and then replace the handle that is damaged, making sure everything is in place and working exactly as it should.
Damaged gearbox
A damaged gearbox could cause the handle made of upvc to become stiff and lose its functionality. The lock may also not be able to opened with the use of a key. This can be dangerous and should be addressed as soon as is possible. If you are unable to resolve the issue yourself it is essential to get in touch with a locksmith because they have the experience and tools needed to get the job done right.
The first step is to take the handle from its cover plate. This can be done using the help of a screwdriver with flat-headed tips. Once you have removed the handle, you will be able to take out the middle screw that holds the barrel in the position. Once you have removed this middle screw, you can then loosen the two screws that secure the barrel. Then you can take 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 you.
After you have removed the cylinder you can replace it with a brand new cylinder. Make sure the new cylinder is the exact size as the previous one. Otherwise, you could end with a handle that isn't aligned properly. This can cause a variety of issues, such as leaks and draughts.
A lot of doors made of upvc have adjustment slots that allow you to tighten or loosen the handle. These slots are usually found on the inside of doors, close to the point where the handle joins the cylinder. The slots for adjustment can be tightened with an allen wrench. After you've made all the necessary adjustments, you can screw the handle in and then put it back into place. Then, you can test the handle and ensure it functions as intended.
If the upvc door handle becomes floppy or loose when closed, this is usually a sign that the upvc gearbox has failed 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 intruders. If this occurs, it will be necessary to replace the upvc gearbox. This will cost between PS145-PS280 including labor.