Choosing upvc replacement door handles to replace your handles made of upvc however, choosing the correct handle can be a challenge. Modern double glazed handles are fitted with spring cassettes, whereas older handles do not.
If the upvc handle on your multipoint lock is sloppy and floppy, it could be an internal problem. This article will address several possible problems & their causes.
Sagging or drooping handles
UPVC handles are prone to wear and tear, especially in older properties. A broken spring cassette inside the door lever is the most typical cause of a floppy handle. This is typically caused by an excessive force and the square spindle that holds the cassette may be displaced or round off.
The good news is that a uPVC door handle replacement is a relatively simple job and can be completed within a couple of minutes. The first step is to disassemble the old handle by removing the fixing screws that are 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 an entirely new one.
There is a wide range of uPVC door handles to choose from online and many of them come in a variety of finishes. The finish you choose will determine how long your handle will last and how easy it is to keep clean. Finishes like PVD, Stainless Steel or Resista are made to withstand corrosion and last up to 25 years.
After choosing a color or style, you can choose the type of handle that you need. The most well-known types are the lever and pad configurations. Lever pads are equipped with an inside lever and an outside paddle, this is often used as a security feature to stop unauthorised access.
The next step is to measure the dimensions of your current handle and note them down. 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 as well as the size of the keyhole. Once you know the measurements, you can compare them with the handle sizes matrix to determine the appropriate replacement.
Broken springs
Over time, handles made of uPVC can become wobbly or loose. The spring cassette may also break. These springs are used to make sure that the lever of the handle is in a horizontal position. Without them the doors won't lock properly.
Modern uPVC handles have these cassettes built directly into the back plate. However older uPVC doors often have these springs built into the actual lock mechanism. This isn't something you can fix by yourself, but it's worthwhile to have your locksmith examine the situation as this could be the cause of the sliding uPVC handles.
One of the most frequent issues associated with uPVC door handles is that they become loose or wobbly over time. This is usually due to worn out springs which can be an easy fix. The majority of the time, this is caused by excessive use of the handle, and as a result the square spindle in the handle will wear away, causing the springs to be displaced.
To correct this issue, open the door and unscrew the fixing screws on the back of the handle plate. This can be accomplished using a Philips screwdriver. Once the screws are removed the handle can be removed and the plates pulled apart with care. Then you can take off the springs that were in use and replace them with new ones.
Depending on the kind of handle you have the distance between the two screws can vary and this is crucial to know prior to purchasing an alternative. This measurement is known as the PZ and it is essential to use a calibrated measuring tape in order to get an accurate reading.
After replacing the springs, you should be able operate the handle with no problems. But, it's important to grease the mechanism inside to ensure that everything works just as it should. This will not only ensure that your uPVC doors are as safe as they can be but also makes them more comfortable to use over time too.
Handles that slide around
Handles that slide could be caused by a variety of factors. One of the most frequent causes is when the levers of the handle aren't aligned with the lock. This can happen with both uPVC and composite doors, but is generally more noticeable on older doors as they are often made from cheap materials that aren't able to stand up well to the elements.
A professional can address this issue by re-aligning the handles to ensure that they are aligned with the lock. They'll also examine the lock to see whether anything is required to be fixed. In many cases, a small adjustment to the handle springs can solve the issue.
It's simple to replace your uPVC handle however, you must measure the handle that you are replacing to ensure that the replacement is the correct size. You'll need to take measurements of the distance between the two fixing screws, and the size of the lever as well as the key-hole position. Then, use this uPVC handles size guide to locate a replacement for your home.
Once you have the measurements, the next step is to take off the current uPVC handles. It is usually quite easy and requires a screwdriver to reach the screws on the inside of the door. Once the screws are removed, you can remove the handle and then proceed to install the new handle.
It is essential to secure the door using a wedge before you begin. This will prevent it from closing during your work. After the handle has been removed, you can now inspect the underside of the door to correct the issues that are causing it to slide.
A handyman from Fantastic Services will be able to assist you if want to do the work yourself or aren't confident enough. They'll employ locksmith techniques to unlock the door without causing damage, and then replace the faulty handle, ensuring that everything is in place and functioning exactly as it should.
Damaged gearbox
A damaged gearbox may cause the handle made of upvc to become stiff and lose functionality. The lock may also not be able to opened by keys. This is extremely dangerous and should be addressed as soon as possible. It is crucial to contact a locksmith if you are unable to resolve the problem yourself. They have the tools and expertise to do the job right.
The first step is to unhook the handle from its cover plate. This can be done using a screwdriver that has flat heads. After you have removed the handle, you will be able to take out the middle screw that holds the barrel in position. Once you have removed this middle screw, you can then loosen the two screws that hold the barrel. You can then remove the barrel away from the door. You'll need to open the door to do this, so make sure that you have someone to assist.
After you have removed the cylinder you can replace it the cylinder with a new one. It is crucial to make sure that the new cylinder is of the same size as the previous one. In the event that it isn't, you could end with an unaligned handle properly. This can lead to numerous issues such as leaks and draughts.
Many doors made of upvc feature adjustable 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 joins the cylinder. The slots for adjustment can be tightened using an allen wrench. Once you've made the necessary adjustments then you can screw the handle in and put it back in place. You can then test the handle and ensure it works correctly.
If the door handle made of upvc becomes floppy or loose when closed, this is usually an indication that the upvc gearbox has broken down or internal spring components are in the process of breaking down. This can cause your upvc multipoint locks to fail, leaving your door wide open to burglars. In this situation, the upvc gearbox must be replaced. It will cost between PS145 between PS145 and PS280 with the labor included.