15 Terms Everyone Within The Upvc Door Handle Replacement Industry Should Know
Choosing the Right UPVC Door Handle Replacement
Replacing your door handles made of upvc is relatively easy however choosing the right handle can be difficult. Modern double glazed handles come with spring cassettes, but older handles don't.
If the upvc handle on your multipoint lock is sloppy and floppy, there may be an internal issue. This article will address the various possible issues & their causes.
Sagging or drooping handles
UPVC handles can withstand wear and tear, especially in older properties. The most frequent reason a handle becomes floppy is due to a broken spring cassette in the door lever. This is usually caused by an excessive force and the square spindle which holds the cassette may be displaced or rounded off.
The good news is that replacing the door handle with uPVC is an easy task and can be done in just a few minutes. The first step is to remove the handle unit that was previously installed by unscrewing the fixing screws that are visible on the side of the lever plate. Once the handles are removed, you can take them off and replace the cassette.
On the internet, you can pick from a range of uPVC handles available in a variety of finishes. The finish you select will determine the life span of your handle as well as 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.
Once you've selected a colour or style you can then choose the type of handle you require. The most popular are lever and pad arrangements. Lever pads are typically used to block access by unauthorised persons. They are equipped with an inside lever and a paddle on the outside.
The next step is to measure the dimensions of your existing handle and write them down. You'll need to determine the PZ dimension, which is the distance between the screw hole and the center of the lever. It is also important to know how the handle's length is and the dimensions of its keyhole. Once you have these measurements, you can then compare them to the handle sizes matrix to determine the appropriate replacement.
Broken springs
Over time, handles made of uPVC can become loose or wobbly. The spring cassette might also break. The springs are used to align the handle lever in a horizontal direction. Without them, your doors will not lock properly.
Modern uPVC handles are constructed with these cassettes built directly into the backplate. However, older uPVC doors usually contain these springs within the actual lock mechanism. This isn't something you can be fixed on your own, but it is worth getting your locksmith to take a look at as this could be the reason behind the drooping or sagging uPVC door handles.
One of the most frequent issues associated with uPVC door handles is that they become loose or wobbly with time, and this is typically due to worn-out springs which can be easily fixed. This is usually 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 at the back of the handle plate. This can be done by using the Philips screwdriver and once the screws are removed the handle can be removed and the plates pulled apart carefully. You can then remove the springs that were in use and replace them with fresh springs.
It is crucial to keep this in mind when purchasing a replacement handle. This measurement is called the PZ and it is essential to use a measuring tape that is calibrated in order to get an exact reading.
After replacing the springs you should be able to operate the handle without any problems. It is recommended to lubricate your internal mechanism to make sure that everything is functioning as it should. This will not just ensure that your uPVC doors are as secure as possible but will also make them more comfortable to operate for a long time.
Handles that slide around
Handles that slide around can be caused by a variety different reasons. One of the most frequent causes is when the levers of the handle aren't aligned properly with the lock. This can happen with uPVC doors and composite doors. However, repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk 's more evident on older doors as they are made of less durable materials that do not hold up to the elements.
This issue can be fixed by a professional who will realign the handles and ensure that they are in line with the door lock. They'll also examine the lock to see whether anything is required to be fixed. In many cases, a minor adjustment to the handle springs will solve this problem.
It's easy to replace your uPVC handle however, you must measure the existing handle to ensure that the new one is the correct size. You'll need to take measurements of the distance between the two fixing screws and the size of the lever and key-hole position. Then, you can use this uPVC handles size guide to find the right replacement for your home.
Once you have the measurements, the next step is to take off the old uPVC handles. It's usually a simple procedure that requires only a screwdriver. After the screws have been removed, you will need to unscrew the handle and then install the new handle.
It is important to secure the door using a wedge before you begin. This will prevent it from closing during your work. After you have removed the handle, you'll be able to access the parts underneath the door that are causing the door to move.
If you don't have the patience or energy to tackle this job yourself, an expert handyman from Fantastic Services can help. They will use specialist locksmith techniques to unlock the door without causing damage and will then replace the faulty handle, making sure everything is in place and working exactly as it should.
Gearbox damage
A damaged gearbox can cause the door handle made of upvc to become stiff or lose functionality. This could also stop the lock from being able be opened with the use of a key. This can be dangerous and must be addressed as quickly as is possible. It is important to call a locksmith if you cannot resolve the problem yourself. They have the tools and know-how to get the job done right.
The first step is removing the handle from the cover plate. This can be done using a screwdriver that has flat-headed tips. Once you have removed the handle, you are able to take out the middle screw that holds the barrel in place. Once you have removed this middle screw, you can then loosen the two screws that hold the barrel. You can then remove the barrel from the door. To do this, you will need someone to prop the door wide.
Once you have removed the cylinder from the handle you can replace it with a brand new one. It is crucial to ensure that the new cylinder is the exact size as the previous one. You might end up with an incorrectly aligned handle. This can lead to a myriad of issues, including leaks and draughts.

A lot of doors made of upvc have adjustable slots that can be used to tighten or loosen the handle. The slots are typically located on the inside of the doors, near the spot where the handle meets with the cylinder. The slots for adjustment can be tightened using an allen wrench. Once you have made the adjustments you can place the handle back into place & screw it in. You can then test the handle to ensure it functions as intended.
If the upvc door handle becomes floppy or loose when it is closed, this is usually a sign that the upvc gearbox has been damaged or the internal spring components are breaking down. This can cause the multipoint lock made of upvc to fail, leaving your door open to intrusion. In this case, the upvc gearbox must be replaced. The cost will range from PS145 between PS145 and PS280, including labour.