Watch Out: How Upvc Door Handle Replacement Is Taking Over And How To Stop It
Choosing the Right UPVC Door Handle Replacement
It's easy to replace your handles made of upvc however, choosing the correct handle can be a bit difficult. Most modern double glazed handles come with spring cassettes in them but older ones don't.

If your upvc handle is loose and floppy there may be an issue with the internal components of the multipoint lock. This article will address a variety of potential problems and their causes.
Sagging or drooping handles
UPVC handles are prone to wear and tear. This is especially true in older properties. A damaged spring cassette on the door lever is the most typical reason for a floppy handle. This is usually caused by excessive force and the square spindle which holds the cassette may be displaced or round off.
The good news is that replacing the door handle made of uPVC is a relatively simple job and can be done within a couple of minutes. The first step is to remove the handle unit that was previously installed by removing the fixing screws that are visible on the back of the handle lever plate. Once the handles are removed, you can unscrew and replace the cassette.
On the internet, you can pick from a wide selection of uPVC handles, many of which come with different finishes. Selecting the right finish will determine how long your handle will last and how easy it is to keep clean. Finishes such as PVD, Stainless Steel or Resista are made to withstand corrosion and will last up to 25 years.
Once you've selected the colour or style you can then select the type of handle you need. The most common types are pad and lever arrangements. Lever pads are often used to prevent unauthorised access. They feature a lever inside and a paddle on the outside.
The next step is to determine 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 and the dimension of the keyhole. Once you have these measurements, you can then compare these to the handle size matrix to determine the appropriate replacement.
Broken springs
Over time, the handles of uPVC doors can get loose or wobbly and at times the spring cassette inside may break. The tiny springs bring the handle lever into a horizontal position and without them, doors will not lock properly.
Modern uPVC handles have these cassettes incorporated directly into the back plate. However older uPVC doors often have these springs built into the actual lock mechanism. This can't be fixed by yourself but it's worth contacting your locksmith to look at as this could be the reason behind the sagging or drooping uPVC door handles.
The most frequent issue that is encountered with uPVC handles is that they loosen over time. This is usually due to worn-out springs, which are simple to fix. Generally it is due to excessive use of the handle, and as a result of that the square spindle inside the handle will wear out and cause the springs to shift out of position.
In order to rectify this issue, open the door and unscrew the fixing screws on the back of the handle plate. This can be done with a Philips screwdriver. After the screws have been removed, the handle can then be removed. The plates for the handle can then be pulled apart. You can then remove the old springs and replace them with fresh ones.
It is crucial to keep this in mind when purchasing a replacement handle. This measurement is referred to as the PZ and it is important to use a measuring tape that is calibrated in order to get an accurate reading.
After replacing the springs, you should be able to operate the handle without any problems. However, it's always worth lubricating the internal mechanism to make sure that everything functions as it should do. This will not just ensure that your uPVC doors are as safe as they can be but also makes them more comfortable to use for a long time.
Handles that slide around
Handles that slide around could be caused by a variety different reasons. One of the most common is when the handle levers aren't aligned properly with lock. This can happen on both uPVC doors as well as composite doors. However, it is more noticeable on older doors as they are made of less durable materials that do not hold up to the elements.
A professional can address this problem by realigning the handles to ensure that they are in line with the lock. They will also check the lock to determine if anything is required to be fixed. In many cases, a slight adjustment to the springs of the handle will solve this problem.
It's simple to replace your uPVC handle however, you must measure the existing handle to ensure that the replacement is of the right size. You will need to measure the distance between the two screws, the dimensions of the keyhole and lever, and the distance between them. You can then utilize this uPVC handles size guide to locate the right replacement for your home.
Once you have the measurements The next step is to remove the old uPVC handles. It is usually quite easy and requires only a screwdriver to reach the screws on the inside of the door. After the screws are removed, you can then take off the handle itself and then proceed to install the new handle.
It's important to secure the door using an appropriate wedge prior to beginning. This will prevent it from closing during the course of your work. After the handle has been removed, you can now access the underlying parts of the door to fix the problems that are causing it to sag.
If you don't have the time or energy to tackle this task on your own, a handyman from Fantastic Services can help. They will employ specialist locksmith opening methods to unlock the door without causing damage, and then replace the damaged handle and make sure that everything is in place and functioning exactly as it should.
Gearbox damaged
A damaged gearbox can cause the upvc door handle to become stiff or lose functionality. This could prevent the lock from being able be opened using keys. This is extremely dangerous and should be addressed promptly. If you're unable to solve the problem yourself, it is important to get in touch with a locksmith because they are experts and have the tools to complete the task right.
The first step is to unhook the handle from its cover plate. This can be accomplished using a screwdriver that has flat heads. After you have removed your handle, you can then take out the middle screw that holds the cylinder in position. After you have removed the middle screw, you can then loosen the two screws that secure the barrel. Then,
door handles repairmywindowsanddoors can pull the barrel out of the door. To do this, you will need someone to hold the door open.
After taking the cylinder off and replacing it with a brand new cylinder. Make sure the new cylinder is the same size as your old one. You might end up with an improperly aligned handle. This could cause a number of problems that could cause leaks and drips.
A lot of doors made of upvc have adjustable slots which can be used to adjust the handle's tension or release. They are typically located on the inside of the door near where the handle joins the cylinder. The slots for adjustment can be tightened with an allen wrench. After you have made the adjustments you can place the handle back in place & screw it into. Then, you can test the handle and make sure it works correctly.
If the upvc door handle is loose or sloppy when it is closed, it's usually an indication that the upvc gearbox has failed or the internal spring components are breaking down. This could cause the multipoint lock made of upvc to fail and leave your door open to burglars. In this scenario the upvc gearbox must be replaced. The cost will range from PS145 to PS280, including labour.