Upvc Door Handles: The Good And Bad About Upvc Door Handles UPVC Door Handles Replacement Guide

Once you have the right measurements, replacing upvc door handles is a straightforward DIY project. These measurements include the distance from the backplate's mounting centres (sometimes called PZ) to the center of the keyhole.

The most common kind of uPVC door handle comes with two inline levers both internal and external connected by spindle. They operate the multipoint lock found on uPVC and aluminium doors, and also on some wooden ones.

Brands & Finishes

A damaged uPVC door handle can be more than just an inconvenience. It can also make your home vulnerable to intruders who could be able to force open the lock and gain entry into your home. This is the reason it's essential to be aware of the moment your uPVC door handles are starting to fail and take action as soon as possible.

It's good to know that replacing your uPVC front door handles is a fairly simple task that requires just a few tools and some careful measurements. In most cases, you can simply put in your new uPVC handle and you're good to go. However, it's recommended to search for the top quality locks and handles that are up to the highest security standards.

There are a number of different kinds of uPVC handles available that you can pick from. These include lever/lever, pad handles, offset and snib. Lever/lever handles are a favorite among homeowners and consist of two inline handles that can be moved. Pad uPVC handle are smaller and feature an offset design. This allows you to protect the exterior of your house after entering.

A uPVC offset handle is comprised of two pads one fixed and the other movable. This kind handle is typically used on sliding patio doors. Snib handles are like offset handles but they can be utilized on uPVC french doors.

When selecting a replacement uPVC door handle, you should consider the style of your existing doors and windows. The handle should be in line with your existing doors in terms of colour and finish. Certain handles come with a variety of finishes, including white and black, while others can be found with more fashionable options like gold or chrome.

When you're taking measurements it is essential to ensure that you have the screw-to-screw and PZ dimensions correct. The PZ measurement is the distance from the center of the hole in the spindle to the centre of the keyhole. The screw-to-screw dimension is the distance from the screw hole on your existing handle to the closest screw in your door frame. It is important to measure it accurately to locate the correct replacement.

Measurement & Fitting

The uPVC handle is fitted with two levers - one on each side of the lock mechanism - that make it easy to operate both from inside and outside. Providing a comfortable grip and stress-free operation they are an important element of a door's security mechanism. With the right set of uPVC handles, you can make sure your door is safe from burglars and also keep it looking beautiful at the same time.

Selecting the right uPVC handle can be difficult and confusing because there are numerous sizes, shapes and styles available. When choosing a replacement handle for your uPVC door, it is important to be aware of three crucial dimensions. The backplate's fixing centre, the lever and keyhole size, and the spindle's diameter are important measurements. By taking into account these aspects, you will ensure that the new handle will be perfectly fitted to your uPVC doors and gives you an ideal fit.

Measuring these points is relatively simple but you must be as accurate as possible. You could end up with a handle which does not fit properly and causes problems when opening your uPVC doors. The most important measurement is the top screw that is on the backplate's fixing centre, commonly referred to as the PZ size. This is the distance between the axis or handle lever of the keyhole and the centre of the screw. In general this is a measurement of 92mm but it can vary slightly.

It is also important to ensure that your uPVC door handles have the number of keyspindles required to operate your multi-point locking system. It is ideal that they be in line with the number of keys that you use to lock and unlock your uPVC doors. Some older doors use a single spindle for the lock. Modern doors have two spindles, which allow independent operation both inside and out.

The most undesirable thing to have is a sagging or drooping uPVC door handle as this can cause a great amount of stress on the locking mechanism inside and may result in broken parts. Look for uPVC handles with spring cassettes built in to prevent this. They aren't just beautiful but they also reduce the pressure that operates on the door locking mechanism and will increase its life span.

Broken Spring Cassettes

A problem with the tubular latch may cause a stiff door handle. It's usually a simple solution that can be solved by repositioning the handle's fixing plates that are inside it. Open the door and ensure there are no obvious obstructions such as loose screws, or signs that internal parts are protruding through the latch plate. If this isn't the situation, it's likely to be one of the spring cassettes within your uPVC handle that needs to be relocated.

A door handle repair kit is the most efficient way to accomplish this. This will contain all the tools you need to take the handles off and then reposition their cassettes. Follow the instructions and you'll soon have a the drooping or sagging uPVC handle that is fully operable.

A Floppy uPVC handle can be caused by thermal contraction however, it is more likely to mean that the gearbox has failed. This isn't a problem that you can fix yourself. You'll require the assistance of a locksmith.

It is crucial to select a genuine replacement gearbox to your uPVC doors. This will ensure that everything is installed correctly. If you use a less expensive aftermarket part, it could result in issues such as a defective multipoint lock or less security for your property.

You can also replace the whole uPVC lock and handle mechanism. This will not only fix the issue of sagging but also ensure that your door handle is functional and secure. This is not a cheap or quick solution. It requires the removal of the old uPVC handles and the replacement with a new handle. This is only suitable for double glazing doors with sprung handles, since the door will need to be redrilled. You can also buy handles that have springs built-in. This will save your time and money.

Can I put a uPVC Door Handle onto an Aluminium or Timber Door?

There are many things to think about when selecting doors for your home. uPVC doors offer durability as well as security, and energy efficiency. Likewise, aluminum doors are modern and visually pleasing. In terms of the style of door you're planning to install, the right handle is crucial. If you are looking to replace your existing handles or install new ones, it is important that you choose the right handles for your home. Our uPVC door handle replacement guide will help you make the right choice and install them with confidence.

Switching the handle of a uPVC door handle is relatively easy and requires just a few tools. First, you will need to remove the old handle. You can remove the screws that hold it in place with the help of a screwdriver. After the screws have been removed, you can simply take the handle away from the door.

The next step is to determine the size of your door handle. To measure this, you'll be required to determine the centre of the back plate fixing holes. This is typically known as the PZ measurement. It will determine the size of the spindle on your handle. Once you have this information, you can buy the replacement handle that is the right size for your door.

There are many different types of uPVC door handle available to satisfy your individual needs. Some of these handles are designed with additional security features such as anti-drilling, cylinder guards, and mole grips. These uPVC handles are able to be installed on uPVC, aluminium and wooden doors and are ideal for those who are looking to increase security for their home.

There are also uPVC handles that are more traditional. They are available in various finishes like black, chrome and gold. They are generally slightly more expensive than standard ones, but they can add a stylish look to your door.


After you have selected a suitable uPVC door handle, it is essential that you check the dimensions before ordering. You will need to take the measurements mentioned above including the key hole and lever dimension, and backplate fixing centers to ensure that the new handle is a perfect fit for your door.