Choosing the Right UPVC Door Handle Replacement Replacing the handles on your doors made of upvc is a relatively simple job however choosing the right handle can be a challenge. The majority of modern double-glazed handles have spring cassettes built into the handles, but older ones don't. If your upvc handle seems loose and floppy, it could be a problem with the internal components of the multipoint lock. This article will address a number of potential problems & their causes. Handles that sag or droop UPVC handles are prone to wear and tear. This is especially true in older properties. The most common reason that a handle becomes floppy is due to a damaged spring cassette within the door lever. This is usually caused by excessive force, and the square spindle that holds the cassette can become displaced or rounded off. It is a good thing to be aware that a uPVC handle replacement can be completed within a matter of minutes. The first step is to remove the old handle unit. To remove it, loosen the fixing screws on the backside of the handle lever. Once the handles have been removed, you can unscrew and replace the cassette. On the internet, you can pick from a wide selection of uPVC handles available in different finishes. Selecting the right finish will determine the length of time your handle will last as well as how easy it is to keep clean. Finishes like Resista, Stainless Steel, or PVD are designed to resist corrosion and last up to 25 years. After you have chosen the color or style, you can then choose the type of handle you need. The most common types are lever and pad arrangements. Lever pads feature a lever on the inside and an outside paddle and are often employed as a security measure to prevent unauthorised access. Then, take a measurement and record the dimensions of the handle you currently have. You'll need to know the PZ dimension (the distance from the screw hole to the middle of the lever) as well as the length of the handle as well as the dimension of the keyhole. You can compare the measurements to the size matrix of the handle to find the correct replacement. Broken springs Over time uPVC door handles are prone to becoming wobbly or loose and at times the spring cassette inside could break. These tiny springs help bring the handle lever to a horizontal position, and without them your doors won't be able to lock properly. Modern uPVC handles are made with these cassettes integrated directly into the backplate. These springs are typically integrated into older uPVC door mechanisms. This isn't something that can be fixed on your own, but it's worth contacting your locksmith to look at as this could be the reason for the sagging or drooping uPVC door 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, which are easy to fix. Generally the reason for this is excessive use of the handle, and because of that the square spindle in the handle will wear away and cause the springs to move out of place. In order to rectify this issue, open the door and remove the fixing screws located at the back of the handle plate. This can be done using the Philips screwdriver and once the screws are removed, the handle can be removed and the plates pulled apart with care. Then you can take off the springs from the old ones and replace them with fresh springs. Depending on the kind of handle you have the distance between the two screws can vary and this is essential to know before purchasing the replacement. This measurement is referred to as the PZ measure and it is recommended that it be taken with a calibrated tape measure in order to be accurate. After replacing the springs, you should be able operate the handle with no issues. But, it's important to grease the mechanism inside to make sure that everything functions just as it should. This will not only ensure that your uPVC doors are as secure as they can be but will also make them more comfortable to use over time too. Handles that slide around Handles that slide are caused by a variety of factors. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/northampton-windowrepair/ of the most common causes is when the levers of the handle aren't aligned with the lock. This can happen with uPVC doors as well as composite doors. However, it is more evident on older doors as they are made of less durable materials that aren't able to stand up to the elements. This issue can be fixed by a professional, who will adjust the handles and ensure that they are in line with the door lock. They'll also inspect the lock itself to see whether there's anything that needs fixing. In many cases, a small adjustment to the handle springs is all it takes to fix this issue. Changing your uPVC door handle is easy enough, but you need to take the measurements of the existing handles to ensure that you have the proper size replacement. You'll need to determine the distance between the two fixing screws, and the size of the lever and key-hole position. Then, you can utilize this uPVC handles size guide to locate an appropriate replacement for your home. After you have made the measurements, you can remove the existing uPVC handle. It is usually quite easy and requires only a screwdriver to get to the screws on the interior of the door. Once the screws have been removed, you'll need to take off the handle, and then put in the new one. It's important to secure the door with a wedge before you begin. This will stop it from closing during the course of your work. Once the handle is removed, you can now inspect the underside of the door to correct the problems that are causing it to slide. If you don't have the time or energy to tackle this job yourself, an expert handyman from Fantastic Services can help. They will use sophisticated locks to unlock the doors without creating damage. They will then replace the damaged handle and make sure that everything is working as it should. Gearbox damage A damaged gearbox can cause the door handle made of upvc to become stiff or lose its function. This can also prevent the lock from being able be opened using the use of a key. This could be dangerous and must be addressed as quickly as possible. If you are unable to solve the problem yourself, it is important to call a locksmith since they have the experience and tools needed to complete the task correctly. The first step is to remove the handle from its cover plate. This can be done by using a screwdriver with flat heads. Once you have removed the handle, you will be able to remove the middle screw that holds the barrel in place. After removing the middle screw, you'll be able loosen the two screws which hold the barrel. You can then remove the barrel out of the door. To accomplish this, you'll need someone to prop the door wide open. Once you have removed the cylinder from the handle, you can replace it with a new one. It is important to ensure that the new cylinder is of the same size as the previous one. You might end up with an improperly aligned handle. This can lead to various issues, including leaks and drips. Many doors made of upvc feature adjustment 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 meets the cylinder. Allen wrenches can be used to tighten the slots for adjustment. After you've made all the necessary adjustments, you can screw the handle into and put it back in place. You can then test the handle to ensure it functions as intended. If the upvc door handle is loose or sloppy when it is closed, this is usually an indication that the gearbox in the upvc has been damaged or the internal spring components are in the process of breaking down. This can cause your multipoint locks made of upvc to fail, leaving your door wide open to intruders. In this situation the gearbox made of upvc will need to be replaced. This will cost between PS145 between PS145 and PS280 with the labor included.