UPVC Door Handles Replacement Guide Replacing the handles on your doors made of upvc is a simple DIY project once you have the correct measurements. These measurements include the distance between the handle's backplate fixing centres (sometimes referred to as PZ) and the center of the key hole. The most commonly used uPVC handle is made up of two inline levers. One internal and one exterior, linked by spindles. They are used to operate the multi-point lock found in uPVC, aluminium and some wooden doors. Brands and finishes A broken uPVC door handle could be more than a minor inconvenience, it could also leave your home vulnerable to intruders who could be able to break the lock and escape into your property. It is imperative to act when you notice your uPVC handles are failing. Fortunately, it is a fairly simple task to replace your uPVC door handles. You'll need some tools and a few accurate measurements. In most instances, you'll need to put in your new uPVC handles and you'll be good to go. It is always recommended to select locks and handles that meet the highest standards of security. There are a number of different types of uPVC handles on the market that you can choose from. There are a number of varieties that include lever handles, pad handles, offset handles, and snib handle. Lever/lever handles, which consist of two inline handles that can be moved are extremely popular with homeowners. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/hertford-windowrepair/ are smaller and feature an offset design. This allows you to secure the outside of your house after entering. A uPVC offset handle is comprised of two pads, one fixed and the other moveable. This type handle is generally used on sliding patio doors. Snib handles resemble offset handles, however they can also be utilized on uPVC French doors. It is important to consider the style of your existing doors and windows when choosing a replacement uPVC handle. The handle should match the colour and finish of your doors. Some handles are available in a variety of styles, including black and white. Others are available in more elegant choices, such as gold or chrome. When taking your measurements it is crucial to get the PZ and screw-to-screw dimensions right. The PZ measurement is the distance between the center of the spindle hole and the center keyhole. The screw-to-screw measurement is the distance between the screw hole on the existing handle and the nearest screw on your door frame and it's crucial to accurately measure this to determine an appropriate replacement. Measurement and Fitting A uPVC door handle comes with two levers that are located on either side of the lock mechanism allowing for easy operation from inside and out. Providing a comfortable grip and stress-free operation, the handles are also an essential part of a door's security mechanisms. With the right uPVC handles, you can ensure your door is secure and look great while doing it. It can be difficult to choose the right uPVC handles as there are numerous sizes and shapes to choose from. When choosing the right handle replacement for your uPVC door, you must take into account three key dimensions. The backplate fixing center as well as the keyhole and lever dimensions, as well as the spindle diameter are all important measurements. Taking these into account will ensure that the new handle fits your uPVC door and provides an excellent fit. The process of measuring these points is fairly straightforward, but you should be as precise as you can. You could end with a handle that doesn't fit correctly and can cause problems when opening your uPVC doors. The top screw located at the central point of the backplate is the primary measurement. It is also referred to as the PZ dimension. This is the distance between the axis or handle lever of the keyhole and the center of screw. In general this is an measurement of 92mm however it could vary. Check that the uPVC handles on your doors are fitted with the correct number of keyspindles that you need for your multi-point locking. It is ideal if they be in line with the number of keys you use to lock or unlock your uPVC door. Some older doors may only have one spindle that can operate the lock, but more modern doors will have two spindles to allow for independent operation from inside and out. It is not advisable to have a hanging uPVC handle as it can put a lot of tension on the locking mechanism. This could lead to broken parts. Look for uPVC handles with spring cassettes built in to prevent this. These are not only aesthetically pleasing, but they can also give your door locking mechanism a longer life time by removing a portion of the operating force. Broken Spring Cassettes When a door handle becomes stiff, it is usually caused by a problem in the tubular latch itself. It's usually a simple solution that can be solved by repositioning the handle's internal fixing plates. First, open the door and make sure there are no obvious obstructions to the latch plate, such as loose screws or indications of internal parts that are visible. If this is not the case, one of the springs in your uPVC handles might need to be moved. The simplest way to do this is to buy the door handle repair kit. It will contain all the tools you need to remove the handles and then move their cassettes. Follow the directions and you'll soon have the drooping or sagging uPVC handle that is fully operable. A Floppy uPVC handle can be caused by thermal contraction but it is more common to indicate that the gearbox has failed. This is not a problem that you can fix yourself. You will require the assistance of a locksmith. If you have to replace the gearbox on your uPVC door it's important that you purchase an authentic replacement that will ensure that everything is fitted properly. Using an aftermarket replacement that is less expensive could cause problems, like a faulty lock or reduced security for your home. You can also replace the whole uPVC handle and lock mechanism. This will not only resolve the issue of sagging, but will also ensure that the door handle is operational and secure. It is important to remember that this isn't a simple or cheap solution. It will require the removal of the existing uPVC handle and replacement with an entirely new assembly. It's important to note that this is only suitable for people who have an sprung-handled double glazing door as the door will need to be replaced with a new drill. For a quicker and cheaper option you can always purchase handles that have built-in springs, which will reduce the need to drill doors. Can I Fit a uPVC Door Handle onto an aluminum or timber door? There are many things to consider when choosing doors for your home. Aluminum doors are contemporary and appealing while uPVC is durable, security and energy efficiency. When it comes to the design of the door you want to fit the appropriate handle is crucial. If you're looking to replace your existing handles or install new ones, it is crucial to select the correct one for your property. Our uPVC door handle replacement guide will help you make the best choice and install them with confidence. Switching a uPVC handle is fairly simple and only requires basic tools. First, you'll need to remove the handle that was previously in use. This can be accomplished by unscrewing the screws that secure it using the screwdriver. After the screws have been removed, you can simply take the handle away from the door. Next, you will need to measure the dimensions of your door handle. You will need to locate the middle of the fixing holes on the backplate. This is known as the PZ measurement. It determines the size of the handle spindle. Once you have this information, you can buy an alternative handle that is the correct size for the door you have. There are a variety of different kinds of uPVC door handle available to meet your specific needs. Some handles are made with extra security features like anti-drilling as well as cylinder guards and mole grips. These uPVC handles can be incorporated into uPVC or aluminium doors, and are perfect for those looking for increased security for their home. There are also uPVC handles that are more traditional. They are available in a variety of finishes such as black, gold, and chrome. They are generally a bit more costly than standard ones, but they can add a stylish finish to your door. It is crucial to determine the dimensions of your chosen uPVC handle prior to placing an order. You will need to check the dimensions above, as well as the keyhole and lever dimensions and the backplate mounting centers, to ensure that your new handle is a good one for your door.