Choosing the Right UPVC Door Handle Replacement Replacing your upvc door handles is a relatively simple job but picking the right handle can be tricky. Modern double glazed handles are equipped with spring cassettes, whereas older handles do not. If the upvc handle of your multipoint lock is loose and floppy, it could be an internal issue. This article will cover several possible problems & their causes. Handles that slide or droop UPVC handles are susceptible to wear and tear. This is especially true in older properties. The most common reason that the handle becomes floppy due to a damaged spring cassette within the door lever. This is usually due to an excessive force and the square spindle that holds the cassette may be displaced or rounded off. It is good to be aware that a uPVC handle replacement can be accomplished in just a few minutes. The first step is to disassemble the handle unit that was previously installed by removing the fixing screws visible on the back of the handle lever plate. Once the handles are removed you can then remove the cassette from the square spindle and replace with an entirely new one. Online you can choose from a range of uPVC handles available in a variety of finishes. The finish you choose will determine the life span of your handle as well as how it will be easy to clean. Finishes such as PVD, Stainless Steel or Resista are designed to resist corrosion and last up to 25 years. Once you have selected the colour or style you can then select the type of handle you need. The most popular types are lever and pad arrangements. Lever pads feature a lever on the inside and an outside paddle, this is often used as a security feature to stop unauthorised access. The next step is to measure the dimensions of your existing handle and record them. You'll need to know the PZ dimension (the distance from the screw hole to the centre of the lever), the length of the handle and the dimensions of the keyhole. You can compare these measurements to the handle size matrix to find the appropriate replacement. Broken springs Over time, uPVC door handles are prone to becoming wobbly or loose and occasionally the spring cassette inside could break. These springs are used to ensure that the lever is in a horizontal position. Without them your doors will not lock properly. Modern uPVC handles are constructed with these cassettes integrated directly into the backplate. These springs are typically integrated into older uPVC door mechanisms. This can't be fixed by yourself, but it's worth asking your locksmith to take a look as this could be the cause of the sagging or drooping uPVC door handles. The most common problem associated with uPVC handles is that they loosen as time passes. This is usually caused by worn out springs, which are easy to repair. This is typically caused by excessive handling of the handle. The square spindle of the handle will wear down and cause the springs to move. To fix this, you will need open the door to the handle plate and unscrew all the screws. This can be done with the help of a Philips screwdriver. Once the screws are removed the handle can be taken off. The plates for the handle are then able to be gently taken apart. The springs are able to be removed and replaced with new ones. Depending on the type of handle you are using the distance between the two fixing screws can differ, and this is essential to know before buying an alternative. This measurement is known as the PZ measure and it is recommended that this is done using an instrument that is calibrated to ensure accuracy. After replacing the springs you will be able to operate the handle without any issues. But, it's recommended to lubricate the internal mechanism to ensure that everything is working exactly as it should. This will not only ensure that your uPVC doors are as safe as they can be but also makes them more comfortable to use over time too. Handles that slide around Handles that slide around could be caused by a variety different reasons. One of the most common is when the levers of the handle aren't aligned properly with the lock. This can happen on both uPVC and composite doors, however it is typically more evident on older doors because they are typically made of cheap materials that aren't able to stand up well to the elements. A professional can fix this problem by realigning the handles to ensure they are aligned with the lock. They will also look at the lock itself to see if there is anything that requires fixing. In many cases, a minor adjustment to the handle springs can solve the issue. It's easy to replace your uPVC handle, but you need to measure the handle that you are replacing to ensure that the new one is the correct size. You'll need to determine the distance between the two fixing screws as well as the size of the lever and key hole position. Then, you can use this uPVC handle size guide to determine the appropriate replacement for your home. Once you have the measurements, the next step is to eliminate the current uPVC handles. It's usually a straightforward procedure and requires only a screwdriver. Once the screws are removed, you are able to remove the handle and then proceed to install the new handle. Before you begin the work, you should ensure that the door is held open using a wedge to prevent it from closing in the middle of your work. After you have removed the handle, you can now inspect the underside of the door to fix the problems that are causing it to slip. A handyman from Fantastic Services will be able to assist you if want to do the work yourself or aren't confident enough. They will use specialist locks to unlock the doors without damaging the door. Then they will replace the broken handle and make sure everything works as it should. Gearbox damaged A damaged gearbox may cause the upvc door handle to become stiff or lose function. This can also prevent the lock from being able be opened with the use of a key. This is extremely dangerous and should be dealt with as soon as is possible. It is essential to contact a locksmith if you cannot solve the issue on your own. They have the tools and know-how to complete the task correctly. The first step is to take the handle from its cover plate. This can be done using an instrument that has a flat-headed tip. After removing the handle, take out the middle screw that is holding the cylinder. After you have removed the middle screw you'll be able to loosen the two screws which hold the barrel. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/basildon-windowrepair/ can then pull the barrel out of the door. You'll have to prop the door open to accomplish this, so make sure that you have someone to help. After you have removed the cylinder from the handle you can replace it with a brand new one. It is crucial to make sure that the new cylinder is of the same size as the old one. You could have an incorrectly aligned handle. This could lead to numerous issues such as leaks and drafts. Many doors made of upvc feature adjustable slots which can be used to adjust the handle's tension or release. These slots are usually located on the inside of doors, near the spot where the handle joins the cylinder. Allen wrenches can be used to tighten the adjustment slots. Once you've made the necessary adjustments then you can screw the handle back in and put it back in its place. Then, you can test the handle to make sure that it's functioning properly. The upvc door handle becoming loose when closed is usually an indication that the gearbox or internal spring components have broken down. This can cause your multipoint locks made from upvc to fail, leaving your door wide open to intruders. In this scenario the upvc gearbox will require replacement. This will cost between PS145-PS280 including labor.