UPVC Door Handles Replacement Guide Once you have the right measurements, replacing your upvc door handles is a simple DIY project. These measurements include the distance between the backplate of the handle's fixing centres (sometimes referred to as PZ) and the centre of the key hole. The most commonly used uPVC handle is made up of two inline levers. One internal and one exterior, connected with a spindle. They are used to operate the multi-point lock found in uPVC, aluminium and some wooden doors. Brands & finishes A broken uPVC handle can be much more than a minor inconvenience. It can also make your home vulnerable to burglars who could make the lock open and gain access to your property. This is why it's crucial to be aware of the moment your uPVC door handles are beginning to fail and act as quickly as possible. Fortunately, it's an easy task to replace your uPVC door handles. You'll need some tools and a few careful measurements. In most cases you can just screw in your new uPVC handle and you're good to go. It is always recommended to select locks and handles that meet the highest standards of security. There are many different types of uPVC handles on the market that you can choose from. These include lever/lever, pads, offset and snib handles. Lever/lever handles are a favorite among homeowners and comprise of two inline handles that can be moved. Pad uPVC handles are smaller in size, and typically feature an offset design that permits you to keep the exterior of your property secure following entry. A uPVC offset handle is made up of two pads that are fixed, and the other moveable. This type of handle is found on sliding patio doors. Snib handles resemble offset handles but can be used on uPVC french doors. When choosing your replacement uPVC door handle, you must consider the style of your current windows and doors. The handle should match your doors' existing ones in terms of colour and finish. Certain handles are available in a variety of types of finishes, like black and white. Others are available with more fashionable options, like gold or chrome. It is crucial to get your screw-to-screw and PZ measurements right when you're taking measurements. The PZ measurement is the distance from the center of the hole in the spindle to the center of the keyhole. The screw-to-screw measurement is the distance between the screw hole on your current handle and the closest screw on your door frame and it's crucial to measure this accurately to identify a suitable replacement. Measurement and Fitting The uPVC handle is equipped with two levers - one on either side of the lock mechanism that make it easy to operate from both inside and out. Providing a comfortable grip and easy-to-use functionality handles are an essential part of a door's security mechanisms. With the correct uPVC handles, you can keep your door secure and look stunning in the process. Choosing the correct uPVC handle can be a challenge and confusing as there are numerous sizes, shapes and styles on offer. When selecting the right handle replacement for your uPVC door, it is important to consider three important measurements. These are the backplate fixing centers as well as the key hole and lever size and the spindle size. By taking into account these aspects, you will ensure that the new handle fits perfectly with your uPVC doors and gives you the perfect fit. It is easy to determine these points, however, you must be as precise as you can. You may end having a handle that does not fit properly and causes problems when opening your uPVC doors. The most important measurement is the top screw on the backplate fixing centre, often known as the PZ size. This is the distance between the axis or handle lever of the keyhole and the central point of the screw. In general this is an amount of 92mm, however it could vary. You should also check that your uPVC handles are equipped with the correct number of keyspindles to operate your multi-point locking system. Ideally, they should be the same as the number of keys you use to lock and unlock your uPVC doors. Certain older doors might only have one spindle that can operate the lock, while more modern doors will have two spindles to allow for independent operation from both sides. The final thing you want is a sagging or drooping uPVC door handle since this can cause a great amount of stress to the locking mechanism within and potentially result in broken parts. You should look for uPVC handles equipped with spring cassettes to prevent this. They're not just attractive, but they also reduce the pressure that operates on your door locking mechanism and can increase its life span. Broken Spring Cassettes If a door handle gets stiff, it is usually caused by a fault within the tubular latch itself. It is usually a straightforward fix that can be achieved by repositioning your replacement handle's fixing plates inside the handle. Open the door and check there aren't any obvious obstructions, such as loose screws, or indications that internal components are protruding through the latch plate. If this isn't the case, it's likely to be one of the spring cassettes within your uPVC handle which may need to be moved. A door handle repair kit is the simplest way to accomplish this. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/bristol-windowrepair/ will include all the tools required to take the handles off, and then reposition them. Follow the instructions to do this and you'll soon have a sagging / sliding uPVC door handle that's once again fully operational. A floppy uPVC handle can be caused by thermal contraction but it's more likely to signify that the gearbox has failed. This isn't something you can easily repair at home, and requires the assistance of a locksmith expert. It is important to use a genuine replacement gearbox for your uPVC doors. This will ensure that everything is properly installed. Using a cheaper aftermarket part could cause issues such as a defective multipoint lock and reduced security for your home. You can also replace the entire uPVC handle and lock mechanism. This will not only resolve the issue of sagging, but will also ensure that your door handle is operational and secure. This isn't a cheap or quick fix. It requires the removal of the old uPVC handles and the replacement with a new handle. This is only applicable to double-glazed doors with spring handles, since the door will need to be redrilled. You can also purchase a set of handles with springs built in. This will save your time and money. Can I put an uPVC door handle onto an aluminum or timber door? When it comes to selecting doors for your home there are many factors to consider. Aluminum doors are contemporary and stylish, while uPVC offers durability as well as energy efficiency, and security. The proper handle is crucial for the design of door that you want to install. It is important to choose the appropriate handles for your home whether you are replacing your old ones or adding new ones. Our uPVC replacement door handle guide will assist you make the right choice and install it with confidence. Switching the handle of an uPVC handle is fairly simple and requires only basic tools. First, you'll need to remove the handle that was previously in use. This can be done by removing the screws that hold it in place using the screwdriver. After the screws have been removed, you can pull the handle away from the door. You'll then have to measure the door handle. To accomplish this, you'll need to find the centre of the back plate fixing holes. This is commonly called the PZ measurement. It determines the size of the handle spindle. Once you have this information, you can purchase an alternative handle that is of the correct size for the door you have. There are a variety of types of uPVC handles to suit your needs. Some of these are designed to include additional security features like anti-drill, cylinder guards, and mole grips. These uPVC handles can be installed to uPVC doors and aluminium and wood ones. They are ideal for people who want to increase the security of their home. If you're looking for a traditional uPVC handle there are many options that will suit your needs. They are available in a range of finishes that include black, gold, and chrome. They're generally more expensive than standard handles, but will provide an attractive finish to your door. Once you have picked the right uPVC door handle, it is important 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.