Choosing the Right UPVC Door Handle Replacement It's simple to replace your upvc handles however, choosing the correct handle can be a challenge. Modern double-glazed handles include spring cassettes within the handles, but older ones don't. If your upvc handle seems loose and floppy there may be a problem with the internal parts of the multipoint lock. This article will look at a number of possible causes and the potential solutions. Handles that sag or droop UPVC handles can withstand wear and tear, particularly in older properties. A broken spring cassette inside the door lever is the most typical cause of a floppy handle. This is caused by a lot of force, and the square spindle holding the cassette can be displaced or round. It is good to know that a uPVC handle replacement can be completed within a matter of minutes. The first step is to remove the old handle by unscrewing the fixing screws visible on the back of the handle lever plate. Once the handles have been removed you can then remove the cassette from the square spindle and replace with an entirely new one. On the internet, you can pick from a range of uPVC handles, many of which come in a variety of finishes. The finish you choose will determine the durability 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 kind of handle you want. The most well-known types are lever and pad arrangements. Lever pads have a lever inside and an outside paddle and are often used as a security feature to block access by unauthorised persons. The next step is to determine the dimensions of your current handle and write them down. You'll need the PZ dimension (the distance from the screw hole to the centre of the lever), the length of the handle, and the dimension of the keyhole. You can compare the measurements with the handle size matrix to determine the right replacement. Broken springs Over time, uPVC handles can become loose or wobbly. The spring cassette may also break. The springs are used to make sure that the lever of the handle is in a horizontal position. Without them, your doors will not lock properly. Modern uPVC handles come with these cassettes built into the back plate. However, older uPVC doors usually contain these springs within the actual lock mechanism. This isn't something that can be fixed on your own, but it's worth contacting your locksmith to take a look as this could be the cause of the sagging or drooping uPVC door handles. One of the most common issues associated with uPVC door handles is that they get loose or wobbly over time, and this is usually due to worn out springs, which is an easy fix. This is typically caused by excessive handling of the handle. The square spindle inside the handle will wear out, which causes the springs to move. To solve this issue, you'll have to open the door to the handle plate and unscrew all screws. This can be accomplished using the help of a Philips screwdriver. Once the screws have been removed, the handle can then be taken off. The handle plates can then be carefully taken apart. Then you can take off the springs that were in use and replace them with fresh ones. Depending on the type of handle you have the distance between the two fixing screws may differ and it is important to know when buying an alternative. This measurement is referred to as the PZ measure and it is recommended that this measurement is measured using a calibrated tape measure to ensure accuracy. After replacing the springs you should be able to use the handle with no problems. But, it's worth lubricating the mechanism inside to make sure that everything functions as it should do. This will ensure that your uPVC door is as secure as could be, and make them more comfortable in the long run. Handles that slide around Handles that move around can be caused by a number of things, one of the most common causes is when the levers on the handle aren't aligned correctly with the lock. This is a problem that can occur on uPVC doors as well as composite doors. However, it is more evident on older doors because they are made of less durable materials that do not hold up to the elements. This problem can be solved by a professional who will realign the handles and ensure that they are in line with the door lock. They'll also inspect the lock to see if there is anything that requires fixing. In many cases, a slight adjustment to the handle springs can solve the issue. Changing your uPVC door handle is easy enough, but it's crucial to measure the measurements of the existing handles to ensure that you have the right size replacement. You'll need to determine the distance between the two screws, the size of the keyhole and lever, as well as the distance between them. Then, you can utilize this uPVC handle size guide to find the right replacement for your home. After you've taken the measurements, take off the old uPVC handle. This is usually fairly straightforward and requires only a screwdriver to get to the screws on the interior of the door. Once the screws have been removed, you can unscrew the handle itself and then move onto installing the new handle. It is important to secure the door using a wedge prior to starting. This will prevent it from closing during your work. After removing the handle, you can access the parts beneath the door that are causing the door to slide. If you don't have the patience or energy to tackle this task on your own, a handyman from Fantastic Services can help. They will employ specialist lock picking techniques to open the doors without damaging the door. Then they will replace the broken handle and make sure everything works as it should. Damaged gearbox A damaged gearbox can cause the upvc handle to become stiff and lose functionality. The lock could also not be able to opened using keys. This can be dangerous and should be addressed as soon as is feasible. If you are unable resolve the issue yourself, it is important to get in touch with a locksmith because they have the expertise and tools to complete the task right. The first step is to remove the handle from its cover plate. This can be done by using a screwdriver with flat heads. After you have removed the handle, take out the middle screw which holds the cylinder. After taking out the middle screw, you will be able to loosen the two screws which secure the barrel. You can then pull the barrel from the door. You'll need to prop the door open to accomplish this, so make sure you have someone on hand to assist you. After you have removed the cylinder from the handle you can replace it with a brand new one. It is crucial to ensure that the new cylinder is of the same size as the old one. Otherwise, you could end up with an unaligned handle correctly. This could cause various issues such as leaks and draughts. A lot of doors made of upvc have adjustment slots that can be used to tighten or loosen the handle. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/epsom-windowrepair/ are typically located on the inside of the door near where the handle joins the cylinder. The slots for adjustment can be tightened by using an allen wrench. Once you have made the adjustments you can place the handle back into place and screw it back in. Then, you can test the handle to ensure it works correctly. The door handle of upvc becoming floppy when closed is usually an indication that the gearbox or internal spring components have broken down. This could cause your multipoint locks made of upvc to fail leaving your door open to burglars. If this occurs, it will be necessary to replace the upvc gearbox. This will cost between PS145 to PS280, including labour.