UPVC Door Handles Replacement Guide Replacing the handles on your doors made of upvc is a simple DIY project when you have the right measurements. These measurements include the distance from the handle's backplate mounting centres (sometimes called PZ) to the centre of keyhole. The most common type of uPVC door handle has two levers inline one internal and one external that is connected via spindles. They are used to operate the multi-point lock which is used in uPVC as well as aluminium and wooden doors. Brands and finishes A broken uPVC handle is more than a minor inconvenience. It can also leave your home vulnerable to burglars who may make the lock open and gain entry to your property. This is why it's crucial to recognize when your uPVC door handles are beginning to fall apart and take action as soon as possible. It's a fairly simple task to replace your uPVC door handles. You'll require a few tools and a few accurate measurements. In most cases, you can simply install your new uPVC handles and you'll be good go. However, it's always a good idea to look for the top quality locks and handles that are up to the highest security standards. There are a number of different types of uPVC handles on the market that you can select from. These include lever/lever, pads, offset and snib handles. Lever/lever handles are very popular with homeowners and consist of two movable handles inline. Pad uPVC handles are smaller and feature an offset design. This lets you secure the outside of your home following entry. An offset uPVC handle is comprised of one fixed, and one pad that can be moved. This kind of handle is found on sliding patio doors. Snib handles resemble offset handles but they can be utilized on uPVC french doors. It is essential to consider the design of your current doors and windows when choosing a replacement uPVC handle. The handle should match the color and style of your doors. Some handles are available in different styles, including white and black. Other handles come in more stylish choices, such as chrome or gold. When measuring, it's vital to ensure that you have the screw-to-screw and PZ dimensions right. 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 dimension is the distance between the screw hole on your existing handle and the nearest screw on your door frame, and it is crucial to accurately measure this in order to find an appropriate replacement. Measurement and Fitting The uPVC handle comes with two levers - one on each side of the lock mechanism - that make it easy to operate from both inside and outside. Offering a comfortable grip as well as stress-free operation they are an important part of a door's security mechanisms. With the proper uPVC handles, you'll be able to keep your door secure and stylish in the process. The right uPVC handle can be difficult and confusing since there are many different sizes, shapes and designs on offer. However, there are three main dimensions to consider when choosing a replacement for your uPVC doors. These are the backplate fixing centers, lever and key hole dimensions, and the spindle's diameter. Incorporating these elements will ensure that the new handle will be perfectly fitted to your uPVC doors and provides a perfect fit. It's simple to determine these points, however, you must be as precise as you can. You may end with a handle that doesn't fit correctly and can cause problems when opening your uPVC doors. The most important measurement is the top screw on the backplate's fixing centre, often called the PZ size. This is the distance between the handle lever or axis of the keyhole and the central point of the screw. This is usually 92mm however, it could be different. It is also important to ensure that your uPVC handles are equipped with the correct number of keyspindles to operate your multi-point locking system. 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 have only one spindle to operate the lock, but more modern doors will feature two spindles, allowing for independent operation both from inside and outside. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/bigginhill-windowrepair/ shouldn't have a sliding uPVC handle as it can put a lot of stress on the locking mechanism. This could lead to broken parts. You should look for uPVC handles equipped with spring cassettes to prevent this. These are not only aesthetically appealing, but they could provide your door locking mechanism a longer time by removing a portion of the operating force. Broken Spring Cassettes A problem with the tubular latch can cause a stiff door handle. It's usually a simple fix that can be accomplished by repositioning the replacement handle's internal fixing plates. First open the door and ensure that there are no obvious obstructions on the latch plate such as loose screws or indications of internal parts that are visible. If this isn't the situation, one of the springs inside your uPVC handles could need to move. A door handle repair kit is the most efficient way to accomplish this. It will include all the tools needed to remove the handles and then move their cassettes. Follow the steps and you'll soon have the drooping or sagging uPVC handle that is fully functional. A floppy uPVC door handle could be caused by thermal contraction but is more commonly a sign that the gearbox inside is broken. This isn't a problem that can be fixed at home, but it will require the assistance of a locksmith expert. If you need to replace the gearbox on your uPVC door it's important that you purchase a genuine replacement which will ensure that everything is installed properly. Using an aftermarket replacement that is less expensive can result in problems, such as a faulty lock or reduced security for your home. Another option is to replace the entire uPVC handle mechanism and lock. This will not only solve the sagging issue, but will it will also ensure that your handle is fully functional and secure. It is important to remember that this isn't an easy or cheap solution and will involve the removal of the current uPVC handle and replacement with an entirely new assembly. This is only suitable for double-glazed doors with spring handles, as the door will have to be repaired. If you want a faster and less expensive option you can always purchase handles that have built-in springs which should eliminate drilling holes in the doors. Can I install a uPVC door handle on an aluminum or timber door? There are many things to take into consideration when choosing the right doors for your home. uPVC doors offer durability, security, and energy efficiency. aluminium doorways are contemporary and attractive. The proper handle is crucial for the style of door you wish to install. It is important to choose the correct handles for your home regardless of whether you're replacing the handles you have had or installing new ones. Our uPVC door handle replacement guide will assist you in making the right decision and install them with confidence. Changing the handle of a uPVC handle is relatively simple and requires only basic tools. First, you'll need to remove the old handle. It is possible to remove the screws holding it in place by using the help of a screwdriver. Once the screws are removed, you can take the handle away from the door. The next step is to take a measurement of the door handle. You will need to locate the centre of the fixing holes on the backplate. This is called PZ measurement, and determines the spindle size of the handle. 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 that can be found to meet your requirements. Some of them are designed to include additional security features such as anti-drill protection as well as cylinder guards and mole grips. These uPVC handles are able to be installed on uPVC aluminum, wooden and aluminium doors, and are perfect for those who are looking to increase security for their home. If you are seeking a more traditional uPVC handle there are many choices to meet your preferences. These are available in a range of finishes, including black, chrome and gold. They're typically more expensive than standard handles however they will provide an attractive finish to your door. It is important to check the dimensions of your chosen uPVC handle prior to ordering. You should verify the dimensions mentioned above, along with the keyhole and lever dimensions and the backplate mounting centers to ensure that your new handle is the perfect suitable for your door.