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Choosing the Right UPVC Door Handle Replacement

Replacing the handles on your doors made of upvc is a relatively simple job but selecting the correct handle can be a challenge. Modern double-glazed handles are fitted with spring cassettes, however older handles don't.

If your upvc handle seems loose and floppy, there could be an issue with the internal components of the multipoint lock. This article will cover a number of potential problems & their causes.

Handles that slide or droop

uPVC handles are susceptible to wear and tear. This is particularly true in older properties. A broken spring cassette inside the door lever is the most common reason for a handle that is floppy. This is usually due to excessive force, and the square spindle that supports the cassette may be displaced or the cassette can be rounded off.

The good news is that a uPVC door handle replacement is a relatively simple job and can be accomplished in a matter of minutes. The first step is removing the handle unit that was previously used. To remove it, loosen the fixing screws that are visible on the back of the lever. Once the handles are removed you can then remove the cassette from the square spindle, and replace it with a new one.

You can find a wide range of uPVC door handles to pick from online, and many of them are available in various finishes. The finish you select will determine the durability of your handle as well as how it is easy to clean. Finishes like PVD, Stainless Steel or Resista are made to withstand corrosion and will last up to 25 years.

Once you've selected the colour or style you can then select the type of handle you require. The most popular are pad and lever arrangements. Lever pads are typically used to stop access from unauthorised people. They have an inside lever and a paddle on the outside.

The next step is to determine the dimensions of your existing handle and record them. You will need to measure the PZ dimension which is the distance between the screw hole and the centre of the lever. door handle repair mile-end is also important to determine how long the handle is and the size of its keyhole. You can compare the measurements to the handle size matrix to find the appropriate replacement.

Broken springs

Over time, uPVC handles can become loose or wobbly. The spring cassette might also break. These tiny springs help move the lever to a horizontal position, and without them, doors won't be able to lock properly.

Modern uPVC handles come with these cassettes built directly into the back plate. However, older uPVC doors typically have these springs built into the actual lock mechanism. This can't be fixed on your own, but it is worth getting your locksmith to look at as this could be the reason for the drooping or sagging uPVC door handles.

The most common problem with uPVC handles is that they become loose as time passes. This is usually caused by worn out springs, which are easy to repair. Most often, this is caused by excessive use of the handle, and as a result, the square spindle within the handle will wear out and the springs will move out of place.

In order to rectify this you will need to open the door and remove the fixing screws at the back of the handle plate. This can be done using a Philips screwdriver. Once the screws have been removed, the handle can be removed and the plates pulled apart with care. Then you can take off the springs that were in use and replace them with fresh springs.

Depending on the kind of handle you have the distance between the two fixing screws can differ, and this is important to know when buying an alternative. This measurement is referred to as the PZ measure. It is recommended that this is taken with an instrument that is calibrated for accuracy.

After replacing the springs you should be able operate the handle without any problems. But, it's worth lubricating the internal mechanism to ensure that everything is working exactly as it should. This will not just ensure that your uPVC doors are as secure as possible but also makes them more comfortable to use over time too.

Handles that slide around

Handles that slide are caused by a variety of things. One of the most common causes is when the levers of the handle are not aligned with the lock. This can happen on both uPVC doors and composite doors. However, it is more evident on older doors because they are constructed of lower quality materials that do not hold up to the elements.

This issue can be resolved by a professional who will adjust the handles and ensure that they are in line with the door lock. They'll also examine the lock itself to see what requires fixing. In many cases, a slight adjustment to the handle springs can fix the issue.

It's easy to replace your uPVC handle however, you must take measurements of the handle you have to ensure that the new one is the correct size. You'll need to determine the distance between the two fixing screws, and the dimensions of the lever and key hole position. You can then use this uPVC handle size guide to locate the right replacement for your home.

Once you have the measurements The next step is to take off the current uPVC handles. This is typically quite simple and requires a screwdriver to get to the screws on the inside of the door. Once the screws have been removed, you can take off the handle itself and then move onto installing the new handle.

It's important to secure the door using a wedge prior to starting. This will prevent it from closing during your work. Once the handle is removed it is now possible to inspect the underside of the door to correct the problems that are causing it to sag.


A handyman from Fantastic Services will be able assist if you don't want to do the job yourself or aren't confident enough. They will use specialist locksmith techniques to open the door without causing damage and will then replace the faulty handle, ensuring that everything is in place and functioning as it should be.

Gearbox damaged

A damaged gearbox could cause the door handle made of upvc to become stiff or lose its function. This could also stop the lock from being able be opened using a key. This can be very dangerous and should be dealt with promptly. If you're unable to solve the problem yourself it is essential to get in touch with a locksmith because they are experts and have the tools to complete the task properly.

The first step is to remove the handle from its cover plate. This can be done using the help of a screwdriver with flat-headed tips. After you have removed the handle, you can then remove the middle screw that holds the cylinder in position. After you have removed the middle screw, you can then loosen the two screws that hold the barrel. You can then pull the barrel from the door. To accomplish this, you'll need someone to prop the door wide open.

Once you have removed the cylinder from the handle you can replace it with a fresh one. It is crucial to ensure that the new cylinder is the same size as the previous one. In the event that it isn't, you could end having an unaligned handle correctly. This can lead to a myriad of problems, such as leaks and drips.

Many doors made of upvc feature adjustable slots that can be used to tighten or loosen the handle. The slots are typically located on the inside of the doors, close to the point where the handle connects with the cylinder. The adjustment slots can be tightened by using an allen wrench. After you've made the required adjustments you can screw the handle in and then put it back into place. Then, you'll be able to test the handle to be sure that it's functioning properly.

If the upvc door handle is loose or sloppy when it is closed, it's usually a sign that the gearbox in the upvc has failed or the internal spring components are in the process of breaking down. This can cause the multipoint lock from upvc to fail and leave your door open to burglars. In this case, the upvc gearbox will require replacement. The cost will range from PS145 to PS280, including labour.

Member since: Monday, November 25, 2024

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