UPVC Door Handles Replacement Guide
Replacing the handles on your doors made of upvc is an easy DIY task once you have the proper measurements. These measurements include the distance between the handle's backplate fixing centres (sometimes called PZ) and the centre of the key hole.
The most commonly used kind of uPVC door handle comes with two levers inline, one internal and one external connected by a spindle. They operate the multi-point lock found in uPVC aluminum, uPVC and a few wooden doors.
Brands and finishes
A broken uPVC door handle could be more than a minor inconvenience, it can also make your home vulnerable to intruders who could be able to force the lock to open and enter your home. This is why it's crucial to recognise when your uPVC door handles are beginning to fall apart and act as soon as you can.
Fortunately, it's quite simple to replace your uPVC door handles. You will only need a few tools and a few precise measurements. In most cases you can just screw in your new uPVC handle and you're ready to go. It is always recommended to select locks and handles that are of the highest standard of security.
You can choose from a range of uPVC handles. These include lever/lever, pad, offset and snib handles. Lever/lever handles consist of two inline handles that can be moved are extremely popular with homeowners. Pad uPVC handles are smaller in size and often have an offset design that permits you to keep the exterior of your property secure following entry.
An offset uPVC handle is comprised of a fixed and one pad that can be moved. This kind of handle is usually used on sliding patio doors. Snib handles resemble offset handles but can be employed on uPVC french doors.
When you are choosing a replacement uPVC door handle, you must think about the style of your existing doors and windows. The handle should be in line with the colour and finish of your doors. Certain handles are available in a range of finishes that include black and white, while others are available in more elegant options such as chrome or gold.
When measuring, it's vital to get the PZ and screw-to-screw dimensions right. The PZ measurement is the distance from the centre of the spindle hole to the centre of the keyhole. The screw-to-screw measurement is the distance between the screw hole on the existing handle and the nearest screw on your door frame and it's important to measure it accurately to determine a suitable replacement.
Measurement and Fitting
A uPVC door handle is equipped with two levers on each side of the lock mechanism, making it easy to operate both inside and out. With a comfortable grip and strain-free functionality they are an essential part of a door's security mechanism. With the right uPVC handles, you will be able to keep your door secure and look great while doing it.
The right uPVC handle can be a challenge and confusing as there are a variety of sizes, shapes and styles on offer. However, there are three key measurements to be considered when choosing a replacement for your uPVC doors. These are the backplate fixing centres key hole, lever and lever size and the spindle size. Incorporating these factors will ensure that your new handle is compatible with your uPVC door and provides an perfect fit.
The process of measuring these points is fairly easy, but you need to be as precise as you can. If you're not careful, you could end with an unfit handle that doesn't match the existing one and could cause issues when opening your uPVC door. The most important measurement is the top screw that is on the backplate's fixing centre, often referred to as the PZ size. This is measured from the pivot point of the keyhole or lever for the handle to the centre of the screw. Generally speaking it is an amount of 92mm, however it could vary.
Verify that the uPVC handles on your doors are fitted with the correct number of keyspindles that you need for your multi-point locking. It is ideal if they be the same as the keys you use to lock or unlock your uPVC door. Some older doors have only one spindle that locks the lock. More modern doors have two spindles that allow independent operation both indoors and outdoors.
It is not advisable to have a sliding uPVC handle, as this can put a lot of strain on the locking mechanism. This could lead to broken parts. Look for uPVC handles equipped with spring cassettes to prevent this. They are not only visually appealing, but they will also give your door locking mechanism a longer life time by removing a portion of the operating force.
Broken Spring Cassettes
When a door handle becomes stiff, it is usually caused by a problem in the tubular latch itself. This is usually a simple fix and can be resolved by repositioning the internal fixing plates of the replacement handle. First, open the door and make sure there aren't any obvious obstructions on the latch plate such as loose screws or evidence of internal parts peeking through. If this isn't the case, one of the springs in your uPVC handles may need to move.
The simplest way to do this is to purchase a door handle repair kit. The kit includes all the tools required to remove the handles and then to reposition the cassettes. Follow upvc replacement door handles Repair My Windows And Doors to do this and you'll soon have a sagging or falling uPVC door handle that's once again fully functional.
A loose uPVC door handle could be the result of thermal contraction, but it is usually an indication that the gearbox inside has been damaged. This isn't something you can easily repair at home, and requires the assistance of a locksmith expert.
It is crucial to select a genuine replacement gearbox to your uPVC doors. This will ensure that everything is properly installed. A cheaper replacement part could result in issues like a malfunctioning multipoint lock and reduced security for your property.
You can also replace the whole uPVC lock and handle mechanism. This will not only fix the sagging problem but will also ensure that the door handle is operational and secure. It's important to note though that this isn't an easy or cheap solution and will involve the removal of your existing uPVC handle and replacing it with an entirely new assembly. This is only suitable for double-glazed doors with spring handles, since the door will need be replaced. For a more cost-effective and quicker alternative, you can buy a new set of handles that have built-in springs, which will reduce the need to drill doors.
Can I install a uPVC Door Handle on an aluminium or timber door?
When you are choosing doors for your home there are a variety of factors to take into consideration. Aluminium doorways are modern and stylish and uPVC provides durability, security and energy efficiency. The proper handle is crucial for the design of door you'd like to install. If you're looking to replace your existing handles or add new ones, it's essential to choose the right ones for your property. Our uPVC door handle replacement guide will help you make the best decision and install them with confidence.
Switching a uPVC handle is relatively easy and requires only basic tools. First, you'll need to remove the handle that was previously in use. You can take out the screws that hold it in place by using a screwdriver. Once the screws are removed, you can take the handle away from the door.
The next step is to measure the dimensions of the door handle. You'll need to determine the middle of the fixing holes on the backplate. This is known as the PZ measurement. It is used to determine the handle spindle size. Once you know this information, you'll be able purchase a door handle replacement that is the correct size.
There are a variety of types of uPVC handles to suit your needs. Some handles are made with additional security features such as anti-drilling protection as well as cylinder guards and mole grips. These uPVC handles can be fitted to uPVC doors as well as wood and aluminum ones. They are ideal for those who want to enhance the security of their home.
There are also uPVC handles that are more traditional. They come in various finishes like gold, black, and chrome. They're typically more expensive than standard handles but will provide an attractive finish to your door.
Once you have chosen a suitable uPVC door handle, it is important to verify the dimensions before ordering. You'll need to consider the measurements listed above including the key hole and lever dimensions, as well as the backplate fixing centres to make sure that the new handle is a suitable to your door.