UPVC Door Handles Replacement Guide
Replacing door handles made of upvc is a straightforward DIY project once you have the correct measurements. These measurements include the distance from the backplate's mounting centres (sometimes called PZ) to the center of the keyhole.
The most commonly used uPVC handle is two inline levers. One internal and one exterior, linked with spindles. They are used to operate the multi-point lock found in uPVC, aluminium and some wooden doors.
Brands and Finishes
A broken uPVC handle is more than just a minor inconvenience. It can also leave your home vulnerable to burglars who may make the lock open and gain access to your home. This is why it's crucial to recognise the moment your uPVC door handles are beginning to fall apart and act as soon as possible.
Fortunately, replacing your uPVC front door handles is a relatively simple task that requires just the use of a few tools and precise measurements. In most cases you can just screw in your new uPVC handle and you're good to go. But, it's a good idea to look for the best 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, pad, offset and snib handles. Lever/lever handles are a favorite among homeowners and consist of two inline handles that can be moved. Pad uPVC handle are smaller and come with an offset design. This lets you secure the outside of your house after entering.
An offset uPVC handle consists of one fixed, and one pad that can be moved. This type of handle is usually used on sliding patio doors. Snib handles are like offset handles but they can be used on uPVC french doors.
It's important to consider the style of your current windows and doors when selecting the replacement uPVC handle. The handle should match the doors you have in terms of colour and finish. Certain handles come in a range of finishes such as black and white as well as others that can be found in more elegant choices like chrome or gold.
It's important to make sure that you get your screw-to-screw as well as PZ measurements correct when taking your measurements. The PZ measurement is the distance from the centre of the spindle hole to the centre of the keyhole. The screw-to-screw dimension is the distance from the screw hole of your current handle to the closest screw on the door frame. It's important to measure it accurately to find a replacement.
Measurement and Fitting
A uPVC door handle comes with two levers, one on each side of the lock mechanism permitting easy operation both from the inside and outside. Handles are an important component of the security system on doors. They offer a comfortable grip, and they function without effort. With the proper set of uPVC handles, you can make sure your door is safe from burglars and keep it looking great in the process.
It can be confusing to select the best uPVC handles because there are so many sizes, shapes and styles available. But, there are three key dimensions to consider when choosing a replacement option for your uPVC doors. These are the backplate fixing centres as well as the key hole and lever size, and the spindle's size. By taking into account these aspects, you will ensure that the new handle fits perfectly with your uPVC doors and gives you an ideal fit.
It's relatively easy, but you need to be as precise as you can. If you're not careful you could end up with an unfit handle that doesn't match the existing one and can cause problems when opening your uPVC door. The top screw located at the centre of the backplate is the primary measurement. This is also known as the PZ dimension. It measures from the keyhole's axis or handle lever to the centre of the screw. In general this is an amount of 92mm, however it may vary.
Check that the uPVC handles on your doors have the correct number of keyspindles that you need for your multi-point locking. Ideally, they should be in line with the number of keys you use to lock and unlock your uPVC doors. Some older doors have only one spindle to lock. More modern doors come with two spindles that permit independent operation both inside and out.
You don't want a sliding uPVC handle because it puts an excessive strain on the locking mechanism. This could lead to broken components. To avoid this, search for an assortment of uPVC door handles with built-in spring cassettes. These are not only aesthetically pleasing, but they can also help give your door locking mechanism a longer life time by removing a portion of the operating force.
Broken Spring Cassettes
If a door handle becomes stiff it can often be caused by a problem in the tubular latch itself. This is usually a straightforward fix that can be solved by repositioning the internal fixing plates of your new handle. First open the door and check that there are no 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 on your uPVC handles might require a change.
A door handle repair kit is the most efficient method to do this. This will contain all the tools needed to remove the handles and then move their cassettes. Simply follow the instructions to complete the procedure and you'll soon have a sagging / falling uPVC door handle that is once again fully functional.
A floppy uPVC door handle could be the result of thermal contraction, but it is more often a sign that the gearbox inside is broken. This isn't something that you can fix at home, and requires the help of a locksmith expert.
If you have to replace the gearbox on your uPVC door, make sure you choose a genuine replacement which will ensure that everything is fitted properly. Using an aftermarket part that is cheaper may result in problems, such as an insecure lock or lower security for your home.
Another option to consider is to replace the entire uPVC handle mechanism and lock. This will not only fix the sagging issue but also ensure that your handle is completely functional and secure. This isn't a cheap or quick solution. It will require the removal of your old uPVC handles and replacing them with a brand new one. This is only applicable to double-glazed doors with spring handles, as the door will need to be redrilled. For a more cost-effective and quicker alternative, you can buy handles that come with built-in springs that will remove the need to drill the doors.
Can I put a uPVC Door Handle onto an Aluminium or Timber Door?
When you are choosing doors for your home, there are many factors to consider. uPVC doors provide durability as well as security, and energy efficiency. Likewise, aluminium doorways are contemporary and visually pleasing. The correct handle is essential for the design of door you wish to install. It is essential to select the right handles for your property, whether you are replacing the handles you have had or adding new ones. Our uPVC door handle replacement guide will help you make the right choice and install them with confidence.
The process of changing a uPVC door handle is relatively simple and requires only basic tools. First, you'll need to remove the old handle. You can take out the screws that hold it in place with the help of a screwdriver. After the screws have been removed, you can remove the handle out of the door.
The next step is to measure the size of the door handle. You'll need to find the center of the fixing holes on the backplate. upvc door handles is commonly called PZ measurement. It is used to determine the spindle size of the handle. Once you have this information, you'll be able purchase an alternative door handle that is of the correct size.
There are many kinds of uPVC handles available to meet your needs. Some handles are made with extra security features, such as anti-drilling as well as cylinder guards and mole grips. These uPVC handles can be installed on uPVC doors as well as aluminium and wood ones. They are ideal for those who want to enhance the security of their home.
There are also uPVC handles that are more traditional. These are available in a variety of finishes such as chrome, gold and black. They are generally slightly more expensive than standard ones, but they will provide a beautiful appearance to your door.
It is crucial to determine the dimensions of your chosen uPVC handle before ordering. You'll need to consider the measurements above, the key hole and lever dimension, and backplate fixing centres to ensure that the new handle is a perfect match for your door.