UPVC Door Handles Replacement Guide
Replacing upvc door handles is a straightforward DIY project once you have the correct measurements. These measurements include the distance from the handle's backplate mounting centres (sometimes called PZ) to the central point of keyhole.
The most commonly used type of uPVC door handle has two inline levers one internal and one external that is connected via a spindle. They operate the multipoint lock on uPVC and aluminium doors, along with some wooden doors.
Brands & Finishes
A damaged uPVC door handle could be more than just a minor inconvenience, it can also make your home vulnerable to burglars who may be able to force open the lock and enter your home. It is imperative to act when you notice your uPVC handles are breaking down.
Fortunately, it is an easy task to replace your uPVC door handles. You'll require some tools and a few careful measurements. In most cases, you can just screw in your new uPVC handle and you're ready to go. It's always best to choose locks and handles that meet the highest standards of security.
You can pick from a range of uPVC handles. There are a number of varieties that include lever handles, pad handles, offset handles and snib handles. Lever/lever handles are very popular with homeowners and are comprised of two inline handles that can be moved. Pad uPVC handle are smaller and feature an offset design. This lets you secure the outside of your house after entering.
An offset uPVC handle is comprised of a fixed and one movable pad. This kind handle is usually found on sliding patio doors. Snib handles resemble offset handles, but they can also be utilized on uPVC French doors.
It is essential to take into account the style of your current doors and windows when choosing a replacement uPVC handle. The handle should match the color and finish of your doors. Some handles are available in a variety of types of finishes, like white and black. Others are available in more elegant options, like chrome or gold.
It's important to make sure that you get your screw-to-screw as well as PZ measurements right when taking your measurements. The PZ measurement is a distance between the center of the spindle hole as well as the centre keyhole. The screw-to-screw measurement is the distance between the screw hole on your existing handle and the nearest screw on the door frame, and it's crucial to measure this accurately to identify an appropriate replacement.
Measurement & Fitting
The uPVC handle is equipped with two levers, one on each side of the lock mechanism that make it easy to operate from both inside and out. Handles are a crucial component of the security system on the door. They provide an ergonomic grip, and they function without strain. With the appropriate set of uPVC handles, you can be sure that your door is safe from intrusions and maintain its attractive appearance while doing it.
The right uPVC handle can be difficult and confusing because there are numerous sizes, shapes and designs available. When you are choosing the right handle replacement for your uPVC door, you should consider three important measurements. These are the backplate fixing centers as well as the key hole and lever size and the spindle size. By taking into account these aspects, you will ensure that the new handle will be perfectly fitted to your uPVC doors and gives you a perfect fit.
The process of measuring these points is fairly straightforward, but you should be as precise as you possibly can. If you're not careful you could end up with the wrong handle to fit with the existing one, and can cause problems when opening your uPVC door. The most important measurement is the top screw on the backplate fixing centre, which is commonly known as the PZ size. This is the distance between the axis or handle lever of the keyhole and the central point of the screw. This is usually 92mm however it is possible to 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. Idealy, they should be in line with the number of keys you use to lock or unlock your uPVC door. Some older doors have only one spindle to lock. More modern doors come with two spindles that permit independent operation both indoors and outdoors.
It is not advisable to have a sliding uPVC handle as it can put an excessive stress on the locking mechanism. This could result in broken components. Try to find uPVC handles equipped with spring cassettes to prevent this. These aren't just aesthetically pleasing but they remove some of the pressure that operates on your door locking mechanism and can increase its life span.
Broken Spring Cassettes
A problem with the tubular latch could cause a stiff door handle. This is usually a straightforward solution and can be solved by repositioning internal fixing plates of the replacement handle. First open the door and ensure that there are no obvious obstructions on the latch plate like loose screws or indications of internal parts that are visible. If this isn't the case, it could be one of the spring cassettes within your uPVC handle which may need to be relocated.
A door handle repair kit is the easiest method to do this. It will include all the tools you need to remove the handles and then reposition their cassettes. Simply follow the instructions to do this and you'll soon have a sagging or sliding uPVC door handle that's once again fully operational.
A loose uPVC door handle can also be the result of thermal contraction but is more often a sign that the gearbox inside is broken. This isn't a problem you can easily repair at home, and requires the assistance of a locksmith expert.
If you need to replace the gearbox on your uPVC door, make sure you choose a genuine replacement which will ensure that everything is installed correctly. A cheaper replacement part could result in issues like a malfunctioning multipoint lock and reduced security for your home.
Another option to consider is replacing the entire uPVC handle mechanism and lock. upvc replacement door handles will not only resolve the issue of sagging, but also ensure that your handle is functional and secure. It's important to keep in mind that this isn't a quick or cheap solution and will involve the removal of the current uPVC handle and replacing it with an entirely new assembly. It's also worth mentioning that this is only really suitable for people who have an sprung-handled double glazing door as the door will need be re-drilled. For a quicker and cheaper option, you can purchase handles that are fitted with springs which should eliminate the need to drill doors.
Can I install a uPVC Door Handle on an aluminum or timber door?
There are many things to think about when selecting doors for your home. Aluminium doorways are modern and attractive, while uPVC offers durability as well as energy efficiency, and security. Regarding the design of the door you want to fit the appropriate handle is crucial. If you are looking to replace your old handles or install new ones, it's important that you choose the appropriate handles for your home. Our uPVC door handle replacement guide will help you make the right choice and install them with confidence.
The process of changing a uPVC handle is fairly simple and only requires basic tools. First, you'll have to remove the current handle. This can be done by unscrewing the screws that secure it using the screwdriver. Once the screws are removed, it is possible to pull the handle away from the door.
The next step is to measure the dimensions of your door handle. You'll need to determine the centre of the fixing holes on the backplate. This is often called the PZ measurement. It determines the size of the handle spindle. Once you have this information, you can get an alternative handle that is of the correct size for your door.
There are many different types of uPVC handles to suit your requirements. Some of them are designed to offer additional security features, such as anti-drill, cylinder guards, and mole grips. These uPVC handles can be incorporated into uPVC, aluminium and wooden doors. They are ideal for those who are looking to increase security in their home.
If you are looking for a traditional uPVC handle there are many choices to meet your preferences. These can be found in various finishes, including gold, black and chrome. They are generally a little bit more expensive than the standard ones, but they will add a nice finish to your door.
After you have selected the right uPVC door handle, it's important that you check the dimensions prior to ordering. You will need to check the dimensions listed above, as well as the lever and keyhole dimension and the backplate mounting centre to ensure that the new handle is the perfect suitable for your door.