UPVC Door Handles Replacement Guide
Replacing the handles on your doors made of upvc is a straightforward DIY project once you have the proper measurements. These measurements include the distance from the handle's backplate mounting centres (sometimes called PZ) to the centre of keyhole.
The most popular uPVC handle is made up of two inline levers. One inside and one exterior, connected by spindles. They operate the multipoint lock found on uPVC and aluminium doors, as well as some wooden ones.
Brands & Finishes
A damaged uPVC handle could be more than just a minor inconvenience. It could also make your home vulnerable to burglars who could make the lock open and gain access to your home. It's important to take action when you notice your uPVC handles are breaking down.
Fortunately, it's a fairly simple task to replace your uPVC door handles. You'll need a few tools and a few accurate measurements. In most cases you can simply put in your new uPVC handle and you're good to go. It is always recommended to select locks and handles that are of the highest standard of security.
You can pick from a wide range of uPVC handles. These include lever/lever, pad, offset and snib handles. Lever/lever handles are a favorite among homeowners and comprise of two movable handles inline. Pad uPVC handles are smaller in size and often have an offset design that permits you to keep the exterior of your home secure after the entry.
A uPVC offset handle consists of two pads one fixed and the other movable. This kind handle is typically used on sliding patio doors. Snib handles look similar to offset handles, but they can also be used on uPVC French doors.
It's important to take into account the design of your current doors and windows when choosing 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 that include black and white as well as others that can be found in more stylish choices like gold or chrome.
It is crucial to ensure that you have your screw-to-screw and PZ measurements correct when you're taking measurements. The PZ measurement refers to the distance between the center of the spindle hole and the center keyhole. The screw-to-screw dimension is the distance between the screw hole on the existing handle and the closest screw on the door frame, and it's crucial to measure it accurately to determine the right replacement.
Measurement and Fitting
The uPVC handle is equipped with two levers - one on each side of the lock mechanism which make it easy to operate both from inside and outside. Handles are an essential part of the security mechanism on a door. They offer a comfortable grip, and work without effort. With the proper uPVC handles, you can ensure your door is secure and look stunning in the process.
The right uPVC handle can be difficult and confusing because there are many different sizes, shapes and designs on offer. When selecting the right handle replacement for your uPVC door, it is important to take into account three key measurements. These are the backplate fixing centres key hole, lever and lever size, and the spindle's size. By taking into account these aspects, you will ensure that your new handle is perfectly matched to your uPVC doors and gives you an ideal 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 may end 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, often called the PZ size. This is the distance between the handle lever or axis of the keyhole and the central point of screw. This is usually 92mm, however, it could be different.
Check that the uPVC handles on your doors have the correct number of keyspindles that you need for your multi-point locking. It is ideal that they be in line with the number of keys that you use to lock and unlock your uPVC doors. Some older doors have a single spindle that locks the lock. Modern doors have two spindles that allow independent operation both inside and out.
The most undesirable thing to have is a sagging or drooping uPVC door handle since this can cause a great amount of stress on the internal locking mechanism and potentially result in broken components. To avoid this, search for an assortment of uPVC door handles with built-in spring cassettes. They aren't just beautiful but they also reduce the operating pressure on the door locking mechanism and will give it a much longer time to last.
Broken Spring Cassettes
If a door handle becomes stiff, it could be caused by a problem within the tubular latch itself. This is usually a simple solution and can be solved by repositioning internal fixing plates of the replacement handle. First take the door off and check that there aren't any obvious obstructions to the latch plate like loose screws or evidence of internal parts that are visible. If this isn't the case, it's likely to be one of the spring cassettes in your uPVC handle that may need to be relocated.
A door handle repair kit is the easiest way to accomplish this. The kit includes all the tools required to remove the handles and then reposition the cassettes. Simply follow the instructions to do this and you'll soon have a sagging or sliding uPVC door handle that's again fully operable.
A loose uPVC door handle could be the result of thermal contraction but is usually a sign that the gearbox inside has broken. This isn't a problem that you can fix yourself. You will need the help of locksmith.
It is crucial to select an authentic replacement gearbox for your uPVC doors. This will ensure that everything is properly installed. If you use an aftermarket component that is less expensive can cause problems, such as the lock being defective or causing less security for your home.
You could also replace the entire uPVC handle and lock mechanism. This will not only fix the issue of sagging, but will also ensure that your door handle is fully operational and secure. This is not a cheap or quick solution. It will require the removal of your old uPVC handles and the replacement with a new assembly. It's also worth mentioning that this is only really suitable for those who have a sprung handled double glazing door, as the door will need to be re-drilled. If you want a faster and less expensive option, you can purchase new handles that are fitted with springs which should remove the need to drill the doors.
Can I put an uPVC door handle onto an aluminum or timber door?
There are many aspects to think about when selecting doors for your house. uPVC doors provide durability, security and energy efficiency whilst aluminium doorways are contemporary and attractive. Regarding the design of the door you want to fit, the right handle is crucial. It is important to choose the correct handles for your property regardless of whether you're replacing the handles you have had or installing new ones. window handles will help you make the best choice and install them with confidence.
Changing the handle of a uPVC door handle is relatively easy and requires just a few tools. First, you'll need to remove the old handle. It is possible to remove the screws that hold it in place with a screwdriver. After the screws have been removed, it is possible to pull the handle away from the door.
Next, you will need to measure the size of the door handle. You will need to locate the middle of the fixing holes on the backplate. This is commonly known as the PZ measurement. It is used to determine the spindle size of the handle. Once you have this information, you will be able to buy a replacement door handle that is the right size.
There are several different types of uPVC door handles to meet your specific needs. Some of these are designed to include additional security features, such as anti-drill, cylinder guards and mole grips. These uPVC handles can be installed to uPVC doors and wood and aluminum ones. They are ideal for people 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 black, chrome and gold. They're typically more expensive than standard handles however they can add a stylish look to your door.
Once you have chosen the appropriate uPVC door handle, it is important that you check the dimensions prior to placing an order. You'll need to consider the measurements mentioned above as well as the lever and key hole dimensions, as well as the backplate fixing centres to ensure that the new handle is a suitable match for your door.