UPVC Door Handles Replacement Guide
Once you have the correct measurements, replacing upvc door handles is a straightforward DIY project. These measurements include the distance between the handle's backplate fixing centres (sometimes referred to as PZ) and the center of the key hole.
The most popular type of uPVC door handle has two inline levers both internal and external, connected by spindle. They are used to operate the multipoint lock found on uPVC and aluminium doors, along with some wooden doors.
Brands and finishes
A damaged uPVC door handle could be more than an inconvenience. It can also make your home vulnerable to burglars who might be able force the lock to open and gain entry into your home. It is crucial to act as soon you notice that your uPVC handles are failing.
Fortunately, changing your uPVC handles on your front door is a simple job that only requires the use of a few tools and precise measurements. In most instances, you'll need to screw in your new uPVC handles and you'll be ready to go. It is always recommended to select locks and handles that are of the highest standard of security.
There are many different types of uPVC handles available that you can pick from. There are a number of different kinds of handles, including lever/lever handles pad handles, offset handles and snib handles. Lever/lever handles are very popular with homeowners and consist of two inline handles that can be moved. Pad uPVC handles are smaller in size and often feature an offset design that permits you to keep the exterior of your home secure after the entry.
An offset uPVC handle consists of a fixed and one pad that can be moved. This kind handle is generally used on sliding patio doors. Snib handles resemble offset handles, however they can also be used on uPVC French doors.
When choosing your replacement uPVC door handle, you must consider the style of your existing doors and windows. The handle should match the color and finish of your existing doors. Some handles come in a variety of finishes, including white and black, while others can be found in more stylish options such as chrome or gold.
It is crucial to get your screw-to-screw and PZ measurements correct when you're taking measurements. The PZ measurement is the distance from the center of the hole in the spindle to the centre of the keyhole. The screw-to-screw measurement is the distance between the screw hole on your existing handle and the closest screw on your door frame, and it's crucial to measure it accurately to identify a suitable replacement.
Measurement & Fitting
A uPVC door handle comes with two levers on each side of the lock mechanism permitting easy operation from inside and out. With a comfortable grip and easy-to-use functionality handles are an important element of a door's security mechanism. With the correct uPVC handles, you can ensure your door is secure and look great at the same.
Choosing the correct uPVC handle can be difficult and confusing because there are numerous sizes, shapes and designs on offer. But, there are three essential measurements to take into consideration when choosing a replacement for your uPVC doors. These are the backplate fixing centres as well as the key hole and lever size, and the spindle's size. Incorporating these factors will make sure that your new handle is a good fit for your uPVC door and is an perfect fit.
It's relatively easy, but you need to be as precise as you can. You may end up with a handle which doesn't fit correctly and causes problems when opening your uPVC doors. The most important measurement is the top screw on the backplate's fixing centre, commonly called the PZ size. This is the distance between the axis or handle lever of the keyhole and the central point of screw. In general it is an amount of 92mm, however it could vary.
Check that the uPVC handles on your doors have 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 may have a single spindle to operate the lock, but more modern doors will have two spindles that allow for independent operation both from inside and outside.
You don't want a sliding uPVC handle, as this can put a lot of tension on the locking mechanism. This could result in broken components. Look for uPVC handles equipped with spring cassettes to prevent this. They're not just attractive, but they also reduce the pressure that operates on the door locking mechanism and will give it a much longer time to last.
Broken Spring Cassettes
If a door handle gets stiff, it is usually caused by a fault within the tubular latch itself. This is usually a simple fix and can be resolved by repositioning internal fixing plates of your replacement handle. Open the door and ensure there are no obvious obstructions, such as loose screws, or signs that internal parts are poking through the latch plate. If this isn't the situation, one of the springs in your uPVC handles could need to move.
The simplest way to do this is to purchase the door handle repair kit. The kit includes all the tools required to remove the handles and then reposition the cassettes. Follow the steps to complete the procedure and you'll soon have a sagging or falling uPVC door handle that's again fully operable.
A loose uPVC door handle can also be caused by thermal contraction, but it is more commonly a sign that the gearbox inside has broken. This isn't an issue that you can fix yourself. You will need the help of locksmith.
It is crucial to select a genuine replacement gearbox to your uPVC doors. This will ensure that everything is installed correctly. A cheaper replacement part could cause issues such as a defective multipoint lock, and less security for your home.
Another option to consider is to replace the entire uPVC handle mechanism and lock. This will not only solve the issue of sagging, but will also ensure that your door handle is functional and secure. This is not an inexpensive or quick fix. It requires the removal of the old uPVC handles and replacing them with a new handle. It's also important to note that this is only really suitable for those who have an sprung-handled double glazing door since the door will need to be replaced with a new drill. You can also purchase a set of handles with springs that are built in. This will save your time and money.
Can I install a uPVC Door Handle on an aluminum or timber door?
There are many things to consider when choosing doors for your house. uPVC doors offer durability, security and energy efficiency whilst aluminium doorways are contemporary and attractive. The right handle is crucial for the type of door you wish to install. If you're looking to replace your handles or even add new ones, it's essential to choose the right one for your property. Our uPVC door handle replacement guide will help you make the best decision and install them with confidence.
Switching the handle on a uPVC door handle is relatively simple and requires only a few tools. First, you'll have to remove the current handle. This can be done by removing the screws which secure it using the screwdriver. Once the screws are removed, you can pull the handle away from the door.
The next step is to measure the dimensions of your door handle. To accomplish this, you'll need to find the centre of the back plate fixing holes. This is often known as the PZ measurement and determines the size of your handle spindle. Once you have this information, you can buy an alternative handle that is the right size for the door you have.
There are a variety of different kinds of uPVC door handles to suit your individual requirements. Some of these are designed to offer additional security features like anti-drill, cylinder guards, and mole grips. These uPVC handle designs are able to be installed on uPVC aluminum, wooden and aluminium doors and are ideal for homeowners who want to increase security in their home.
If you are looking for a more traditional uPVC handle there are many options that will suit your needs. These can be found in various finishes, including gold, black and chrome. They are typically a little more expensive than standard handles however they can add a stylish look to your door.
Once you have picked the right uPVC door handle, it's important that you check the dimensions prior to placing an order. You should verify the dimensions listed above, along with the lever and keyhole dimension and the backplate mounting centres, to ensure that your new handle is the right one for your door.