Choosing the Right UPVC Door Handle Replacement
It's simple to replace your handles made of upvc however choosing the best handle can be difficult. Modern double-glazed handles come with spring cassettes, but older handles aren't.
If your upvc handle seems loose and floppy, it could be an issue with the internal parts of the multipoint lock. This article will cover a number of potential problems and their causes.
Handles that sag or drop
UPVC handles are prone to wear and tear, especially in older properties. A damaged spring cassette on the door lever is the most typical reason for a floppy handle. This is usually caused by excessive force and the square spindle that holds the cassette could be moved or rounded off.
It is important to be aware that a uPVC handle replacement can be completed in just a few minutes. The first step is to remove the old handle unit by unscrewing the fixing screws that are visible on the side of the lever plate. Once the handles have been removed you can remove the cassette from the square spindle, and replace it with the new one.
On the internet, you can pick from a range of uPVC handles, many of which come in different finishes. The finish you choose will determine the life span of your handle as well as how it will be easy to clean. Finishes like PVD, Stainless Steel or Resista are designed to withstand corrosion and will last for up to 25 years.
After you have selected a colour or style, you can select the type of handle you require. The most popular types are pad and lever arrangements. Lever pads are often used to block access by unauthorised persons. They are equipped with a lever inside and a paddle on the outside.
Then, you should measure and record the dimensions of the handle you currently have. You'll need the PZ dimension (the distance from the screw hole to the centre of the lever), the length of the handle as well as the size of the keyhole. Once you have these measurements, you can then compare these with the handle sizes matrix to determine the right replacement.
Broken springs
Over time, handles made of uPVC can become loose or wobbly. The spring cassette might also break. The tiny springs move the lever to a horizontal position, and without them, doors will not lock properly.
Modern uPVC handles have these cassettes built directly into the back plate. However, older uPVC doors typically have these springs built into the lock mechanism. It is not something you can fix by yourself, but it's worth asking your locksmith to take a look as this could be causing the sagging uPVC handles.

The most frequent issue associated with uPVC handles is that they become loose as time passes. This is usually caused by worn-out springs that are simple to fix. The reason for this is usually excessive handling of the handle. The square spindle of the handle will wear out and causes the springs to move.
To fix this you will need to open the door and remove the fixing screws on the back of the handle plate. This can be done by using a Philips screwdriver. Once the screws are removed the handle can be removed and the handle plates ripped apart with care. The springs that were used before can be removed and replaced with new springs.
Depending on the type of handle you have the distance between the two fixing screws can vary and this is essential to know before buying an alternative. This measurement is referred to as the PZ and it is important to use a measuring tape that is calibrated for an exact reading.
After reinstalling the springs, you should be able to operate the handle without any issues. It is recommended to lubricate your internal mechanism to ensure that everything is operating just as it should. This will ensure that your uPVC door is as secure as it can be, and also improve their comfort in the long run.
Handles that slide around
Handles that slide are caused by a variety of factors. One of the most frequent causes is that the levers of the handle aren't aligned with the lock. This can happen with uPVC doors and composite doors. However, it's more noticeable on older doors as they are made of less durable materials that aren't able to stand up to the elements.
This issue can be fixed by a professional, who will adjust the handles and make sure they're in line with the door lock. They will also look at the lock to see what requires fixing. In many cases, a minor adjustment to the handle springs will solve this problem.
It's easy to replace your uPVC handle, but you need to take measurements of the handle you have to ensure that the replacement is the correct size. You'll need to determine the distance of the two screws, the dimensions of the keyhole and lever, and the distance between them. Then, utilize this uPVC handles size guide to find an appropriate replacement for your home.
After you've taken the measurements, remove the current uPVC handle. It's usually a simple procedure and requires only the use of a screwdriver. Once the screws are removed, you are able to take off the handle itself and then move onto installing the new handle.
Before you start making any changes, make sure that the door is secured open by a wedge to stop it from closing during the course of your work. After you have removed the handle, you can inspect the components underneath the door that are causing the door to slip.
If you don't have the time or energy to tackle this task yourself, an expert handyman from Fantastic Services can help. They'll employ locksmith opening techniques to unlock the door without causing damage and then replace the faulty handle, ensuring that everything is in place and functioning exactly as it should.
Gearbox damaged
A damaged gearbox may cause the upvc door handle to become stiff or lose its functionality. The lock may also be unable to be opened using a key. This can be dangerous and should be addressed as soon as is possible. It is crucial to contact a locksmith if you cannot resolve the problem yourself. They have the tools and expertise to complete the task correctly.
The first step is to remove the handle from the cover plate. This can be done using an instrument that has an angled tip. After you remove the handle, take out the middle screw which holds the cylinder. After you have removed the middle screw, you can then loosen the two screws that hold the barrel. Then you can pull the barrel out of the door. You will need to open the door to do this, so make sure you have someone on hand to help.
After taking the cylinder off you can replace it the cylinder with a new one. Make sure that the new cylinder is the exact size as your old one. You could end up with an incorrectly aligned handle. This could cause various issues, including leaks and draughts.
Many doors made of upvc feature adjustable slots that allow you to adjust the handle's tension or release. They are usually on the inside of the door near where the handle is connected to the cylinder. Allen wrenches can be used to tighten the slots of adjustment. Once you've made the necessary adjustments then you can screw the handle in and put it back in its place. After that, you can test the handle to be sure that it is working properly.
If the upvc door handle becomes floppy or loose when it is closed, it's usually a sign that the upvc gearbox has failed or the internal spring components are in the process of breaking down. This could cause your multipoint locks made of upvc to fail, leaving your door wide open to burglars. If this occurs, it will be required to replace the upvc gearbox. The cost will range from PS145 to PS280, including labour.