UPVC Door Handles Replacement Guide

Replacing the handles on your doors made of upvc is a straightforward DIY project when you have the right measurements. 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 uPVC handle is made up of two inline levers. One is internal and the other exterior, linked with a spindle. They operate the multi-point lock which is used in uPVC, aluminium and some wooden doors.

Brands and Finishes

A damaged uPVC handle is more than a minor inconvenience. It can also leave your home vulnerable to burglars who can make the lock open and gain entry to your home. This is why it's important to recognise the moment your uPVC door handles are beginning to fail and act as quickly as possible.

Fortunately, it's quite simple to replace your uPVC door handles. You'll require some tools and a few accurate measurements. In most instances, you'll need to install your new uPVC handles and you'll be good to go. However, it's always best to look for the top quality handles and locks that have the highest security standards.

You can choose from a range of uPVC handles. There are a number of different kinds, including lever/lever handles, pad handles, offset handles, and snib handles. Lever/lever handles are a favorite among homeowners and are comprised of two inline handles that can be moved. Pad uPVC handles are smaller and feature an offset design. This lets you secure the outside of your home following entry.

An offset uPVC handle consists of a fixed pad and one movable pad. This kind handle is usually found on sliding door handles patio doors. Snib handles resemble offset handles, however they can also be utilized on uPVC French doors.

It's important to consider the style of your existing windows and doors when selecting a replacement uPVC handle. The handle should match the color and finish of your doors. Certain handles are available in a variety of finishes that include black and white and others can be found with more fashionable options like gold or chrome.

It is important to make sure that you get your screw-to-screw as well as PZ measurements right when you're taking measurements. The PZ measurement is the distance from the center of the hole in the spindle to the center of the keyhole. The screw-to-screw measurement is the distance between the screw hole on the existing handle and the closest screw on your door frame and it's crucial to accurately measure this to identify a suitable replacement.

Measurement & Fitting

The uPVC handle is fitted with two levers - one on each side of the lock mechanism - which make it easy to operate both from inside and out. Offering a comfortable grip as well as easy-to-use functionality, the handles are also an essential part of a door's security mechanisms. 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.

The right uPVC handle can be difficult and confusing as there are a variety of sizes, shapes and styles available. When choosing a replacement handle for your uPVC door, it is important to consider three important measurements. The backplate fixing center keyhole and lever dimensions, as well as the spindle's diameter are all crucial measurements. Taking these into account will ensure that the new handle is compatible with your uPVC door and provides an perfect fit.

It's simple to determine these points, but you need to be as precise as you can. You may end having a handle that doesn't fit correctly and could cause issues when opening your uPVC doors. The most important measurement is the top screw that is on the backplate's fixing centre, commonly called the PZ size. This is measured from the axis of the keyhole or handle lever to the center of the screw. Generally speaking it is a measurement of 92mm but it can vary slightly.

You should also check that your uPVC door handles have the required number of keyspindles to operate your multi-point locking system. Ideally, these should be in line with the number of keys that you use to lock and unlock your uPVC bi-fold doors handles. Some older doors may have only one spindle to operate the lock, but more modern doors will feature two spindles, allowing for independent operation from inside and out.

The final thing you want is a drooping or sagging uPVC door handle because this can cause a great amount of stress on the internal locking mechanism and could lead to broken components. You should look for upvc window handle replacement handles equipped with spring cassettes to prevent this. They are not just visually appealing, but they could also give your door locking mechanism a greater life duration by removing some of the force that operates it.

Broken Spring Cassettes

When a door handle becomes stiff, it could be caused by a fault within the tubular latch itself. It is usually a straightforward fix that can be achieved by repositioning your replacement handle's fixing plates that are inside it. Open the door and make sure there aren't any obvious obstructions such as loose screws, or indications that internal parts are poking through the latch plate. If this isn't the case, it could be one of the spring cassettes in your uPVC handle that needs to be relocated.

The easiest way to do this is to purchase an repair kit for door handles. It will include all the tools you require to take the handles off and then put them back in their cassettes. Simply follow the instructions to do this and you'll soon have a sagging / drooping uPVC door handle that's once again fully functional.

A floppy uPVC door handle could be the result of thermal contraction, but is usually an indication that the gearbox inside has broken. This isn't something that you can fix at home, but it will require the assistance of an expert locksmith.

It is important to use a genuine replacement gearbox to your uPVC doors. This will ensure that everything is installed correctly. Using a cheaper aftermarket part could result in issues like a malfunctioning 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 sagging issue but also ensure that the handle is fully functional and secure. It's important to keep in mind that this isn't a simple or cheap solution and will require the removal of the current uPVC handle and replacing it with an entirely new assembly. This is only applicable to double glazing handles-glazed doors that have sprung handles, since the door will need be redrilled. For a quicker and cheaper alternative, you can buy new handles that come with built-in springs which should reduce the need to drill the doors.

Can I Fit a uPVC Door Handle onto an aluminium window handle or timber door?

There are many aspects to consider when choosing doors for your home. Aluminium doorways are modern and appealing and uPVC provides durability, security and energy efficiency. The correct handle is essential for the design of door you wish to install. If you are looking to replace your existing handles or install new ones, it is important that you choose the right one for your property. Our uPVC replacement door handle guide will help you make the best decision and install it with confidence.

Changing the handle of a uPVC door handle is simple and requires only a few tools. First, you'll need to remove the handle that was previously in use. This can be done by removing the screws that keep it in place with a screwdriver. Once the screws are removed, you can take the handle from the door.

You'll then have to take a measurement 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 and determines the size of the spindle on your handle. Once you know this information, you can purchase the replacement handle that is the correct size for your door.

There are many different types of uPVC door handle available to satisfy your individual needs. Some of these handles come with extra security features like anti-drilling security, cylinder guards, and mole grips. These uPVC handles can be fitted to uPVC doors as well as aluminium and wood ones. They are perfect for people who want to enhance the security of their home.

If you are seeking a more traditional uPVC handle there are many choices to meet your preferences. They come in a variety of finishes including black, chrome and gold. They're generally more expensive than standard handles however they will provide an attractive finish to your door.

Once you have chosen the right uPVC door handle, it is essential to verify the dimensions before ordering. You should verify the dimensions mentioned above, as well as the lever and keyhole dimension and the backplate mounting centres to ensure that the new handle is a good one for your door.