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It's The Upvc Door Handle Replacement Case Study You'll Never Forget
Choosing the Right UPVC Door Handle Replacement

Replacing the handles on your doors made of upvc is relatively easy however choosing the right handle can be a challenge. The majority of modern double-glazed handles include spring cassettes within the handles, but older ones don't.

If your upvc handle is loose and floppy there may be a problem with the internal components of the multipoint lock. This article will address a number of potential problems and their causes.

Handles that are drooping or sagging

UPVC handles are prone to wear and tear, particularly 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 an excessive force and the square spindle which holds the cassette may be displaced or round off.


It is important to be aware that a uPVC handle replacement can be accomplished within a matter of minutes. The first step is to disassemble the old handle unit by unscrewing the fixing screws visible on the back of the lever plate. Once the handles are removed, you can remove the screws and replace the cassette.

You can find a vast selection of uPVC door handles to choose from on the internet and a lot of them come in different finishes. The finish you choose will determine the life span of your handle as well as how it is easy to clean. Finishes such as PVD, Stainless Steel or Resista are designed to withstand corrosion and will last up to 25 years.

Once you have selected a colour or style you can then select the type of handle you require. The most popular are lever and pad arrangements. Lever pads are commonly used to prevent unauthorised access. upvc door handle feature a lever inside and a paddle out.

The next step is to measure the dimensions of your current handle and note them down. You'll need to know the PZ dimension (the distance from the screw hole to the centre of the lever) and the length of the handle, and the dimension of the keyhole. Once you have the measurements you can compare them to the handle size matrix to determine the appropriate replacement.

Broken springs

Over time, the handles of uPVC doors can get loose or wobbly and occasionally the spring cassette inside may break. These springs are used to make sure that the lever of the handle is in a horizontal position. Without them the doors won't lock properly.

Modern uPVC handles come with these cassettes built directly into the back plate. These springs are typically built into older uPVC door mechanisms. This can't be fixed by yourself, but it's worth contacting your locksmith to look at as this could be the cause of the drooping or sagging uPVC door handles.

The most frequent issue that is encountered with uPVC handles is that they tend to loosen over time. This is usually due to worn-out springs, which are simple to fix. The reason for this is usually excessive handling of the handle. The square spindle inside the handle wears down, which causes the springs to move.

To correct this, you'll need to open the door and unscrew the fixing screws located at the back of the handle plate. This can be accomplished using a Philips screwdriver and once the screws are removed the handle can be removed and the handle plates pulled apart with care. You can then remove the old springs and replace them with new springs.

Depending on the type of handle you are using the distance between the two fixing screws can vary and this is essential to know before purchasing a replacement. This measurement is known as the PZ and it is crucial to use a measuring tape that is calibrated to ensure an precise reading.

After replacing the springs, you should be able to operate the handle without issue. It is important to oil your internal mechanism to make sure that everything is functioning exactly as it should. This will not just ensure that your uPVC doors are as secure as possible but also makes them more comfortable to operate for a long time.

Handles that slide around

Handles that slide are caused by many things. One of the most frequent causes is that the levers of the handle are not aligned with the lock. This can happen with both uPVC and composite doors, but is typically more evident on older doors since they are usually made of cheap materials that aren't able to resist the elements.

This problem can be solved by a professional, who will adjust the handles and ensure they're in line with the door lock. They'll also inspect the lock to see if there is anything that requires fixing. In many cases, a minor adjustment to the springs of the handle can fix the issue.

Switching your uPVC door handle is easy enough, but it's crucial to measure the handles that are in use to ensure you have the proper size replacement. You'll need to determine the distance between two screws, the size of the keyhole and lever, as well as the distance between them. You can then make use of this uPVC handles size guide to locate a replacement for your home.

After you have made the measurements, remove the existing uPVC handle. It is usually a simple procedure that requires only an screwdriver. Once the screws have been removed, you can then remove the handle and then proceed to install the new handle.

Before you begin, it's worth ensuring that the door is secured open with a door wedge to prevent it from closing during the course of your work. After you remove the handle, you can inspect the components underneath the door that are causing the door to slide.

A handyman from Fantastic Services will be able to help if you don't want to do the work yourself or lack the nerves. They will use special lock picking techniques to unlock the doors without creating damage. They will then replace the broken handle and ensure that everything works just as it should.

Gearbox damaged

A damaged gearbox could cause the upvc handle to become stiff and lose its function. This could prevent the lock from being able to be opened with the use of a key. This is extremely dangerous and should be dealt with as soon as possible. It is important to call a locksmith if you cannot resolve the problem yourself. They have the tools and expertise to get the job done right.

The first step is to remove the handle from its cover plate. This can be done using a screwdriver equipped with a flat head. After removing the handle, take out the middle screw which holds the cylinder. Once you have removed this middle screw, you can then loosen the two screws that hold the barrel. Then you can take the barrel out of the door. You'll need to open the door to accomplish this, so be sure to have someone available to assist you.

After removing the cylinder you can replace it with a new cylinder. It is important to ensure that the new cylinder is the exact size as the old one. You could end up with an improperly aligned handle. This could lead to numerous issues that could cause leaks and draughts.

A lot of doors made of upvc have adjustment slots which can be used to tighten or loosen the handle. These slots are usually found on the inside of doors, close to the point where the handle meets with the cylinder. The adjustment slots can be tightened with an allen wrench. Once you've made the necessary adjustments, you can screw the handle in and then put it back into place. Then, you can test the handle to be sure that it's functioning correctly.

If the door handle of upvc becomes floppy or loose when it is closed, it is typically an indication that the gearbox in the upvc has broken down or internal spring components are breaking down. This could cause the upvc multipoint lock to fail and leave your door open to intrusion. If this occurs, it is necessary to replace the gearbox. This will cost between PS145 between PS145 and PS280 inclusive of labour.