Changing Conservatory Door Handles
The replacement of the handles on your conservatory door is a straightforward job that most people will be at ease doing. It is crucial to check if the handles you have are spring-loaded or not.
We have a variety of replacement handles for all major uPVC double-glazing companies such as Hoppe Mila Avocet & Fab n' Fix. To choose the best handle for your door, you must check two critical measurements the distance between the screw fixing centres and the central point of the key hole (also called PZ centres).
Lever/lever
If you're planning to install new uPVC doors in your conservatory you may wish to change the handle design. The style of your handles will make a big difference in the overall appearance of your room, but also the security level that you require. It is a good thing that replacing the door handle is a simple task that most people can handle themselves in just five minutes.
It is essential to close the door and secure it before you begin the process. This will ensure that you are working in a safe environment. The next step is to remove the existing handle and the cylinder lock. After that, you'll be required to mark the location of the screw holes on the back plate. This will help you find the exact position to screw your replacement handle into the hole. Once marked you can then make use of these measurements to purchase the correct handle for your uPVC door.
The screws, lever and pad spindles are all located inside the lock case (which is located inside the door) therefore it is impossible to switch any handle without ensuring that they line with each other. It's important to take accurate measurements when purchasing new handles.
You'll also have to determine the Top Screw to Spindle Distance and PZ Dimension (centre of euro cylinder hole). You'll then need to find the best uPVC door handles for your home. To assist you with this, we've created a helpful door handle measurement guide that will help you identify what to look out for when measuring your uPVC door.
Lever/lever handles are the most sought-after kind of door handle. They are available in different styles and finishes. For example, you can find brushed nickel, graphite oil-rubbed bronze, matte black handles that will complement your interior. These handles are suitable for both commercial and residential applications and are available on a wide range of uPVC door styles and sizes.
If you'd like your uPVC doors to be more secure, you'll have to select an option with the locking mechanism. This will add an extra layer of security to your home, and is especially beneficial for doors that are external to the house. There are many locking options available for these handles that include keyed alike as well as fake door locks.
Some lever handle sets are convertible, which means they can be used on either side of the door. Some lever handle sets can be reverse-able, while others are not. You'll need to purchase specifically for the direction of your door. We suggest that you verify that any lever set you buy is handed prior to placing your order because certain brands, like Schlage only have handles that are reversible for standard doors.
Un-sprung
The door handles made of upvc are not spring-loaded. They rely on the force applied to them by the latch/multi-point lock to return their lever to their horizontal position following use. In time, this could cause the handles to droop.
If you notice a problem with your handle, it's likely that the spring in the internal cassette has worn out and needs replacing. You can test this by removing the handle, then operating the lever. If the handles droop it means that their spring strength has decreased. It is important to install strong-duty locks and latches in your new conservatory doors to stop this from happening.
The majority of replacement handles are multipoint sprung with the spring cassette positioned in the back plate and retaining the lever. They work with a standard tubular or multipoint latch to ensure that the door handles return horizontally after use. This is a vital feature since it is more difficult to operate handles that are not spring-loaded if they are not returning to the optimum position.
However, there are still certain upvc handles available on the market that do not contain the spring cassette, and thus must be fitted with heavy duty latches/locks. They are more prevalent in older upvc door handles that have not been upgraded in many years.
Once you have the right handle type picked and it is the correct length to fit your upvc doors, it is simply a case of fitting it as per the instructions provided. Carefully align the screw holes in the external handle to the holes in your euro profile cylinder, then insert the spindle and screws provided and tighten up. Repeat the procedure for the handle inside.
It is important to remember that the cylinders included with these handle sets do not match those used in modern multi-point locks. They are smaller in diameter and will require the larger, bulb shaped cylinder normally found on older multi-point doors. These cylinders can be obtained from your local locksmith or bought online. It is an extra cost to that of the new set of upvc handles and is only required for those who have older multi-point locks installed on your double glazed doors. Conservatory Window Repairs of upvc handles available are supplied with these cylinders since they are the most popular size for use. It is a good idea however, to keep spare cylinders in case they are damaged or lost. You'll save time as well as money by not having to buy a new handle set. You can also use the tool to repair your upvc handles in the event that the spring in the handle cassette's internals breaks or wears out. This could happen if the door handle is used with excessive force, particularly by older or young children.