UPVC Door Handles Replacement Guide
Replacing door handles made of upvc is an easy DIY task once you have the correct measurements. These measurements include the distance between the backplate of the handle's fixing centres (sometimes referred to as PZ) and the centre of the key hole.
The most commonly used uPVC handle is made up of two inline levers. One internal and one external, joined with a spindle. They operate the multi-point lock found in uPVC aluminum, uPVC and a few wooden doors.
Brands & Finishes
A broken uPVC door handle can be more than a minor inconvenience, it can also make your home vulnerable to intruders who might be able break the lock and gain entry into your home. This is why it's important to recognise the moment your uPVC door handles are beginning to fail and take action as soon as possible.
Fortunately, it is a fairly simple task to replace your uPVC door handles. You'll need just a few tools and few accurate measurements. In the majority of instances, you'll need to screw in your new uPVC handles and you'll be good to go. It is best to pick locks and handles that are of the highest standard of security.
There are many different kinds of uPVC handles available that you can choose from. These include lever/lever, pad handles, offset and snib. Lever/lever handles, made up of two inline handles which can be moved are very popular among homeowners. Pad uPVC handles are smaller in size and often have an offset design that allows you to keep the outside of your property secure after the entry.
An offset uPVC handle is comprised of a fixed pad and one movable pad. This kind of handle can be found on sliding patio doors. Snib handles resemble offset handles, however they can also be utilized on uPVC French doors.
It is essential to take into account the style of your current doors and windows when choosing the replacement uPVC handle. The handle must be in line with your existing doors in terms of colour and style. Certain handles are available with a variety of finishes that include black and white, while others can be found with more fashionable choices like gold or chrome.
When taking your measurements it is essential to ensure that you have the screw-to-screw and PZ dimensions right. The PZ measurement is the distance between the middle of the spindle hole and the centre keyhole. The screw-to screw dimension is the distance from the screw hole of your current handle to the closest screw in your door frame. It is essential to measure it accurately in order to locate a replacement.
Measurement and Fitting

The uPVC handle is fitted with two levers - one on each side of the lock mechanism which makes it easy to operate both from inside and outside. Offering a comfortable grip as well as easy-to-use functionality handles are an essential part of a door's security mechanisms. With the proper uPVC handles, you can keep your door secure and stylish while doing it.
It can be confusing to select the appropriate uPVC handles due to the fact that there are a variety of sizes and shapes to choose from. When choosing a replacement handle for your uPVC door, you should be aware of three crucial measurements. The backplate fixing centre, the lever and keyhole dimension, and the spindle's diameter are all crucial measurements. Taking these into account will ensure that the new handle fits your uPVC door and gives you an perfect fit.
It is easy to measure these points however, you must be as precise as you can. If you're not careful, you could end up with the wrong handle to fit with the existing one, and can cause problems when opening your uPVC door. The top screw in the center of the backplate is the most crucial measurement. It is also referred to as the PZ dimension. This is measured from the axis of the keyhole or handle lever to the centre of the screw. In general this is an measurement of 92mm however it can vary slightly.
Check that the uPVC handles on your doors have the right number of keyspindles to match your multi-point locking. Idealy, they should match the number keys you use to lock or unlock your uPVC door. Older doors may only have one spindle that can operate the lock, while more modern doors will have two spindles that allow for independent operation both from inside and outside.
The last thing you want is a sagging or drooping uPVC door handle as this can cause a great amount of stress on the internal locking mechanism and potentially result in broken components. To avoid this, look for an assortment of uPVC door handles with built-in spring cassettes. These are not only aesthetically appealing, but they could provide your door locking mechanism a longer life span by removing some of the force that operates it.
Broken Spring Cassettes
A problem with the tubular latch could result in a stiff door handle. It is usually a straightforward fix that can be achieved by repositioning your replacement handle's fixing plates that are inside it. First, open the door and make sure there aren't any obvious obstructions to the latch plate such as loose screws or evidence of internal parts peeking through. If this isn't the case, it could be one of the spring cassettes inside your uPVC handle that may need to be moved.
The simplest way to do this is to purchase the door handle repair kit. This kit will include all the tools needed to remove the handles and then reposition the cassettes. Follow the directions and you will soon have an elongated or drooping uPVC handle that can be operated.
A floppy uPVC door handle could be caused by thermal contraction, but it is more commonly an indication that the gearbox inside is broken. This isn't an issue that you can fix at home. You'll need the help of locksmith.
It is important to use a genuine replacement gearbox for your uPVC doors. This will ensure that everything is installed correctly. Using an aftermarket replacement that is less expensive can result in problems, such as the lock being defective or causing less security for your home.
Another option to consider is replacing the entire uPVC handle mechanism and lock. This will not only resolve the sagging issue but also ensure that your handle is completely functional and secure. This is not an inexpensive or quick solution. It will require the removal of the old uPVC handles and replacing them with a new handle. This is only applicable to double glazing doors with sprung handles, since the door will need to be redrilled. For a quicker and cheaper option, you can purchase a new set of handles that have built-in springs that will eliminate the need to drill the doors.
Can I install a uPVC door handle on an aluminum or timber door?
There are a variety of things to think about when selecting doors for your house. Aluminum doors are contemporary and appealing while uPVC is durable, security and energy efficiency. In terms of the design of the door you're planning to install, the right handle is crucial. It is crucial to select the right handles for your home whether you are replacing your old ones or adding new ones. Our uPVC door handle replacement guide will help you make the right choice and install them with confidence.
Switching the handle of a uPVC door handle is relatively easy and requires just a few tools. You will first have to take off the old handle. This can be done by unscrewing the screws that hold it in place using a screwdriver. Once the screws have been removed, you can remove the handle from the door.
You'll then have to take a measurement of the door handle. To do this, you will need to find the centre of the back plate fixing holes. This is typically known as the PZ measurement and determines the size of the handle spindle. Once you know this information, you can get the replacement handle that is of the correct size for the door you have.
There are many kinds of uPVC handles available to meet your needs. Some are designed to include additional security features, such as anti-drill protection, cylinder guards and mole grips. These uPVC handles can be installed on uPVC doors as well as aluminium and wood ones. They are ideal for those who want to improve the security of their home.
If you are looking for a more traditional uPVC handle there are many options to suit your taste. They are available in various finishes like gold, black, and chrome. They're typically more expensive than standard handles but will provide an attractive finish to your door.
Once you have picked the right uPVC door handle, it is important to verify the dimensions prior to placing an order. You'll need to take the measurements listed above as well as the key hole and lever dimensions, as well as the backplate fixing centers to ensure that the new handle is a suitable to your door.