Changing Conservatory Door Handles
Most people can easily alter the handles of their conservatory door. To begin, it is crucial to determine if the handles you have are sprung or un-sprung.
We stock a large range of replacement handles that will fit all major uPVC double glazing manufacturers, including Hoppe, Mila, Avocet and Fab 'n' Fix. To select the correct handle for your door, you must be sure to check two crucial measurements the distance between the screw fixing centres and the central point of the key hole (also called PZ centers).
Lever/lever
If you are installing new uPVC doors into your conservatory you may wish to change the style of your handles. Not only does the finish of your handles make a difference to the look of your space, but it also affects the level of security you'll need. Thankfully, changing a door handle is a simple task that most people can do themselves within five minutes.
Before you begin this process, it is important to make sure that the door is closed and secure so you can work in a safe manner. After that, you'll need take off the handle and cylinder lock. After the handle and cylinder lock are removed, you will need mark the screw holes on your back plate. This will assist you to find the exact location to screw in the replacement handle. Once you have marked the measurements, you can use them to place an order for the right handle.
The levers, screws and pad spindles go through the lock case, which is located within the door. So, you can't simply swap one handle with another without ensuring that they're matched correctly. It's important to take accurate measurements when purchasing new handles.
You'll need to determine the PZ dimension (centre of the hole in the euro cylinder) and the top Screw to Spindle distance. Then you'll need to pick the appropriate uPVC handle for your home. We've created a helpful guide to measuring door handles that can help you.
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 and oil-rubbed bronze as well as matte black handles to suit your decor. These handles are suitable for both commercial and domestic applications and are available on a variety of uPVC door styles and sizes.
If you want to make your uPVC door more secure, choose a handle that has a locking mechanism. This adds an extra layer of security to the home, and is particularly useful for exterior doors. There are Conservatory Door Repairs of locking options available for these types of handles, including keyed alike and Dummy door locks.
Some lever handle sets can be placed on the right or left side of the door. However, others aren't and will need to be specifically ordered for the door's orientation. We suggest checking that the lever set you purchase is handed before ordering because certain brands, like Schlage only offer levers that can be reversed for doors of standard size.
Un-sprung
As the name implies that these kinds of door handles made of upvc don't incorporate a spring cassette within their back plate. The latch/multi-point locks apply a force which returns their levers to its horizontal position after use. This can become less effective over time, causing the handles to droop.
If this is a problem with your handle, it's likely that the spring in your internal cassette is worn out and requires replacement. You can check by removing the handle, and then using the lever. If the handles are drooping, this means they have lost their spring power and it is essential to install heavy duty locks and latches along with the replacement doors for conservatories to prevent this from happening.
The majority of replacement handles are sprung multipoint type with the spring cassette placed in the back plate and holding the lever. They work in conjunction with a standard or multi-point latch to ensure that the door handles are returned to their horizontal position after use. This is a crucial aspect, as it could be difficult to operate handles that are not in the correct position if they don't return to their original position.
There are some upvc handles that do not have the spring cassette. They will need to be fitted with heavy duty locks or latches. These are more common on older doors made of upvc where the handles have not been replaced for a number of years.
Installing the handle is simple after you have chosen the correct type and the right length for your door made of upvc. Follow the directions provided. The screw holes should be aligned on the external handle with the holes already in the euro profile cylinder. Then insert the spindle that is supplied and tighten the screws. Repeat the procedure to install the internal handle.
One thing to be aware of is that the cylinders provided with these handle sets are not standard cylinders as used in modern multi-point locks. The cylinders included in these handle sets are smaller in diameter and will require the larger bulb-shaped cylinders that are typically used on older multipoint doors. These cylinders are available from your local locksmith, or on the internet. This is a cost in addition to the new upvc handles, and is only necessary if your double-glazed door has older multi-point locks. The majority of upvc handles available come with cylinders because they are the most sought-after size in use. It is a good idea, however, to keep spare cylinders in case they become lost or broken. This will save you the time and cost of having to purchase a complete set of replacement handles in the future. This also allows you to utilize the same cylinder for repair of your current Upvc handles if the spring in the internal handle cassette wears out. This can occur when the door handle is used with too much force, especially by elderly or children.