Changing Conservatory Door Handles
Switching the handles on your conservatory door is a simple task that most people will be at ease doing. It is important to first check if the handles you have are spring-loaded or not.
We have a wide selection of replacement handles that will fit all the major uPVC double-glazing manufacturers like Hoppe, Mila, Avocet and Fab 'n'Fix. To choose the best handle for your door, you must be sure to check two crucial measurements - the distance between the screw fixing centers and the center of the key hole (also called PZ centers).
Lever/lever
When you're installing new uPVC doors in your conservatory, you might want to think about changing the handle design. Not only does the finish of your handles contribute to the look of your home, but also the level of security that you require. It's relatively simple to change a door handle. Most people can do it themselves in about five minutes.
Before beginning this process, it's important to ensure that the door is closed and secure to allow you to work safely. The next step is to remove the handle and cylinder lock. After removal, you'll be required to mark the location of the screw holes on the back plate. This will help you find the exact location to screw the replacement handle into the correct position. Once you've marked the position, you can make use of these measurements to purchase the appropriate handle for your uPVC door.
The lever, screws and pad spindles are all placed inside the lock case (which is inside the door) so you can't simply swap any handle with another without making sure they match up correctly. This is the reason it's important to make precise measurements prior to purchasing a new set handles.
You'll need to calculate the PZ dimension (centre of the euro cylinder hole) and the top Screw to Spindle distance. Then, you'll need to find the best uPVC door handles for your home. To assist you, we have produced a handy door handle measurement guide which will provide you with the exact details to look out for when measuring your uPVC door.
Lever/lever door handles are among the most popular handle type and are available in a variety of styles and finishes. You can choose from graphite, matte black and oil-rubbed bronze handles to complement your decor. These handles can be used for both commercial and domestic applications. They are offered on a variety of uPVC doors in different sizes and styles.
If you want your uPVC doors to be more secure then you'll need to choose the handle that has an locking mechanism. This will add an extra layer of security to your home and is especially useful for external doors. These types of handles are available with a variety of locking options, including keyed alike or a dummy door lock.
Certain lever handle sets are reversible, meaning they can be placed on either side of the door. Certain lever handle sets are reverse-able, while others are not. You'll need to purchase them specifically for the orientation of your door. Before ordering, we recommend that you check the direction of any lever set. Certain brands, like Schlage offer only reversible handles on standard doors.
Un-sprung
As the name suggests the door handles made of upvc do not have a spring cassette inside their back plate. The latch/multi-point locks use a force which returns their levers to a horizontal position following use. In time, this could cause the handles to droop.
If you notice a problem with your handle, it's likely the spring in the internal cassette has worn away and needs replacing. You can test this by removing the handle, and then pressing the lever. If the handles droop this means they have lost their spring strength and it is essential to install heavy duty locks and latches in conjunction with your replacement doors for conservatories to prevent this happening.
The majority of replacement handles are multipoint sprung with the spring cassette located in the back plate and retaining the lever. These handles are compatible with a standard tubular or multi-point latch to ensure that door handles return horizontally after use. This is an important feature as it can be difficult to operate handles that aren't in the proper position if they fail to return to their original position.
However, there are still replacement conservatory doors on the market that do not have the spring cassette and require locks and latches that are heavy duty. They are more prevalent in older upvc door handles that haven't been updated in a long time.
Installing the handle is simple after you have chosen the right type and the appropriate length for your door made of upvc. Follow the instructions provided. Be sure to align the screw holes of the handle's exterior to the holes in your euro profile cylinder then insert the spindle and screws supplied and tighten them up. Repeat the procedure for the internal handle.
One thing to be aware of is that the cylinders supplied with these handle sets are not standard cylinders as used on modern multi-point locks. They have smaller in size and will require the larger, bulb shaped the cylinders that are typically found on older multi-point doors. These cylinders can be purchased from your local locksmith or online. It is an expense in addition to the new upvc handles, and is only necessary if the double glazed door has old multi-point locks. These cylinders are included with the majority of upvc handle sets on the market as they are the most popular size. However, it's recommended to keep spare cylinders in the case in case of damage or loss. This will spare you the hassle and cost of having to purchase a complete replacement handle set in the future. This will also allow you to utilize the same cylinder for repairs to your existing Upvc handles if the spring inside the internal handle cassette breaks or wears out. This can happen if too much force is pushed when using the door handles, especially by elderly or children.