Upvc Window Handle Replacement: The Good The Bad And The Ugly

UPVC Window Handle Replacement

Replacing a damaged or broken window handle is a easy process, and with the right tools it can be accomplished quite quickly. It is essential to know the type of handle you have and the spindle's size before you purchase an alternative.

Older uPVC window handles have a spur which protrudes and locks over a wedge striker. They can be left- or right-handed and must be matched when replacing.

What type of lock or handle do I have

There are a variety of window handles made from upvc and locks, each having their own benefits and purposes. The type of handle that you have will determine if your locking mechanism is effective and also if it is simple to open windows. As time passes, and with regular use the upvc handles that are on your windows may be damaged and worn out. This makes them less secure and effective. In some instances they might even fall off completely. If you find that your window handles have fallen off, it's essential to repair them as quickly as possible. This will prevent potential break-ins and ensure your home is secure.

It's a task that virtually anyone can perform. You will need some basic tools, but with right knowledge, it is simple and should only take a few minutes. To begin, you will need to determine the kind of lock and handle you have on your upvc window and then find the perfect replacement.

Inline Espagnolette Handles

They are typically found on the sides of the window. They are flat and have an open latch that is connected to the locking mechanism of the window frame. Inline upvc handles have spindles that run through the centre of the handle and into the frame of the window to activate the latch.

Cockspur Handles

These handles are typically located on older uPVC windows and have a distinctive hook-shaped design. Cockspur handles are secured to the frame of the window by a single screw and are less secure than other kinds of window handle.

Handles that can tilt and turn

The tilt and turn handles differ from other upvc handles because they can be turned to open the window and then tilted to the window to let air circulate. They feature a 7mm spindle in the back and are available both in right and left-handed versions.

When buying replacement upvc handles It is crucial to measure the spindle's length as not all are the same size. To test the length of your upvc handle simply drop something in the middle of the hole, and then measure the distance it travels before it comes into contact with an obstruction. This is the largest spindle size that will fit your windows.

What is spindles?

uPVC window handles operate similarly to doors, upvc window handle replacement by turning the handle to activate an internal latch within the frame. The window can then be opened and closed. But, at times, the handles may become damaged, especially when they are frequently used or exposed to harsh weather conditions. This can lead to the need to replace your uPVC handles for windows as they may not operate the window in a proper manner for a long time.

There are several different types of uPVC handles available including Espag, Cockspur and Spaded handles. They are designed in a variety of ways to fit into uPVC frames. Each handle type uses a different spindle to lock the window mechanism. This is why it is important to know the kind of handle is installed on your uPVC window so you can find the right replacement windows for it.

The base of the handle will tell the type of uPVC it is. There should be a "snap in cover over one screw which holds the handle base in place. Take it off and you should be able to see the second holding screw at the opposite end of the base section of the handle. After both screws are removed, you should be able pull the handle from the uPVC.

Once you have removed the uPVC window handle you need to remove the spindle that was previously attached to the locking mechanism. Take note of the length of the spindle. You will need to purchase a replacement handles for upvc windows with the same length as the original handle and locking device.

The spindle wears down and becomes inoperable with the locking mechanism. This can be caused by corrosion, damage from frequent use, or the locking mechanism becoming looser. If this occurs, you will need to replace both the window handle and locking mechanism in order to restore the full functionality of your uPVC Windows.

How do I remove the handle that was previously attached?

In the course of time and daily usage, window handles could be damaged or destroyed, and if this happens it is crucial to repair them as soon as possible to ensure the security of your home. The good news is that replacing a damaged or worn handle is a fairly easy task that can be accomplished in less than a minute and doesn't require any specialist tools.

The first step to remove the old handle is to remove the screw that is situated on the top of the handle base. After the screw is removed, the handle will be pulled away. There will be another screw located at the bottom of the handle base, and this can be removed as well. After both screws are removed the handle can be removed from the base section of the window.

Once the old handle has been removed, you can take the new handle and line up the fixing holes with the holes present in the window frame. There may be a little cap or sticker on the new handle, so take off them if needed and then put the handle in the frame. Once the handle is in place, it is crucial to verify that it works by turning the handle and making sure that the lock mechanism activates.

Espag handles have a spindle that protrudes from the handle and slots into a multipoint locking mechanism in the frame of the window. Cadenza windows come with a blade with cutouts that fit into the lock mechanism. Cockspur handles are long and are hung over the outer frame of the window or the transom bar crossmember.

Once you have the new handle in place, you can insert the spindle inside the lock inside the window and then tighten it. Replace the snap-in cover and screw cap (if necessary) after the handle is fixed. The handle is now ready for use to use, so try opening and closing the window a few times to make sure that it functions correctly and securely.

How do I install the new handle?

It's not difficult to change the handle on your uPVC windows. The process is easy. All you need is a screwdriver, and a bit of perseverance. The first thing to do is to ensure that the handle is not locked and then remove any screws that are visible, you can also replace them with screw caps if needed. After the handle has been removed, you need to make a note of the length of the spindle which protrudes from the back of the handle. This is vital because it will determine the kind of handle to buy.

Espagnolette handles that are made of uPVC are the most well-known kind of handle. The spindle passes through the handle to activate the locking mechanism within the frame of the window. The handle releases the latch and allows the window to open. Over time and through regular use, espagnolette handles can be damaged or damaged which is why it is essential to find a replacement.

Cadenza handles are a second type of uPVC window handle commonly used on tilt and turn windows. They feature an extended blade that works a multipoint locking mechanism within the window. They are more secure than the espagnolette handle as they can only open from the inside. You can replace them with the same method that you would with espagnolette handles, but make sure the new handle is angled, not flat.

Once you have determined the correct handle to purchase, you can simply align the new handle with the screw holes and then screw it in the appropriate position. Then, put the screw covers on and test your new handle. You can do this by moving the handle back and forth from the locked position to the unlocked one for a few times. If you encounter any issues, it might be worth contacting a specialist to determine if they can assist you in solving the issue. They are often able to advise you on the best approach to resolve the issue in a quick and effective way.