UPVC Window Handle Replacement
Replacing a damaged or broken window handle is a easy process, and with the right tools it can be done quite quickly. It’s important to identify the kind of handle you have and its spindle size before purchasing a replacement.
Older uPVC windows have cockspur handles for windows. They have spurs that protrude to secure a wedge-shaped cockspur striker plate. These can be right-handed or left-handed and should be matched when replacing.
What kind of lock and handle do I have?
There are many kinds of window handles made of upvc and locks, each with its distinct advantages and functions. The type of handle you have will determine if your locking mechanism is efficient and if it’s easy to open the windows. Over time, and with regular use, the upvc handles on your windows can become damaged and worn out. This makes them less secure and effective. In certain instances, they might even fall off completely. If you notice that your upvc window handles have been removed, it’s crucial to repair them as quickly as possible. This will avoid burglaries and ensure your home is secure.
Luckily, replacing your upvc window handles is a fairly simple job that is achievable by everyone. With a few basic tools and the proper knowledge it’s a simple process that shouldn’t take more than a couple minutes. To begin you must determine the kind of handle and lock you have on your window, which will help you to find the ideal replacement.
Inline Espagnolette Handles
They are the most popular type of upvc handle and are usually located on the outside of your window handles replacement. They are flat and feature an opening that engages the locking mechanism of the window frame. Inline upvc handles feature a spindle running through the middle of the handle into the window frame in order to operate the latch.
Cockspur Handles
They are typically found on older uPVC window frames and feature a distinctive, hook-shaped design. Cockspur handles are secured to the frame of the window with only one screw and are less secure than other varieties of window handles.
Handles that tilt and turn
As opposed to the other upvc handles that are tilt and turn, these handles can be rotated to open the windows and turned inwards to allow for ventilation. They feature a 7mm spindle in the back and are available both in right-hand and left-hand versions.
It is essential to know the spindle’s size prior to purchasing a replacement upvc handle. There are a few that are exactly the same size. Drop something into the middle of the hole to measure the length. This is the maximum size of spindle that will fit in your windows.
What is the spindle?
uPVC window handles work in a similar way like doors, turning the handle to open a latch inside the frame. The window can then be opened and shut. These handles can be damaged, particularly if they’re often used or are exposed to harsh environments. This could mean that you have to replace your uPVC handles for windows as they may not operate the window properly in the future.
There are many different kinds of uPVC handles that are available, comprising Espag, Cockspur and Spaded handles. These handles are made in a variety of ways to fit into uPVC frames. Each handle style uses a different spindle to lock the window mechanism. It is crucial to know the kind of handle that is installed on your uPVC windows to ensure that you replace it with the right one.
The base of the handle will inform you what type of uPVC it is. A snap-in cover should be over the screw that holds the handle’s base in position. Once you remove this you will be able to observe the second screw that holds the base of the handle in place. After both screws have been removed, you should be able take the handle out of the uPVC.
After removing the uPVC handle, remove it from the locking mechanism. Make note of the length of the spindle as you’ll need to ensure that you purchase a replacement that has the same length as the original handle and locking mechanism.
The spindle wears down and cannot operate the locking mechanism. This could be due to damage from constant use or a loosening of the locking mechanism or even rust over time. If this occurs, UPVC Window Handle Replacement it will be necessary to replace the window handle and locking mechanism to restore full functionality to your uPVC windows.
How do I remove the handle from the previous one?
In the course of time and daily use, sash window replacement handles can become damaged or broken and when this happens, it is important to repair them as soon as possible to ensure the security of your home. It is good to know that replacing a damaged or worn handle is a relatively easy task that can be carried out in just over one minute and doesn’t require any specialized tools.
To remove the old handle, you must first remove the screw located at the bottom of the handle. Once the screw has been removed, the handle will be removed. There is another screw located at the bottom of the handle’s base and this can be removed too. Once these two screws are removed, the handle will be detached from the base of the window.
Once the old handle has been removed, grab the new handle and line up the fixing holes with the holes currently in the window frame. If there is a cap or sticker on the new handle, remove it if required and screw the handle in place. It is essential to ensure whether the handle functions after it has been installed. Turn the handle around and make sure that the lock mechanism is working.
Espag handles have an extra spindle that is protruding from the handle and slots into a multipoint locking mechanism inside the frame of the window. Cadenza windows feature an edge with cut-outs which slot into the lock mechanism while Cockspur handles have an extended nose that hangs over either the frame’s outer or transom bar cross member in the window.
Once you have the new handle in place, insert the spindle inside the lock in the window and then tighten it down. Replace the snap-in cover and screw cap (if appropriate) once the handle has been firmly fixed. Once the handle is in use, simply open and close the window a couple of times to make sure it is working properly and securely.
How do I install the new handle?
It’s not difficult to alter the handle on your windows made of uPVC. The process is very simple. All you need is a screwdriver, and a little bit of patience. The first thing to do is to ensure that the handle you have previously used is not locked and then take out any screws that are visible, you can also replace them with screw caps if required. After removing the handle you will need to note the length of the spindle that extends from the back. This is important as it will determine the type of handle that you will require to purchase.
Espagnolette handles on 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. When the handle is turned it opens the latch on the window, allowing it to open. During regular use and over time, espagnolette handles may be damaged.
Cadenza handles are a second type of uPVC window handle that is commonly used on tilt and turn windows. They feature a protruding blade that operates a multipoint locking mechanism within the window. They are generally more secure than espagnolette handles since they can only be opened from the inside. They can be replaced using the same method as espagnolette handles but you must ensure that the new handle has a curved blade, as opposed to a flat one.
Once you’ve decided on the correct handle to purchase then you can place the new handle with the screw holes and then screw it into the appropriate position. After that, you should put the screw covers back on and test that your new handle is operating properly. You can perform this by dragging the handle back and forth from the locked position to the unlocked several times. If you encounter any issues, it might be worthwhile contacting a professional to see if they are able to assist you in solving the issue. They can often advise you on the best approach to solve the issue in a speedy and effective way.
