UPVC Window Handle glass replacement for window

It is easy to repair a broken window handle with the proper tools. It is important to know the handle's type and spindle length before buying the replacement.

Older uPVC windows use handles with cockspurs, which have a spur that protrudes to the lock of a wedge cockspur striker plate. They can be left or right-handed and need to match when replacing.

What kind of lock and handle do I need?

There are many kinds of window handles made of upvc and locks, each having their particular advantages and uses. The type of handle that you have will determine if your locking mechanism is efficient and also if it is simple to open the windows. As time passes, and with regular use the handles made of upvc on your windows can become damaged and worn out. This makes them less secure and effective. In some cases they may even fall off completely. If you find that your window handles have fallen off, it's crucial to fix them as soon as possible. This will prevent possible break-ins and will keep your home secure.

It's a task that virtually anyone can perform. With a few basic tools and the proper knowledge it's a simple procedure that shouldn't take less than a few minutes. To begin, you will need to determine the type of lock and handle that you have on your window made of upvc to help you identify the best replacement windows glass.

Inline Espagnolette Handles

These are the most common type of upvc handle and are usually located on the outside of your window. They are flat in design and feature a latch that connects to the locking mechanism on the window frame when turned. Inline upvc handles also have a spindle that runs through the middle of the handle, and into the frame of the window to operate the latch.

Cockspur Handles

These handles are usually found on older uPVC window frames and have distinct hook-shaped designs. Cockspur handles have a single screw that holds the handle to the frame of the window and aren't as secure as other types of window handles.

Tilt and Turn Handles

Unlike the other handles made of upvc the tilt and turn handles can both be rotated to open the windows and turned inwards to allow for ventilation. Generally, they have a 7mm spindle on the side of the handle. They are available in both left and right-handed versions.

When buying replacement upvc handles it is essential to check the spindle 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 how far down it goes before it reaches an obstruction. This is the largest spindle size that will fit into your windows.

What is a spindle?

uPVC window handles function similarly as doors, with the user turning the handle to activate an internal latch within the frame. The latch opens the window, so it can be opened and closed. However, sometimes handles can be damaged, particularly if they are regularly used or exposed to extreme weather conditions. This could mean that you have to replace your uPVC handles for windows as they might not be able to operate the window properly for a long time.

There are many different kinds of uPVC handles to choose from, including Espag, Cockspur and Spaded handles. They are designed to fit in the uPVC frames in various ways, and each type of handle uses a specific spindle to lock the mechanism to the window. This is why it is crucial to know the type cost of a window replacement handle you have installed on your uPVC window so you can find the right windowpane Replacement for it.

You can determine the type of uPVC handle you are using by inspecting the base of the handle. A snap-in covers should be over the screw that holds the base of the handle in place. Take it off and you should be able see the second screw on the opposite side of the base section of the handle. After both screws have been removed, you should be able take the handle out of the uPVC.

Once you have removed the uPVC window handle, you will need to carefully unscrew the spindle that was previously attached to the locking mechanism. Make note of the length of the spindle, as you will need to ensure that you purchase an alternative that is the same length as the original handle and locking mechanism.

The spindle wears down and cannot operate the locking mechanism. This can be due to wear and tear from continuous use, a loosening of the locking mechanism or even corrosion over time. If this happens, 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 take off my old handle?

Window handles can become damaged or even broken over the course of time. It is crucial to fix them as soon a possible to ensure your security. The good news is that replacing a worn or damaged handle is a simple job that can be carried out in less than one minute and doesn't require any specialist tools.

To remove the handle, you must first remove the screw at the base of the handle. Once the screw has been removed, the handle will be pulled away. There is a second screw that is located at the bottom of the handle's base and it is able to be removed too. After these two screws are removed, the handle will be removed from the window's base.

After removing the old handle, align the fixing holes of the new handle to the holes that are already in the window frame. There may be a tiny cap or sticker on the new handle, so take them off the caps if needed, and then screw the handle in its place. Once the handle is in place it is important to test whether it functions by turning the handle and ensuring that the lock mechanism activates.

Espag handles come with an extra spindle that is protruding from the handle and slot into a multipoint locking mechanism in the frame of the window. Cadenza windows have 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 within the window.

Once you have the new handle in place, insert the spindle inside the lock in the window and then tighten it. Once the handle is securely fixed in place, replace the'snap in' cover and screw cap (if necessary). Now that the handle is in use, you can open and close the window a few times to ensure it works correctly and securely.

How do I install the new handle?

It's not that difficult to change the handle on your windows made of uPVC. The procedure is simple. All you require is a screwdriver and little bit of patience. The first thing you need to do is make sure that the handle you have previously used is not locked and then remove any screws that are visible, you can also replace these with screw caps if required. After removing the handle it is necessary to take an outline of the length of the spindle which protrudes from the back of the handle. This is crucial as it will determine the kind of handle you'll need to buy.

Espagnolette handles made of uPVC are the most popular kind of handle. They have a spindle which is connected to the handle and operates an internal locking mechanism within the window frame. The handle releases the latch and allows the window to open. As time passes and with regular use, espagnolette handles can be damaged or destroyed and it is necessary to locate an alternative.

Cadenza handles are another type of uPVC window handle that is commonly used on tilt and turn windows. They feature a protruding knife that works with a multiple-point locking mechanism inside the window. They are more secure than an espagnolette handle as they can only open from the inside. You can replace them using the same method that you would with espagnolette handles however, ensure that the new handle is angled and not flat.

After you have picked the correct handle, you can align the new handle with the existing screw holes before fixing it with screws. Then, put the screw covers back on and test that the new handle functions properly. This is done by shifting the handle from the locked position to the unlocked and the reverse direction several times. It may be worth contacting an expert to determine whether you can solve any issues. They can advise you on how to solve the problem in a timely and efficient way.