Types of UPVC Door Handles
When your upvc door handle requires replacement, it is essential to find the best replacement for your home. A locksmith can supply and fit high-security uPVC handles that come with additional security features.
The most important measurements you should take are the measurement A (also known as PZ) along with the length of the backplate. Take these measurements to make sure your new uPVC handle will fit.
Lever/Lever
A lever is a rigid bar that is pivotally positioned around a point (known as a Fulcrum). When you apply force to the end, the fulcrum will tend to move in the direction of the force is applied. This rotation multiplies the force applied and allows you to lift or move something that would require more force if you were to apply it directly to the load.
The distance between the fulcrum of the lever and the point where you apply force determines the maximum movement. This is referred to as the mechanical advantage. The advantage in mechanical terms increases as the lever gets extended. You can calculate mechanical advantage by dividing distance from fulcrum point to the place where you apply force by the distance between fulcrum point and the end of the lever.
Levers also have various effects depending on how the forces are applied. For instance, a class 2 lever tends to rotate in the opposite direction to when the effort force is applied (like a T-totter). If you push on the handle of a door the force will create similar rotational effects to this.
However, levers don't create energy. Levers multiply the force by converting small amounts of effort applied over a lengthy distance into larger amounts of force applied over smaller distances. Levers are used to lift heavy objects and move massive quantities of cargo. This is also the reason behind levers found in many everyday tools such as crowbars and fishing rods, hammer claws and even your own legs when you stand on the hand brake of your vehicle.
Lever/Pad
Lever pad handles, also known as upvc door handles feature levers on both sides to operate the multipoint locks. They come in a variety of designs and finishes and are suitable for a variety of materials including UPVC, Aluminium & Timber doors. They are sold in pairs for the outside and the interior doors with screws and spindles included. They are available in hand- and non-handled versions to suit different users.
They are commonly used in new constructions and are fitted to replace existing upvc doors. The levers are raised to open all the multipoint locks, and the key is turned to lock or close the door. They provide additional security compared to lever handles for doors as the locking operation is only accessible by entering the door with an open key, unless the door is locked.
They are not as safe as a cylinder lock but they're an affordable way to increase the security of your home. The only downside is that they do not provide the same level of security like a cylinder lock and therefore don't block access to your home if the door is left open.
The majority of lever pad door handles made of upvc that we offer are manufactured by industry's leading manufacturers and therefore are made from high quality components. In general, they are supplied with a manufacturer's warranty.
Typically, they are designed to be compatible with a 92mm lock, or the replacement version called a Paddock lock. They will have an 82mm cylinder center on the inside, and 62mm outside. They are also fitted with two spindle followers. Some come with the backplate inserted, while others are movable to accommodate different fixing centers.
Lever/Snib
Lever latches, which are the simplest of all door handles , are used. The lever is pushed downwards to operate a simple latch inside the door. It can be locked with a key. The levers for privacy are using the same principle but with the addition of an snib (like knobs for doors).
A snib can be a extremely useful tool, particularly in homes where security and privacy are important. You can use the snib button to stop your partner from entering until they are prepared. This kind of handle is also popular in doors that are inside such as bedrooms, where you might need to restrict access from the outside.
In some cases the snib button can cause problems, especially in the case of older locks or doors that are bent. If the snib switch is accidentally pressed by a person who isn't familiar with it, the door may slam and lock you out. It is possible to gain entry by knocking the door frame or letterbox. However this isn't the best option.
If your uPVC has a snib, we recommend replacing it with an electronic lock from the E-LOK 7 Series. These smart locks can be retrofitted to double-turn pull handle kits. They are available with coverplates to hide holes that are already present for an easy installation. The E-LOK makes use of a smart application to enable you to unlock the door with RFID cards or mechanical keys and is able to be set up with passcodes for safe entry and convenience. The system has been tested for 200,000 cycles to ensure its durability. The handles are made of solid metal and comply with BS EN 1670 Grade 5 for corrosion resistance.
Lever/Moveable Pad
This popular handle design is commonly used on front doors. It has the advantage of preventing the door being opened without the key from outside when the lock hasn't been deadlocked. This is accomplished through the 'pad'-shaped external handle which locks in the gap between the handles and the lock case to prevent the latch from being pulled back or the door opened.
This type of handle is made for uPVC doors with multipoint locks which operate via split spindle technology. This type of operation requires that the internal lever handle and external pad handle be attached to the same lock case. It is a simple modification to the existing uPVC handles, but it might also require changing the lock case or a new set of handles to accommodate this additional function.
These aluminum levers and movable pad handles are suitable for uPVC doors and feature a slide bearing that is maintenance-free, spring cassettes and fixing lugs provided. They feature a euro-style cut out and are installed to a variety of uPVC and timber doors.
Lever moveable pads are offered in a variety of finishes to can be used with a variety of multipoint locks. They are designed to work with split spindle locks which have a centre cylinder of 92mm and require a separate set of split spindles supplied by the manufacturer of the lock.
These Hoppe London 77G/3831N/113 lever moveable pad handles are made of cast aluminium with an anodised surface that is resistant to corrosion and has high scratch resistance. These handles can be used combination with other Hoppe products, such as patio door handles. french door handles, and window handles. They also come with an escutcheon for security.
Lever/Moveable Snib
Lever handles are among the most common types of upvc doors handles. They are available in a variety of styles. It is made up of two inline handles that can be locked and moved with a thumbturn cylinder or the use of a key. Pad handles can be used as an alternative to lever/lever handles. It is made up of one that is fixed or moveable which can be used to operate the lock. These Fullex handles are sprung lever pad with a snib that can be triggered to secure the latch.
Selecting the best replacement upvc door handles requires careful consideration of the PZ measurement, the screw centres and the back plate length to ensure the new handle will fit and work correctly with the existing locking system on your doors. You can use our online measurement guide to help you take these measurements, so that you can be certain that the new handles will be an ideal fit.
All orders are eligible for free delivery, or you can pick up your order at the store. Orders made before 11 am will be ready to pick up the next day.