Replacing Window Handles Replacing the handles on your windows is a great method to enhance the appearance of your home and increase the security of your home But, it's crucial to make sure you have the correct handle and lock for an effective installation Begin by measuring the width of your window three times and recording the smallest measurement How do you replace the handle on the window The replacement of the handle on your window is a fairly simple project that can be completed in a matter of minutes With the right tools, you can get your replacement handle up and running quickly and securely It is crucial to pinpoint the problem, and make sure the handle is the right size for your window Once the handle is installed You should test it to ensure that it works as intended To replace a window handle, first you need to take out the old one This can be done by making sure that the window is in an unlocked position, then removing the screws on either side of the handle After removing the screws, you can remove the handle to get access to the two screws that secure it You will need to measure the length of the spindle on the handle, and then purchase a replacement with the same length This measurement is based on how far the spindle extends out from the base of the handle and the amount of spindle that is inserted into the window frame Get help from a professional if are unsure of how to measure spindle length They can give you a precise measurement After you have taken measurements of the length of the spindle and gotten the replacement, you are now able to install your new handle You will need to make sure that the window isn't locked and align the handle with the existing screws Once the handle is in place it is time to insert the screws and tighten them securely It is important to carefully follow the instructions regardless of whether it's a simple process Otherwise, you may end up with the handle that isn't secured or functions as it should Additionally, it's recommended to look for other issues with the window and its mechanism of operation before replacing your handle A common cause of broken window handles is the wearing down of the operating mechanism over time In this instance, it is usually not necessary to replace the handle, instead, it is the operator Identifying the problem There are a variety of things that can cause the window handle to stop working Firstly, it may be that the handle has fallen off of the window, and this can often be fixed with simple steps Or, it could be that the gears in the handle have worn out and need to be replaced This is usually done by removing the handle and examining it for signs of wear This is a more serious problem, as the locking mechanism, not the handle, is the cause This is a more serious issue since it blocks you from opening your window from the inside It also makes it harder for someone to break in through the window Another common reason for windows that don't open is that the splines of the crank operator shaft are stripped You can check this by turning the handle to determine whether there is evidence of wear on the teeth of the crank operator shaft If they are, this indicates that the crank operator will need replacing and you can get these on the internet or from your local home center or full-service hardware store Another reason that can cause a window not opening is that the handle is not correctly "nestled" and is not placed in the correct position inside the operator cover This is typically caused by dirt and rust that has developed over time, or it may be the result of the handles not being lubricated Most of the time this is an simple fix that involves the longer set screw available at home centers and hardware stores It is also important to remember that the kind of handle you use on your uPVC windows will vary from one type to another The handles are produced differently by different manufacturers, which may result in slight variations in size This means that you must ensure that the replacement handle is the correct size for your window and lock, and this can be done by measuring the distance between screw holes on the base of the handle Identifying the new handle Before you can put your new handle in place it's important to ensure that you select the correct type of handle for your window Not only will this make sure that your windows are safe and safe, but it will also ensure that the handle is properly fitted and operates smoothly There are a variety of aspects to consider when choosing your new handle, such as the dimensions, style, and the lock mechanism It is also important to think about the durability of the handle Handles can become damaged in time The Cockspur handle is a typical handle on older uPVC windows These handles have a spindle which goes through the handle's base and into the gearbox inside the frame of the window https//wwwrepairmywindowsanddoorscouk/amersham-windowrepair/ turns the internal mechanism and opens the window when you turn it Cockspur handles are also very easy to make use of and are a great choice for security as they can be locked using keys Another type of handle is the espagnolette handle which is commonly found on the latest uPVC windows These handles are used on tilt and turn windows and when you open the window you can move it by extending the operating arm or using a crank to rotate the mechanism that opens the window Espagnolet handles usually feature a multipoint locking mechanism that offers additional security If you are replacing an espagnolette handle then you should ensure that the new handle is of the correct step height This is the distance from the base of the nose up to the screw Various step heights have been used over the years and 21mm is the standard for uPVC windows and 9mm is typical for windows made of aluminium It's time to start Remove the handle that was previously used by removing the window with the help of a screwdriver Make sure you're working in a well-lit area, as some screws can be difficult to spot If you are having trouble taking the screws out, turn the handle 90degrees and look for small stickers or caps that cover the screws Take note of the spindle's base measurement after you've removed your old handle This will allow you to purchase an alternative spindle of the same length Getting started There are many options available when replacing the window handle The first step is to determine the kind of handle you require This will allow you to choose the appropriate replacement and ensure that the new handle is properly fitted Once you've decided what type of window handle is best for you, it's now time to shop There are a number of different styles and finishes available, so it's crucial to take the time to choose the ideal one for your home The right handle choice will ensure that your windows are as secure as they can be and also give a stylish touch to your home Installing the handle is simple once you've found it It's the same process that you used to remove the old handle Just make sure you follow the steps to avoid any problems When installing the new handle, ensure that it is in an unlocked position and align the spindle hole to the existing screw holes Once the handle is in position you can screw it into place and then screw the screws back in be sure to use screws caps if they're included with the new handle If you have an older uPVC window you may need to cut the spindle down to size prior to installing it You can use a handsaw, or an angle grinder, to accomplish this Make sure to wear gloves and goggles to ensure safety You can test the handle after installation to make sure that it functions just as it should When you're confident that it's working correctly then put the caps back on and enjoy your new uPVC window handle A majority of homeowners can replace the window handle With a little bit of planning and careful execution, you can make your window handles look and functioning like new in a matter of minutes If your uPVC window handles are damaged, be sure to replace them as soon as you can to protect your windows and ensure your home is secure