Replacing Window Handles Replacing the window handles can enhance the look of your home while also increasing security It's important that you use the correct lock and handle for a successful installation To begin, determine if your window is square by measuring its width in three places, then noting the lowest measurement How do you replace the window handle Switching the handle on your window is a simple task that can be accomplished in a matter of minutes With the proper tools, you will be able to install your new handle up and running quickly and safely It is important to identify the issue, and make sure the handle is the correct size for your window After the handle is installed, it is important to test it and make sure it works as you it was designed to To replace a window handle you must first remove the previous one It is done by making sure the window is unlocked and removing the screw caps from either side of handle After removing the screws you can pull the handle away to access the two screws which hold it in place Find the spindle of the handle, then purchase a replacement handle with the same length This measurement is based on how much the spindle sticks out from the handle base and the amount of spindle that goes into the window frame If you're not sure how to measure the length of the spindle, consult a professional as they will be able to provide you with a precise measurement Installing the new handle is straightforward after you have taken measurements and replaced the spindle You must ensure that the window is not locked and align the handle with the screws in place Once the handle has been installed, you'll need to tighten and insert the screws Although this is a relatively straightforward process, it's crucial to follow the directions carefully You may end up with a handle which isn't secure, or doesn't work as it should In addition, it is important to look for other issues with the window and its operating mechanism before replacing your handle For instance, a typical cause of window handles breaking is when the operating mechanism becomes stripped from years of usage In this case it is not necessary to replace a handle, but rather the operator Identifying the problem There are several factors that can prevent a window handle from working It could be that the handle has fallen from the window This is easily fixed by following a few easy steps It could also be that the gears inside the handle have worn out and need to be replaced You can do this by removing the handle to check for signs of wear If your windows have multipoint locks installed it is likely that this is to be the cause since it's an issue with the locking mechanism itself not the handle This is a much more serious issue because it will stop you from opening your windows from the inside It could make it harder to break into your home through the window Another common reason for windows that don't open is that the splines on your crank operator shaft have been stripped You can test this by turning the handle to determine whether there is evidence of wear on the the crank operator shaft If they do, then this is a sign that the crank operator will need replacing and you can purchase these online or from your local home center or full-service hardware store Another reason for a window not opening is that the crank handle is not correctly "nestled" and isn't sitting properly in the operator cover This is usually caused by dust, dirt and rust that have built up over the years It may be due to the handles not having been lubricated It is usually a simple solution, which requires the longer set screw available in home centers and hardware shops It's also important to know that the handle you use on your uPVC windows will vary from one type to another The handles are made differently by different manufacturers, which may result in slight variations in size You must ensure that the replacement handle is the right size for the window you have, and you can do this by measuring the distance between screw holes in the base of the handle Identifying the new handle It is crucial to select the right handle for your window prior to you install the new handle Not only will this make sure that your windows are secure however, it will ensure that the handle is properly fitted and functions smoothly There are a number of things to take into consideration when choosing your new handle, such as the dimensions, style, and the lock mechanism It is also important to consider the long-term durability of the handle, since it is not uncommon for handles to break in time A common type of handle is the cockspur handle which is commonly found on older windows made of uPVC These handles have spindles that pass through the handle base into the gearbox within the window frame The handle turns the internal mechanism and opens the window when you turn it Cockspur handles can be locked with keys and are easy to use Another kind of handle is the espagnolette, which is found on the latest uPVC windows These handles are found on tilt and turn windows, and when you open the window you can move it either by stretching the operating arm or using a crank to open the mechanism the window Espagnolet handles usually come with a multipoint locking mechanism which offers additional security You should ensure whether the new handle you select has the correct height for step if you are replacing a espagnolette handle This is the distance from the base of the nose up to the screw Various step heights have been employed over the years, but 21mm is typical for uPVC windows, and 9mm is typical for windows made of aluminium Once you've selected the right type of handle for your window it's time to begin Remove the old handle from the window by removing it with the screwdriver You'll be working in a well-lit space since some screws are hard to see If you're having difficulty getting the screws out, try turning the handle 90 degrees, and then looking for tiny caps or stickers that cover the screws Once you've removed the old handle, take note of the length of the spindle's base to allow you to buy a new one with the same length of spindle Getting started When it comes to replacing windows handles, there are a few different options available The first thing you need to do is identify the kind of handle you require This will help you select the correct replacement and ensure that the new handle fits properly Once you've determined what kind of window handle is right for you, it's now time to shop There are a variety of different styles and finishes available, so it's important to spend the time to find the right one for your home The proper handle will make your windows as secure as they can be, while also adding an elegant touch to your home Once you've found the perfect handle, it's time to install it It's the same process that you used to remove the old handle Make sure to follow the steps to avoid any problems When installing the new handle, ensure that it is in the unlocked position, and align the spindle hole to the holes in the screw Once the handle has been installed, screw it into place, and then replace the screws You may need to cut the spindle of older uPVC windows before installing them This can be done with the aid of a handsaw or an angle grinder https//wwwrepairmywindowsanddoorscouk/maidenhead-windowrepair/ and gloves After you have installed the new handle, you'll need to test it to ensure that it works just as it should If you're certain that everything is working properly then you can put the caps back on and take pleasure in your new uPVC window handle Replacing a window handle is a simple job that can be completed by most homeowners With a little bit of planning and careful execution, you can have your window handles looking and working like new in a matter of minutes If you find that your uPVC handles are damaged replace them as soon as you can to ensure the safety of your windows and to prevent further damage