Replacing uPVC Window Handles It is easy to change the handles on windows made of upvc It is crucial to ensure that the replacement handle fits into the spindle cutouts in the window mechanism If you follow the steps below any cockspur handle can fit on most windows The key is the step height of the handle What to Find Over time, uPVC handles on many windows in the UK begin to show signs of wear and tear The window handle can become loose or difficult-to-operate when this happens Anyone who is comfortable using a basic hand tool can accomplish this fairly simple task The first thing to do is make sure that the handle is firmly attached to the window frame, and is in a position that is open The next step is to locate the screws or pins that hold the handle in place They are usually on the inside of the handle https//wwwrepairmywindowsanddoorscouk/mileend-windowrepair/ can be removed with an screwdriver or pliers When the handle has become loose and sagging, gently pull it back from its hinges Then, you'll have to locate a new handle that is the same dimensions and style This can be done online or at the local DIY store and it should take around five minutes using an screwdriver When replacing a uPVC handle It is crucial to think about the step height This is the distance between the handle's base and where it sits in the frame of the window This is a standard measurement and you should check the height of the step before purchasing the replacement handle There are a variety of sizes based on the type of handle Inline handles can be found for uPVC windows that have lug centres of 31mm while cockspur handles have lug centres of 43mm Tilt-and-turn handles are common on uPVC windows They feature a unique design that allows the window to be tilted for ventilation and then turned to fully open the window The most frequent uPVC handle breakage is internal cracking rather than a fracture from the base This can make them hard to open, and it is therefore essential to ensure that the replacement handle you buy has the same length of spindle that your current one Take off the handle from the old one A poorly fitted or damaged window handles can cause your double glazed windows to open and close incorrectly, and can cause them to become stuck There are many reasons, such as general wear and tear or the corrosion of the handle In these instances, it is important to locate replacement handles made of upvc immediately to avoid further damage and loss of function One of the first steps to do when replacing upvc window handles is to remove the old handle from the window Begin by removing the screw when the handle in closed position Once you have removed the screw, you can remove the handle It is possible to make the task simpler by using an electric screwdriver Be aware that screws could be hidden in caps made of plastic It is recommended to remove the covers with the help of a Stanley knife After the handle has been removed, examine the square cut out at the handle's base to ensure that the new window lock handles will work with it This is crucial as you'll need to determine the length of the spindle on the old handle to ensure it is in line with the size of the window mechanism and the handle spindle cut out The various types of window handles made of upvc are Espag handles, which have a central screw and can be turned left or right; Cranked handles that have two screws and are found on tilt and turn windows made of upvc as well as Spade handles, which have an arm with a flat surface and can be used on either side of the window It is simple to replace the handle when you have located one that is suitable Just screw it into the frame, and ensure that the spindle is correctly inserted in the lock mechanism Once you have done this then tighten the handle to the window frame The new upvc handles should now be secured Take a look at the Spindle If you're replacing a Upvc window handle that has fallen off, it's due to the spindle that holds it in place has become damaged or loose In some cases this can be fixed using a screw or pin to tighten it In some cases it might be necessary to replace the handle There are several different types of upvc handles There are three types of handles inline espagnolette tilt-and-turn, and cockspur Each type has a different method of installing and removing the handle Before you purchase a new handle, it is essential to know the dimensions of the handle that is currently in use This will ensure that the handle fits the window properly and will be the right size All handles are sized according to industry standards, so it is easy to find the correct size To measure the size of your handle, first, take it out of the window by turning it to an open position You should be able to see the dimensions of the screw or pin that holds the handle Then you can use the ruler or tape measure to determine the length of the spindle Once you have the length of your spindle it is possible to purchase a replacement of exactly the same length The step height of a window handle is also a factor to take into consideration when you are buying replacements The step height is the distance from the bottom of the handle to where it sits on the frame It is typically around 21mm or 9mm in aluminum and uPVC To be sure that the new handle is suitable, you can drop something in the gap to determine how far it goes before meeting an obstruction Cockspur handles can have different backsets depending on what style of window you install them in Inline Espag handle heights are 43mm from centre to centre two fixing points Cockspur handles have different backsets based on which window design they are located in This is because they feature spurs that extend from the handle and then locks over the cockspur wedge striker plate Install the new handle After you've chosen the new handle, ensure that it is aligned with the holes for screws on the door Secure it using the screws provided If you're also replacing the latch lever the lever can be mounted the same way as the main door handle After that, attach the door trim once more to hide the mounting screws Tips To remove the metal head from a wooden wedge place the handle on the floor so that its wide end is on the ground Then use a hammer and tap the narrow end Be careful not to damage the handle or the spindle