Guide To Replacement Upvc Window Handles: The Intermediate Guide For Replacement Upvc Window Handles
Replacement Upvc Window Handles
Most replacement windows handles made of upvc come with everything you require. However should you find that your old handle was secured by pins or screws, they will need to removed. Then, remove the'snap-in' cover on the handle's base.
You'll need to determine the type of window lock and handle you are replacing. This is vital!
Espag
Espag handles are a system of multipoint locks that are designed to fit on casement windows such as uPVC or wooden double glazing. The handle has a 7mm square shaft that fits into a gearbox on the uPVC window. When the handle is turned it will activate a series of locks around the perimeter of the window. Espag handles are also referred to as shootbolt handles and offer extra security compared to the conventional single point lock found on older window frames.
They are available in a variety of different styles, such as inline and cranked designs that can be used either left or right-hand operation. You can even find a range of sleek ergonomically designed handles that are designed to enhance both the feel of the handle as well as how it looks on your windows.
If you're looking to replace your current uPVC window handle with an espag handle, you'll need to identify the size of the spindle that is fitted and measure this from the base of the handle in order to get the right replacement window glass near me. This measurement, known as the step height will assist you in selecting the best uPVC window handle for your home.
It is possible to remove any screw covers which protect the screws that hold the handle in place and if that's the case, you can use a screwdriver to remove these or pliers to take out the pins that hold the handle. After taking off the screws or pins that secure the spindle then you can remove the handle.
After removing the handle you can open the locking mechanism in the frame of the windows and remove the cockspur block that is located next to the handle. This will allow the window to be opened. The new uPVC window handles you've purchased will now be able to fit on the cockspur wedge block, and then into the spindle of the handle, allowing the window to be opened again. It is recommended to replace the wedge block cockspur with a new one whenever you replace your uPVC handle to ensure it is properly secured.
Cockspur
Cockspur handles can be found on older uPVC or aluminium windows. The handle turns and closes over an aluminum wedge-shaped receiver catch (not to be confused with timber window latches which are also handled in this section). These handles can be lockable or non-lockable. They are available in different nose heights that can be adapted to the existing frame.
The handle is locked by small triangle-shaped spur (spur) that is attached to the frame. They are usually one-way handles however a locking deadlock cylinder is a possibility to add security.
The replacement cockspur handles are easy to install. All you need is the correct backset and a new set (supplied). The backset is measured from the baseplate to the nose on the underside of the handle. As a general rule Aluminium window frames usually have a 9mm backset, while UPVC uses a 21mm. There are a myriad of variations however it is essential to measure before purchasing the handle (see the video below for more details on how).
The spindle, or in some cases, the entire handle assembly is removed by unwinding the handle. The new handle is fixed using a pair pozidrivs screws. The pozidriv screw comes in a brass or a zinc finish to match the hardware you already have. There is also an option of a self-locking pozidriv screw.
This cockspur handle is simple to install and is perfect to replace or repair old uPVC Windows. They are a universal design that makes them suitable for all profiles and backsets. Each handle is equipped with three packers, each having different thicknesses. These are neatly installed on the underside of handle noses and can be stacked to create backsets as small as 9-13mm or as high as 21mm. The handles are available in both left and right-handed versions as well as locks and non-lockable versions. They are also available with a variety of nose heights.
Turn and tilt
The top European window style of tilt and turn has been around in Europe for decades, but it's just now beginning to catch on in the American market. They combine the advantages of three different window types into one - tilt, pivot and in-swing. This makes them perfect for older homes as they are able to provide more ventilation than traditional window types.
When closed tilt and turn windows lock as a normal fixed window. However, by turning the handle 90° or 180@ (depending on the kind of tilt and turn window) the sash can be opened inward and the window will tilt in to allow air exchange through the space at the top of the frame. This is a great solution for ventilation without the need to open a large windows, which could pose a safety danger if not properly secured when opening.
If the handle is turned 90@ or 180@ the sash will be fully opened as a door. This allows complete air exchange which is especially useful in draughty rooms or homes where smoke and other odors are likely to accumulate. It also makes cleaning the exterior of the glass much easier since it can be done from inside the home - a job that usually requires precarious ladders.
Tilt and turn windows are also extremely secure. When they are locked in the closed position they are difficult to open from outside, and they come with double seals that stop rainwater from entering the home when they are in the tilted or in-swing position. This can be a particularly useful feature for older homes where burglars are more likely to target traditional windows that are opened via the side hinges.
Spade
There are a few different types of window handles that can be installed to upvc double glazed windows. The two main types are Espag handles and Cockspur handles, then there's also tilt and turn handles blade or spade handles and monkey tail handles. The type of handle you select will depend on the style you prefer and the type of windows you have.
It is important to be aware of how your current handle is connected to the frame in order to select the correct replacement upvc handle. This is known as handing and is a crucial element to be aware of when purchasing online. Some handle designs are not suitable for all windows. Certain cockspur handles, as an example, are angled while others are straight, and can be turned left or right. You should also be aware of what the spindle length is, which is the distance from the base of the handle to the top of the handle.
Identifying whether or not your windows require a restrictor is also important when choosing the appropriate handle. These are typically employed in high-rise flats or commercial buildings, however they are not a requirement for homes that are primarily residential. Also, you should consider the step height, which is the distance between the screw plate and the apex of handle.
Spade is a word that comes from Old English spadu or spaedu and has been translated into several languages, including German spaten and Low German Spathen. In the 1920s during the Harlem Renaissance in New York City spade began to be used as a derogatory term for black people. The word has since risen to prominence in pop culture and is a widely-respected symbol of African American heritage and pride.
When replacing a Cadenza style handle, it's essential to select the correct size. The handles are available in both straight and angled versions that differ by just a few millimetres. The handle head can also change between a D and a T shape, or even have no handles at all.