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Updating or replacing your French door handles can be a straightforward DIY project that refreshes the appearance and functionality of your double doors. Whether you’re upgrading to more stylish handles, fixing worn-out components, or improving security, this guide will help you install French door handles with ease. Properly fitted internal French door handles not only enhance your doors’ aesthetics but also ensure smooth operation and durability.
This comprehensive tutorial will walk you through selecting the right handle, gathering tools, removing the old handle, and installing the new one. Follow these steps for a hassle-free experience and long-lasting results, ensuring your doors remain a stylish and practical feature of your home.
How To Replace & Tighten UPVC French Door Handles: Your Guide
Choosing the Right Handle for Your UPVC French Doors
Before embarking on your DIY adventure, it’s essential to choose a handle that perfectly suits your UPVC French doors. To do this, you’ll need to measure the spindle length and fixing centers accurately. Use a measuring tape or ruler to note down these measurements – they will come in handy when selecting the ideal handle sizes.
Taking into consideration your home’s overall decor is equally important when selecting a new door handle. Whether you prefer modern, streamlined designs or more traditional, ornate styles, be sure to pick a handle that complements and enhances the look of your doors and living space. This attention to detail can make all the difference in achieving an aesthetically pleasing result.
Gathering All Necessary Tools and Materials
Before diving into the replacement or upgrade of your UPVC French door handle, it’s important to gather all the tools and materials you will need. This not only makes the process smoother but ensures you don’t face any unexpected hurdles midway.
Some essential tools for this project include a screwdriver (preferably both flathead and Phillips) and a measuring tape. These tools will come in handy when removing your old handle and installing your new one.
Preparing for Potential Additional Pieces
In addition to the basic tools, take a good look at your existing hardware to identify if you’ll require any additional pieces such as screws or cover plates. Sometimes, these smaller elements can be overlooked causing slight delays in completing the project.
If you notice that any parts are missing or damaged, be sure to find suitable replacements before beginning. Having everything ready goes a long way in making this DIY experience enjoyable and fuss-free!
Removing the Existing Door Handle
The first step in getting your new handle installed is to safely remove the current one. Begin by unscrewing any visible screws on the face plates or backplate of the door handle. These could be on the rectangular plates that connect to the door, or even hidden under cover plates.
If there are cover plates over the screw holes, use a thin flathead screwdriver to gently pry them off. Slide the edge of the screwdriver under one side of the plate and apply gentle pressure until it lifts up. Be cautious not to damage your door or handle during this process.
Sliding Out Your Old UPVC French Door Handle
Once all screws have been removed, hold onto both sides of your existing handle and carefully pull away from the door surface. It should slide out with minimal effort, along with its spindle and any other fixings attached.
In case it feels stuck or difficult to remove, proceed with caution and avoid forcing it out as this can cause potential damage to your UPVC French doors. You may need to wiggle it side-to-side while pulling gently until it becomes loose and slides off easily.
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Installing Your New UPVC French Door Handle
Changing out door handles can be a simple and enjoyable project, especially if you take it step by step. So let’s dive into how to install your new UPVC French door handle.
Aligning Screw Holes and Positioning the New Handle
To begin, lay out all of the necessary pieces that came with your new handle set. Take the interior handle and ensure its spindle is aligned with the slot in the exterior handle. Then, align the screw holes with those on your door. It may help to insert one screw on each side just enough to hold the handles in place while you adjust their positions.
Securing the New Handle Using Provided Fixings
Once everything is aligned, tighten any screws until they are snug but not over-tightened. Check that everything is still lined up correctly before fully tightening all fixing points. If you feel any resistance when tightening, loosen slightly and check for proper hole alignment or obstructions.
Checking Functionality Before Final Tightening
Last but not least, test out your new handle’s function before fully tightening and securing every last detail. Ensure that it operates smoothly without sticking or binding by opening and closing the door several times. You should also verify that any existing locking mechanism or latches work seamlessly with this new addition to your UPVC French doors.
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Maintaining Your New Door Handle for Longevity
To make sure your new UPVC French door handles stay in perfect condition and last a long time, there are some simple maintenance tips you can follow. Proper care can save you from future problems and keep your handles looking their best.
Firstly, it’s essential to clean the surfaces of your door handles regularly. A soft cloth or sponge with mild soapy water should do the trick. Be cautious when using cleaning agents and confirm they are compatible with UPVC materials to avoid damaging the handle finish or causing discoloration.
Periodic Check-Ups and Lubrication
In addition to regular cleaning, it’s helpful to inspect your door handles for any signs of wear or loose screws occasionally. This quick visual check-up will give you an opportunity to tighten any necessary fixings before they become problematic. By keeping everything secure, you’ll be prolonging the life of your door handles.
Lubricating moving parts is another key aspect for maintaining optimal functionality. Applying a small amount of lubricant (suitable for UPVC) at hinge points on a semi-regular basis ensures that everything runs smoothly without strain on screws or other components.
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Looking for Modern French Doors & Patio Doors?
Replacing and tightening your UPVC French door handles doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right tools, a clear plan, and attention to detail, you can successfully upgrade your internal French door handles and enhance both the style and functionality of your double doors.
DoorsDirect2U have over 40 years of experience providing internal door and external door solutions to suit all budgets and specifications. You can purchase with confidence safe in the knowledge all products are backed with a manufacturer’s guarantee.
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French Door Handles FAQs
What is the difference between the active handle and the passive handle on double doors?
The active handle is the one primarily used to open and close the door, often connected to the locking mechanism and door hardware. The passive handle, on the other hand, is stationary and typically used to complete the visual symmetry of double doors. When installing or replacing internal French door handles, it’s important to identify which handle is active to ensure proper alignment with the lock and latch system.
What role does the strike plate play in door functionality?
The strike plate is a metal plate installed on the door frame, aligning with the latch or bolt of your door handle. It ensures secure locking and prevents damage to the frame by distributing the force evenly. A misaligned or damaged strike plate can affect the operation of your French door handles, so it’s important to check its positioning when replacing your door hardware.
Are there different types of French door handles available in the market?
Yes, there is a wide range of French door handles to suit various styles and requirements. Options include modern and traditional designs, handles with integrated locks for added security, and various finishes like chrome, brass, or matte black. When choosing, consider your home’s decor and the dimensions of your existing door hardware to ensure the best fit and functionality.