PVC door handle problem

joylikes2shop

My PVC door handle has stopped bouncing back into the normal position after use. When pressed down its a bit 'crunchy', but at the moment it is still usable.

I took the handle partly off last night to find the 'spring cassett' is broken ( I know nothing about doors handles, I've just been on you tube and discovered the name of the broken bit) These can be bought for approx £3

I contacted Havlins yesterday and they sent out a guy today- free of charge -who said I need a complete new metal locking mechanism for the door which will cost approx £160 including installation.:eek:

I'd really appreciate any information or advice from anyone who has any knowledge of PVC doors or of this specific problem.

bribrian

It's quite probable that the locking mechanism has gone. They can be fixed sometimes but usually the cast mechanism breaks & a new one is required. They can be bought new for usually around £50 upwards but can be picked up second hand alot cheaper... There's a guy on the main Belfast to Larne road (near Ballyclare) that deals in PVC window factory seconds that you could try. Sorry, I don't know his number....

A.L.D.A

If you can get a bit that matches your lock for £3 go for it.

Then try bribrian's suggestion.

There is a place called either Profast or Frofast, Lemberg Street, top of the Donegal Road. They sell locking mechanisms, if you dismantle it and take it with you you may get one close enough, but do not hold out much hope. They may know someone who could replace it for you. There does not seem to be much that is standard with these locks. Sizes vary so much. If you are replacing you need to match the lock and handle positions in the door etc.

If anyone has an old door and the mechanism is stiff NEVER EVER hit the handle or any other part with a club hammer. You risk shearing off part of the mechanism. Use WD40 or similar and leave it.

joylikes2shop

Thanks for the tips/info so far.

Our doors are all about 15 years old and we had to replace the back door totally last year when the locking mechanism became seized shut...with hindsight the handle had become really stiff a number of months before it seized, but we had just applied more force each time we used it when this started to happen.:(

Having had to pay for a new door ( we had had a couple of companies out to look at it before they all admited defeat ) and knowing that the problem isn't the same, I just thought I'd see if anyone had any suggestions.Incidentally, the handles ( and lock I think ??) on the current problematic door were replaced about 4 years ago by a company which has since gone out of business, but looking at the componants of the now 'crunchy' and 'unbouncy' handle, I would imagine they could be easily replaced.

ponsaloti

About 200 of these mechs made, 70% are obsolete.

I used to try and repair these but stopped that about 5 years ago due to being called back a few weeks later to find another part in the mech was broken.
£160 is a good price but if the door isnt re-aligned, the new mech will break . We charge between £100 and £250 depending on how long it takes me to open the door (no damage) and the time involved finding and grafting in a new upgraded mech.
The upvc window/door salesman will tell you that your lock is obsolete so you need a new door.
Personaly,I've so far never failed to get a upvc door working.

Bit late for you but my advise to anyone having trouble lifting the handle on this style of door is call someone in to re-align the door before it breaks the mech.

good luck.

doelani

We had this problem a few months ago , door about 12 years old and had to buy a new lock for it , think it cost £48. Will check if I can find the place I bought it. The lock we had is no longer made but found a few places who had them. Did not even bother with a local company as we needed a new hinge for window a few years ago and local window company charged us £60 to fit and supply, :eek: ( we are in nireland also )

hubby found a place online and has since replaced other hinges for about £10 each.



hope this link works for place we bought new mechanism for door

http://stores.ebay.co.uk/windowcare-south-yorkshire/UPVC-DOOR-LOCKS-/_i.html?_fsub=1466269010&_sid=674528120&_trksid=p4634.c0.m322

if you need a new lock it even tells you how to check the sizes etc

tommykerno

not hard to fix. If it needs a new espag lock set it's easy changed and available in BELFAST. I've changed loads of all sorts. Only snag is I have to take the lock away to match it up, sometimes move the keepers a bit and/or allow for a dead lock. Old ones usually didn't have a dead lock. Either way about £90 to £150 supplied and fitted. While your at it I always suggest nice new handles.