Replacement Upvc Window Handles
The majority of replacement window handles made of upvc include everything you require to complete the task. However, if the old handle was fitted with screws or pins that held it in place, they must be removed. Remove the’snap-in’ covers at the base of your handle.
You’ll need to identify what type of window lock and handle you are replacing. This is vital!
Espag
Espag handles are a system of multipoint locks suitable for casement windows like uPVC or wooden double glazing. The handle has a 7mm square shaft that fits inside an internal gearbox that is mounted on the uPVC window. When the handle is turned, it activates a series locks around the perimeter of the window. Espag handles are also referred to as shootbolt handles. They provide extra security compared to the conventional single point lock that is found on older frames.
They are available in a number of different styles, such as inline and cranked handle designs that can be used either left or right hand operation. There are also ergonomic handles that improve the look and feel of your window, as well as handles.
If you are looking to replace window handles your current uPVC window handle with an espag handle, you’ll need to identify the size of the spindle installed and measure the measurement from the base of the handle to ensure that you purchase the correct replacement. This measurement, known as the step height, will assist you in selecting the best uPVC window handle for your home.
If you have to remove any screws that secure the handle, use pliers or a screwdriver. After taking off the screws or pins that hold the spindle together, you can disassemble the handle.
After you have removed the handle, you will be able to access the locking mechanism inside the frame of the windows and take out the cockspur block that is connected to the handle. This will allow the window to be opened. The replacement uPVC handles you purchased should be able to slide over the cockspur block and then into the handle spindle, allowing the window to open again. It is recommended to replace the wedge block cockspur with a new one whenever you replace your uPVC handle to ensure that it is properly secured.
Cockspur
Cockspur handles are commonly found on older uPVC or aluminium windows. The handle closes and turns into a wedge-shaped receiver catch. (Not to be confused with timber latches which are also covered in this section.) These handles are available in lockable and nonlockable models. They are available in a variety of nose sizes that can be adapted to the existing frame.
The handle locks by an thin spur (little triangle bit) pulling up against a wedge of plastic which is attached to the frame. These are usually one-way handles, but a deadlock with a locking mechanism can be added to give additional security.
The replacement window handle cockspur handles are easy to put in. All you require is the correct backset and a brand new set (supplied). The backset is the distance that runs from the baseplate of the window to the underside of the handle’s nose. As a general rule Aluminium window frames usually use a 9mm backset while UPVC uses a 21mm. There are many other variations however, so it is crucial to measure before buying the handle (see the video below for more details on how).
This type of window handle can be changed by unscrewing the current handle and then removing the spindle, or in some instances, the entire handle assembly. The new handle is fixed by using a pair of pozidrivs screws. The pozidriv screw is available in a brass or zinc finish, to match existing hardware. There is also a choice for self-locking pozidriv screws.
This is an easy to install replacement for the cockspur handle that is perfect for fixing or replacing old uPVC windows. They have a universal design, making them suitable for a variety of profiles and backsets. Each handle comes with three packers, each with a different thickness. They are slid on the underside of handles and can be stacked to achieve backsets as small as 9-13mm or as high as 21mm. The handles are available in left and right-handed models, domestic and in lockable and nonlockable models. They are also available with a variety of nose heights.
Turn and Tilt
The most prestigious European window style with tilt and turn has been around in Europe for a long time, but it is only now starting to gain popularity in the United States. The windows combine the functionality of three different window styles: tilt, in-swing and pivot. They are great for older homes since they are more breathable than conventional windows.
When in the closed position tilt and turn windows close like windows that are fixed in normal fashion. However, by turning the handle 90° or 180@ (depending on the type of tilt and turn window) the sash can be opened upwards and the window can be tilted in to allow air exchange through the opening at the top of the frame. This is a great solution to let air circulate without the need to open a large window which can be a safety risk if it is not secured properly when opening.
The sash is also able to be opened fully by turning the handle 90@ or 180@. This allows for complete air exchange which is especially beneficial for rooms that are smoky or where smoke or other smells are likely to accumulate. It also makes cleaning the exterior of the glass much more easy as it can be done from inside the house which usually requires precarious ladders.
Tilt and turn windows are very secure. They are very difficult to open when locked in closed position. They also feature double seals that stop rainwater from entering your home while in the tilted position or swing. This feature is especially useful for older homes, where burglars tend to target traditional windows which can be opened using side hinges.
Spade
There are many kinds of window handles that can be fitted to upvc double glazed windows. The two main types are Espag handles and Cockspur handles. There’s also tilt and turn handles, spade or blade handles and monkey tail handles. The type of handle you select will depend on your preference and the type of windows you have.
In order to choose the right replacement upvc window handle, you have to know how the existing handle is attached to the frame. This is known as handing and is a crucial aspect to know, particularly when purchasing online since some handles aren’t suitable for all windows. Some cockspur handles, for example, are angled while others are straight, domestic and can turn left or right. You will also need to know what the spindle length is, which is the distance from the base of the handle to the top of the handle.
Knowing whether or not your windows need a restrictor is also essential when choosing the right handle. They are typically used in high rise flats or commercial properties, but they aren’t a requirement for homes that are mostly domestic. Lastly, you should also think about step height, which is the distance from the bottom of the screw plate to the apex of the handle.
Spade is a word that comes from Old English spadu or spaedu and has been translated in several languages, including German spaten and Low German Spathen. In the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s in New York City the word spade was used to mock black people. Spade has since risen to prominence in pop culture and is a widely recognized symbol of African American heritage and pride.
It is important to get the right size when replacing a handle that is Cadenza-style. The handles are available in both angled and straight versions which differ by only a few millimetres. The handle head may change between a D and a T-shaped shape, or have no handles at all.