Replacement Hardware: Your Go-To Guide
From door and window handles to hinges and locks, selecting the right replacement hardware is crucial to ensuring everything fits and functions properly. Here’s a complete guide to help you choose the correct replacement hardware for your home.
Window Handle Identification Guide
Choosing the right window handle is essential to maintaining both the appearance and functionality of your window. Here’s how to get it right:
- Identify the Window Type: First, determine what type of window you have. Is it a casement, sash, or tilt-and-turn window? The handle style will depend on the type of opening mechanism your window uses.
- Handle Style: Window handles come in different styles like cranked or inline. Inline handles are straight, while cranked handles are offset, so they don’t protrude far into the room. Make sure the replacement matches the style of the original handle for consistency and ease of use.
- Measure Key Dimensions: To ensure a perfect fit, measure any key dimensions such as the spindle length and width. The spindle connects the handle to the locking mechanism inside the window, so getting the measurement right ensures smooth operation. Also, note any specific features like a locking mechanism or push button to match your current handle.
Having these details will ensure you buy the correct handle for your window, making replacement straightforward and hassle-free.
Door Handle Measuring & Identifying Guide
Replacing a door handle, especially for UPVC or composite doors, requires precise measurements to ensure the new handle fits securely. Here’s what you need to know:
Key Measurements for Door Handles
There are two essential dimensions to get right when replacing a door handle:
- PZ Dimension
The PZ dimension is the distance from the centre of the spindle (the part of the handle that turns when you rotate the handle) to the centre of the euro cylinder hole (where the key enters the lock). This measurement is crucial because it ensures that the lock and handle align correctly. Different door handle designs have varying PZ dimensions, so measure carefully to ensure compatibility.
- Screw-to-Screw (Fixing Centres) Dimension
This is the distance between the two screws that secure the handle to the door. Measure from the centre of the top fixing screw hole to the centre of the bottom screw hole. Getting this measurement right ensures that the handle mounts securely onto the door without any gaps or misalignments.
Additional measurements you may need:
- Top Screw to Spindle: Measure the distance from the centre of the top screw hole to the spindle hole. This dimension is important to ensure the handle’s fixing points align with the internal locking mechanism.
- Overall Back Plate Length: Measure the total length of the back plate (the part of the handle that sits flush against the door). This ensures the replacement handle covers the same area and looks proportionate to your door.
Taking these measurements accurately will help you find the perfect replacement door handle and avoid unnecessary returns or adjustments.
UPVC Door Lock Measuring Guide
When replacing a multi-point lock in a UPVC or composite door, knowing the right measurements is critical for smooth operation and security. Multi-point locks have multiple locking points along the length of the door, making them more secure, but they also require careful measurement.
Critical Dimensions for Multi-Point Locks
- PZ Dimension
Similar to door handles, the PZ dimension on a multi-point lock measures the distance from the spindle (follower) hole to the centre of the euro cylinder hole. This ensures that the handle and lock align perfectly for a smooth locking mechanism. - Backset Dimension
The backset dimension is the distance from the front face of the lock (the part visible on the edge of the door) to the centre of the spindle hole. This dimension ensures that the internal mechanism aligns properly with the door frame, allowing the lock to engage smoothly.
Without these two measurements, it can be difficult to find a replacement lock that fits and functions correctly. Always use a ruler or calliper to measure in millimetres for accuracy.
Euro Cylinder Measuring & Identifying Guide
The euro cylinder is the part of the lock where you insert your key. To replace it, you’ll need to know the correct dimensions for both the internal and external sides of the cylinder.
How to Measure a Euro Cylinder
- Internal Size
This measurement is taken from the internal side of your door (the side facing into your home) to the centre of the black rotating clip, known as the cam. Make sure you measure from the edge of the cylinder to the centre of the cam accurately.
- External Size
Similarly, measure the external size from the outside face of your door (facing the exterior of your property) to the centre of the cam. These two measurements are crucial for ensuring the cylinder fits snugly and offers maximum security.
By measuring both the internal and external sizes of your euro cylinder, you can confidently purchase the correct replacement and avoid the common mistake of choosing a cylinder that’s too short or too long.
Friction Hinge Measuring Guide
Friction hinges are critical for maintaining the smooth operation of your windows, especially in casement designs. Choosing the right replacement hinge requires three key steps:
- Hinge Type
First, identify whether your window is Top Hung (opens from the bottom) or Side Hung (opens from the side). The hinge type will differ depending on the orientation of your window.
- Hinge Length
Measure the length of the hinge from one end to the other, rounding to the nearest inch. Common sizes include 10″, 12″, 16″, etc. Accurate measurement is crucial for ensuring that the hinge fits properly and supports the weight of your window. - Stack Height
The stack height refers to the thickness of the hinge when it’s closed, either 13mm or 17mm. If you can’t measure this directly, consider using stack packer caps to convert a 13mm hinge to a 17mm stack. For each pair of hinges, you’ll need six packer caps to complete the conversion.
By following these steps, you can easily find the right friction hinge for your window and ensure smooth, reliable operation.
Hardware Handing Guide
Lastly, it’s important to determine the correct hand (left or right) for your door or window hardware. This step ensures that the replacement part opens and functions as intended.
- For door handles, stand facing the door from the outside. If the hinges are on the right, you’ll need a right-handed handle, and if they’re on the left, you’ll need a left-handed handle.
- For window handles, open the window and check which side the handle is on. This will help you determine whether you need a left- or right-hand replacement.
By ensuring you get the correct handing, you avoid the frustration of ordering the wrong part.
With this comprehensive guide, you’ll have all the information you need to confidently select the right replacement hardware for your windows and doors. Taking accurate measurements and understanding the key components of each part will make the replacement process smooth and stress-free.
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