We deal with the repair of handles for plastic doors and answer the question “How to change a door handle?”

From the author: Hello, dear subscribers. We invite you to discuss a new topic that is relevant to almost everyone today. With the advent of plastic windows and doors, the question of how to remove the handle from a plastic balcony door or window is becoming increasingly popular. After all, in the entire structure, the fittings become the most vulnerable element - they are turned many times a day, especially in the warm season.

Relevance of the topic

Replacing a balcony handle is not an idle question and not because of the whim of the consumer. It is the handle that bears the entire force load applied by a person to activate the opening-closing mechanism and tilting the plastic structure. The balcony is certainly not the most visited place in the apartment.

Theoretically, the load on the balcony handle should not be very large. But in life it happens that it is on it that people try to relieve their irritability and it ceases to fulfill its functions - to open the plastic balcony door and can simply break. In this case, it requires either repair or replacement. Two other cases when the question of replacing the handle arises are: a change in the design concept of the room, when instead of the standard one made of white plastic, the consumer wants to see a handle in the style of Louis XIV on the miracle of 21st century technology, or installing an additional handle on the street side of the balcony, which is simply not provided for in the design of most manufacturing companies due to the fact that the balcony door is nothing more than a plastic window enlarged in vertical dimensions. And it is not customary to install handles on windows on the street side.

With the advent of world-exploring children in the home, eager to climb anywhere and twist everything possible, it becomes relevant to replace existing balcony and window handles with handles with locking elements (locks).

These are the main reasons why reading this article may be useful and interesting to you.

Of all the types of repairs that plastic structures may require during operation, this type of repair is the simplest.

It does not require any special knowledge or special tools. In order to remove the balcony handle, an ordinary Phillips screwdriver is enough. When installing an additional handle on the street side of the balcony, you will additionally need a drill (screwdriver) and a pair of drills ∅3 and ∅8 mm.

Difference in design

The following types of door handles are distinguished, which differ in design features:

• Stationary. They are not connected to the closing mechanism, they are used for the convenience of mechanical closing by pushing. This type of handles comes in the shape of a shell - they are mounted on the inside of balcony doors, while brackets are mainly installed on interior doors.
• Push. They are located on one side of the canvas; to open it, it is enough to press the locking product from top to bottom. They form a single mechanism with the lock, so they are often mounted in balcony blocks.
• Double sided. Pressure models that are mounted on different sides of the canvas. They are also part of the lock and work the same way: when you press one, the second one also changes position.

If the balcony doors have a winter ventilation function, install a one-sided window-type handle. They can change position, which affects the degree of opening of the canvas.

Shell pens are often called "petal" or "smoker's" pens. The petals have a similar principle of action, but differ in shape. The second term is due to the convenience of short-term closure from the inside.

Eliminating handle looseness

During operation, the screw fastening may become loose and the handle will begin to dangle. To eliminate this defect, it is necessary to set the handle to the “open” position - strictly horizontal to the floor surface, then lightly press and rotate the decorative rectangular plug at the base of the handle, which covers the heads of the screws, with your hands and turn 90°. Use a Phillips screwdriver to tighten the loose handle until it stops.

Check its functionality by turning it up and down several times, and then return the decorative plug to its place.

Common breakdowns

The handle is only a small part of the mechanism that locks the window. It adjusts its position in the closed or open state. The mechanism itself is located inside the window and along its ends. All its elements are made of metal and have a fairly large margin of safety. The weakest part of the entire window is its handle, which is made of plastic or silumin.

Poor quality handles that fail very quickly

The most common breakdowns:

• the handle is loose;
• the handle is in the wrong position when closing;
• the handle turns;
• the handle broke off.

The plastic handle is stronger, but can still fail, just like its stem

Over time, the locking mechanism becomes clogged with dust and dirt and begins to work hard. As a result, more effort must be made when opening and closing the window. Over time, the window may warp slightly, thereby jamming the locking mechanism. All this extra stress can cause your pen to break.

Replacing a broken handle

As in the case of eliminating looseness, if the handle is broken, we set it (or its remains) to the “open” position.

Turn the decorative plug at the base of the door 90° and completely unscrew the screws securing the handle.

After this, we take out the broken handle along with the square core on which it is mounted. We insert a new handle, pre-selected, and corresponding in size to the one being replaced and fix it with the previously unscrewed screws.

Handle options for balcony doors - what are they and how are they different?

Plastic doors are equipped with various variations of handles made of metal, glass, glass ceramics and fiberglass with personal mechanisms. In most cases, pens are used:

• one-, two-sided;
• “petal” (for use from the street side);
• “shell” (for external implementation);
• universal with anti-burglary function.

The most common and economical option is a one-sided handle for indoor use. The product has a conventional mechanism and is comfortable to use.

Double-sided models are more functional. Also, the conventional mechanism is easy to use, and installation can be completed without any experience in just an hour. A special feature of the product is a locking mechanism attached to the rod on both sides. Depending on the model, a rotary mechanism with a lock or a latch is used. A mechanism with a lock is an indispensable condition for rooms above the second floor where children are.

The “petal” door handle is made of plastic, works on the principle of a latch, and perfectly copes with the main function - preventing heat loss in the autumn-winter period.

The “shell” model is mostly installed on the outer part of the balcony door, often made of plastic, sometimes made of aluminum. The handle is not equipped with a mechanism; it is used only for the convenience of using the door from the street side.

A balcony handle with an anti-burglary function is justified for installation on doors on the first floors, when it is essential to increase the level of protection against burglars. It is also appropriate to replace the handle on a plastic balcony door with this model in families with children. A special mechanism is fixed in such a way that without the knowledge of their parents, children will not be able to get onto the balcony. The model is easy to use, convenient and reliable.

Handle for a plastic window or How to change the handle on a plastic window or door yourself.

Even more useful stuff for you at: All about pens

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Installing a double-sided handle on a plastic door with your own hands. Without removing the drive

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Installing a handle with a locking mechanism (lock)

A type of repair that is strongly recommended for parents who are the lucky owners of small children who are actively exploring the world around them.

It doesn’t matter which floor you live on - on the first or the top one.

A window and balcony for a child is always a place of increased risk, and it is the parents’ task to take measures to ensure that the child cannot open it independently.

According to the technology, replacing an installed handle with a handle with a lock is identical to replacing a broken handle and does not require additional explanation.

Features of the material

When we see plastic doors, we are used to thinking that locking products are made of a similar material. In fact, only a few varieties of shells are made from PVC.

Manufacturers mainly use the following materials:

• For inexpensive products, light alloys - silumin - are used. They are based on aluminum - a material that is not durable. Therefore, such accessories are cheap, but they also break quickly.
• An intermediate option is steel. They are durable but heavy. In the rough version they are susceptible to corrosion and look unattractive, so they are additionally chrome and nickel plated.
• The most practical models are made from an alloy of copper and bronze, but their price is much higher.

Be careful when choosing! Most products are additionally coated with polymer substances. Therefore, it is externally difficult to distinguish between a fake and a quality product.

When attaching handles on both sides to a plastic door, it is not necessary to choose them from the same material. The most attractive and functional products can be mounted on the visible side, and ordinary ones on the inside.

Installing a handle from the street side

Since balcony doors are essentially large windows. Then all their design and fittings are completely consistent with each other. Since it is not customary to install handles on windows on the street side, this tradition gradually transferred to balcony doors. If the PVC profile does not provide a technological hole for the second handle, then the manufacturer does not bother himself with reconfiguring the equipment, caring about the convenience of the consumer.

And all users of plastic doors know that a handle on the street side of the balcony is very necessary. Someone ties strings and holds the door that constantly opens with a draft while they are on the balcony. Someone, using all the power of their lungs, calls on their household for help, asking them to close the balcony door. Those who are accidentally locked out of the balcony find themselves in the most ridiculous and absurd situation. There is no way to go out on your own. The situation is especially piquant if it’s winter outside and the frost is -30° C.

All these points encourage users to install an additional handle on the outside (street) side of the balcony door, making it double-sided.

The operation is not at all complicated and does not take much time. All that is required is to buy a handle from the corresponding manufacturer of the fittings installed on your balcony door. If it is difficult to find a company with a similar name, you can install a handle from another company. The dimensions of the socket for the square core and the location of the mounting holes for the screws on most handles are the same.

To install a new one, you must first remove the handle located on the side of the room as described in paragraph “Replacing a broken handle.” Remove the handle with the square core on which the handle is attached. Through the resulting hole, drill a hole ∅4 mm, then use a drill ∅8 mm to drill it out from the street side so that the square core of the outer handle fits freely. Insert the square core of the outer handle into the hole and check its functionality by turning it up and down. After this, mark the places for attaching the pen with a bright felt-tip pen. Using a 2-3 mm drill, drill holes so that the screws are easier to tighten, and fix the external (street) handle. Rotate the decorative cap 90°. Reinstall the handle on the room side in the same way.

After this simple and uncomplicated operation, those who like to smoke on the balcony will no longer be forced to notify other inhabitants of the apartment about their desire, and those who like to have private conversations in the fresh air will be able to retire tête-à-tête on the balcony, closing the door behind them now with a double-sided handle .

Features of repair work for plastic doors

Repair work depends on the existing problem. And the first step is to determine the cause of the violation.

Plastic door is inexpensive but reliable

Necessary tool

Having installed a plastic door in an apartment, it is recommended to immediately purchase the tools that will be needed for repair work:

• screwdriver with a set of attachments;

To repair a plastic door you need different screwdriver bits

A plumb line will help you adjust the door

Repairs will not be possible without a hex wrench.

A mallet will help replace a double-glazed window

Some materials will also be required:

• specialized glue for working with PVC products;
• adhesive sealant;
• putty for restoration of PVC products;
• rubber compressor;
• handles, clamps, locks (depending on the breakdown);
• plastic cover.

How to repair a handle on a plastic door

There are several reasons that can cause the handle on a plastic door to break:

• wear, failure due to end of service life;
• mechanical damage;
• improper use.

Problems that arise for various reasons also need to be solved in different ways:

1. Cracks on the handle body as a result of improper use. They cannot be repaired, so the handle will need to be replaced. To do this, turn the handle plate at the base 90 degrees, unscrew the screws and, along with them, the fittings themselves. Next, install a new element in the same place.

If the handle is cracked, it needs to be replaced

Video: replacing a door handle

Plastic door lock repair

A plastic door is considered reliable, but various troubles can happen with its lock, for example, the locking mechanism may break and the door will not close.

You need to prepare all the necessary tools and materials in advance:

• new fittings identical to those that will be repaired;
• plastic gaskets;
• silicone or plastic sealant;
• insulation for doors if the system was installed a long time ago, regardless of its condition.

You can repair a plastic door lock yourself. This must be done in the following sequence:

1. Remove the door handle by first turning the plate and then unscrewing the screws.

To repair the lock, you need to remove the plastic door handle.

The lock cannot always be repaired; sometimes it is easier to replace it

Video: repairing a multi-point lock

Replacing a plastic door lock with your own hands

If the damage is significant and repairs are not able to solve the problem, a complete replacement of the locking mechanism may be required. It must be performed in the following sequence:

1. Open the sash, then unscrew all the screws.

All screws on the end of the door must be unscrewed

To replace the lock, the handle must also be removed.

Before fixing the lock, you need to check whether it fits into the prepared groove

How to remove a bead from a plastic door

This procedure may be required if the glass unit needs to be replaced. This is quite easy to do. First, prepare the necessary tools and materials:

• gloves, as there is a risk of damaging your hands;
• screwdriver;
• putty knife;
• knife, the sharper the better;
• suction cups, preferably rubber ones.

Rubber suction cups help prevent glass from breaking

Next you need to do the following:

1. Remove the sash by pulling out the retaining rod, which is located in the top hinge.
2. Now you need to use a knife or spatula to pick up the glazing bead itself, placing the tool between the frame and the glazing bead. Repeat a similar procedure along its entire length. This must be done as carefully as possible, since there is a high risk of scratching the glass unit.

Beads must be removed carefully

You can also insert a double-glazed window quite easily:

1. Remove dust and dirt from the rebated frame.
2. Insert a double-glazed window into the opening.
3. Install glazing beads. The horizontal ones are installed first, and then the vertical ones. If necessary, they can be driven in with a hammer with a rubber nozzle.
4. Now the glass unit needs to be wiped and checked for scratches. If they are found, then it is worth treating the surface with sandpaper.

How to remove film from a plastic door

When installing a door with your own hands, you must remove the film from it. This is easy to do, for which you need:

1. Using a hair dryer. To remove the film, a stream of air must be directed at the frame and ensure that it does not fall directly on the glass unit. As a result of exposure to hot air, the film dissolves and is removed almost independently. But a regular hairdryer won't help.

The best way to remove the film is to heat it with a hair dryer.

If you remove the film with a knife, there is a risk of damaging the plastic.

Any plastic solvent should be used with caution.

Replacing the seal strip

To ensure that the door on the balcony does not allow cold air to pass through, its pressure to the frame is adjusted; if this does not bring results, the problem is looked for in the door seal.

The rubber band can be mechanically damaged or lose its physical properties over time: dry out, crack or harden, so during operation it is recommended to periodically lubricate it with special compounds (silicone spray). The service life of a high-quality sealing tape does not exceed 10 years, and if it is made of cheap materials, it may lose its properties several years earlier.

When replacing, the store purchases a seal for a similar profile system, taking into account the fact that the tape will have to be changed on the door leaf and frame. If the type of profile is unknown, you can take a small part of the seal and pick up a similar one in the store.

Replacing the seal in a balcony door consists of the following steps:

First of all, you need to remove the door leaf - this will make it easier to replace the tape in the hinge area. In order to remove the door, in the closed position, remove the decorative plastic trim from the top hinge, pulling it towards you with a little force. Then, using a sharp object (screwdriver or chisel), pry up the pulley at the bottom of the loop and move it down, after which it is completely removed. The door is opened slightly and lifted up until it is removed from the lower hinge.

Modifications of balcony locking devices

All devices for balcony doors that are available on the Russian market today can be divided into the following categories:

• one-sided type;
• double-sided sample with asymmetry;
• with anti-burglary function;
• with a lock;
• shell;
• petal.

Related article: How to open an iron door if the lock is broken
The one-sided handle is simple and easy to use. It does not have any special functionality and is optimal if there is no need to unlock the balcony from the opposite side.

The double-sided asymmetrical model looks the same on both sides of the balcony. It is similar to one-sided, but much more convenient, and has a mechanism made of durable metal.

The device is equipped with a special anti-burglary function. Ideal for owners of balconies on lower floors. Having a specialized mechanism, it makes it possible to protect yourself from intruders. The device is equipped with a special anti-burglary function. Ideal for owners of balconies on lower floors. Having a specialized mechanism, it makes it possible to protect yourself from intruders.

A device for a plastic balcony door equipped with a lock is an excellent option for families with small children. A simple lock will make it possible to protect a child from careless actions.

The petal design is not equipped with a standard mechanism with a locking option. As a rule, it is created from fairly durable plastic. The petal handle is fixed from the outside using self-tapping screws. A special decorated cover hides all holes intended for fastening. This type of locking device helps reduce heat loss, which is extremely important in cold weather.

The shell-type locking device is produced in two versions - aluminum and plastic. As a rule, they tend to fix such a model from the side of the balcony. Its purpose is to close the balcony from the inside. This type of fittings is convenient for those who like to smoke a cigarette on the balcony or for people who often go out onto it. If there are small children in the family, a locking device coupled with a latch on the door will be extremely useful. The shell is mainly included in the standard configuration of the balcony structure. It is fixed without problems and does not create any special problems during operation.

Overview of common problems

The most common defects found in products are:

• incorrect functioning of the blocker;
• contamination or drying out of the lubricant;
• the need to adjust the mechanism;
• handle wear;
• sagging of the valves;
• the need for strong, sharp movements to open.

If the lever rotates without making any sound, it is most likely due to the steel rod falling out. You need to pry off the larva located at the very base and place it at a right angle. Using a screwdriver, you need to remove the two screws holding the structure on the sash and remove the masking fittings. Next, grab the rod with pliers and fix it in the base. During the process of reassembling the handle, you need to be guided by the fact that when closed it should look down. The final step is screwing in the bolts and installing the masking cover.

When the handle makes a characteristic cracking noise during use, experts do not recommend disassembling it yourself, as there is a high risk of damage to the working mechanism.

The problem of cracks in the product is also a common problem. Such a defect cannot be eliminated by yourself; it is easier to install a new handle. When choosing, you should be careful: all characteristics of the models must be identical. Guide to action:

• it is necessary to rotate the plate located directly at the base, in this case free access to the fasteners will be open;
• after the screws holding the lever are removed, you can easily remove the damaged element;
• where the new handle will be placed, you need to position the comb correctly.

Installing a new handle

If the plastic lever breaks off, you need to remove its base from the sash and replace it with a new one. The broken part must be placed using pliers in such a position that the panel, when open, rests on the side hinges. Next, you need to unscrew a couple of screws securing the body and carefully free the frame from the broken piece.

The next step is installing new fittings. When searching for a suitable model, first of all you need to take into account the parameters of the internal rods - these are the key working components. Usually the handles are equipped with limiters, so you need to take care of the correct position of the comb. Care must be taken when re-tightening the screws, as over-tightening risks damaging the thin plastic casing.

A sticking handle, which is very difficult to turn, requires additional lubrication of the working mechanism, and sagging of the sashes can also be the cause of this phenomenon.

The lever may jam due to incorrect operation of the lock. This rotation limiter prevents the window sash from closing because the tab is extended. This component is typical for all modern modifications of handles; in working form it is located at an angle to the window frame, and if it does not function correctly, the lever is unpredictably fixed in an arbitrary position.

In such brands of products as Winkhaus, Roto, GU, you need to move the locking tab inward with your finger or a screwdriver so that it takes a vertical position, in this case the handle will easily turn, and it will be possible to close the sash. For the AUBI and MACO brands, a thin plate equipped with a spring replaces the steel tongue; it also needs to be pressed in by holding it with your finger. It may help to check the accuracy of contact between the blocker and the interacting mechanism.

Adjust if it turns hard

A handle that is difficult to turn entails not only inconvenience of use, but also subsequent replacement, as this indicates premature wear and breakage. There may be several reasons why the handle turns tightly, as well as options for solving the problem:

1. Mechanism clogged . A fairly acute and common problem, especially during renovations. Dust clogs the moving parts, which requires effort to open/close the window. To restore ease of control of the window sash, you need to remove all the fittings, clean, lubricate and reinstall.
2. The answers are placed incorrectly . Incorrect installation or adjustment leads to a draft. It is very important not to start adjusting yourself, as this process requires some experience and some knowledge, so you need to invite a specialist.
3. Defect in production . If the quality control department did not notice that the handle turns tightly, then it will have to be replaced.

Replacement of glass unit

If the glass unit of a door or window is damaged, it is always replaced. Theoretically, you can repair a damaged bag yourself - to do this, heat the side of the bag, remove the damaged glass and replace it with a new one of the same size. Afterwards, the side part is sealed with elastic materials and an analogue of the damaged glazing is obtained. In order for repairing a package with your own hands to outweigh its replacement, you need high quality of the work performed. But this is precisely the main disadvantage of this procedure (there is a high probability of condensation forming inside and loss of sealing) along with the labor intensity of the work (it is very difficult to remove old glass glued with a special refractory adhesive).

Therefore, both consumers themselves and window companies that specialize in installing various types of glazing do not repair double-glazed windows.

To replace a broken package yourself, you must order glazing of a similar size. To do this, use a flat screwdriver or spatula to remove the glazing beads, use a tape measure to measure the height and width of the package, recording the dimensions on paper, and then put the glazing beads in place until new glazing is obtained.

Installation of a double-glazed window on a plastic balcony door is carried out in the following order:

1. Remove the damaged glazing by removing the glazing beads using a flat-head screwdriver.
2. Clean the inner perimeter of the sash from dirt and dust. Install a new double-glazed window and secure it with glazing beads in the opening.

In case of some malfunctions of the balcony door, you can independently carry out not only its adjustment, but also minor repairs. To change the handle, sealing tape and glass unit, you do not need complex tools, special knowledge and construction skills - any homeowner can do this work.

How to open it correctly?

To simply open a window, you need to slightly press the sash to be opened against the frame, and with your other hand, turn the handle 90 degrees so that it is horizontal.

Now you just need to pull the handle towards you to open the window. Closing occurs in the reverse order until the handle returns to its original, vertical position.

For a folding opening, you need to turn the handle 180 degrees up, holding the sash, and then fold the sash . Closing the window is carried out in the reverse order.

To open a window for ventilation, you first need to turn the handle to the tilt-opening mode, then (without opening the window), turn it to the side another 45 degrees, then pull the handle until the top part opens.

Poor opening and closing of the sash

You should not ignore any slight change in the tightness of the door, since even a slight sagging can lead to more serious deformations of the door leaf. The faster you fix the problem, the lower the risk of other breakdowns and the greater the level of comfort in the room. This operating defect can occur for several reasons:

• sagging of the canvas under its own weight;
• bad or worn seal;
• failure of door hardware.

The real reason for incomplete opening/closing is not always obvious. To quickly find and fix it, it is recommended to sequentially inspect and adjust important components.

Adjusting the hinges

This is the first and main type of minor repair of a balcony door and is performed as follows:

1. Determine and mark the place with a pencil where the canvas touches the frame - adjustment will be made by pulling the corresponding loop in the opposite direction.
2. Remove the plastic plugs covering the hinge screws. The upper screw regulates the movement of the blade in the vertical plane, the lower one – in the horizontal plane. Using a hex wrench, carefully tighten the desired screw with several movements in the desired direction. Moves the door left or right Raises or lowers the door

If it blows from the direction of the loop itself

Check the fit of the door leaf. Replace the plugs.

Adjusting the eccentrics

A common problem, which is especially noticeable in winter, is the gaps in the line where the canvas meets the frame. Through them, cold air, noise and dust enter the room. At the side end of the door there are several eccentrics that can be used to adjust the tightness of the door.

Insert the hex key into the trunnion

You can detect problem areas using paper: clamp a small sheet of paper between the canvas and the frame and close the door tightly. If the fit is good, then it will hold without falling and moving. Otherwise, you need to adjust the eccentric to the desired level. In the same way, check the tight fit of the sash to the frame along the entire height of the door, and make adjustments if necessary. If it blows from the direction of the loop itself:

Unpleasant situations happen when the door is completely blocked, or is left hanging on one hinge, in this case, watch the video instructions:

Replacing the seal

Expired service life and mechanical damage to the rubber seal are the next probable cause of sagging and poor fit of the canvas. As a rule, the service life of gaskets is several years after the door is installed, then they need to be replaced. Sequence of work:

1. Carefully remove the old seal from the groove, avoiding damage to the blade. Clean the groove from dust and glue.
2. Insert the new one, evenly distributing it around the entire perimeter without forming folds or creases, starting from the bottom of the door. In order to properly lay material that is too rigid, the seal must be trimmed in the corners and additionally secured with glue.
3. Trim off excess seal and secure the edges with glue. Allow time to dry - do not close the door during this time.

If these manipulations do not lead to an improvement in the situation, it is better to contact specialists - the fittings may need to be replaced.