How to remove the handle from a plastic balcony door

PVC balcony doors are often used in apartment buildings. During operation, the fittings become loose and repairs become necessary. Replacing the handle on a plastic balcony door can be done with your own hands without the involvement of a specialist.

The fittings for the balcony block must be wear-resistant and withstand sudden temperature changes

Main types

The materials used to make door handles vary. There is one for each room. The location of the room determines which handle will be more practical. Here are some of them:

Glass.
Metal.
Glass ceramics,
Fiberglass.

They also vary in appearance and color. And each performs its own function. For example, handles could be:

One-sided.
Double sided.
With anti-burglary function.

How are they different, what are their features? Let's look at each type of product in more detail.

Dismantling

In order to replace a part, you first need to dismantle the old one. How to remove the handle from a plastic door with a lock? To do this, you need to bring it into an open state. After this, you need to pay attention to the decorative rectangular part that is located on the door (turn it 90 degrees). This will allow you to gain access to the mounting screws. You need to unscrew them completely. Now you can remove the handle from the door. The core is also removed along with it.

How to remove the handle from a plastic entrance door? If the design of the new part is the same as the old one, then it should be installed in exactly the same way. To do this, just place the product in the same place and secure it with screws.

If suddenly the sizes do not match, then there is no need to panic. We'll fix everything. All you need is a drill to slightly expand the diameter of the inlet hole to the required size.

How to replace the handle on a balcony door yourself?

If the handle on the balcony door breaks, becomes loose, or simply no longer satisfies its functionality, you can replace it yourself. It is permissible to install the mechanism on a balcony door without the help of a specialist, even if this is the first time. The main thing is to study the instructions and follow them step by step without haste or sudden actions.

To replace the handle you will need a simple set of tools:

screwdriver;
hacksaw for metal;
drill.

The handle is installed according to the following algorithm:

It is necessary to remove the handle from the balcony door if it needs to be repaired or replaced with a new one. When the door is initially without a handle, you should start by preparing the markings of the holes in the profile for installation of the product.
To install a twist lock or latch, the metal plate from the end of the door leaf must be removed.
Prepare the hole using a drill for the connecting pieces.
Assemble the mechanism by measuring the length of the rod and “adjusting” it, if necessary, to the required dimensions.
Assemble the handle and secure it to the door using self-tapping screws.
Use decorative overlays to mask the holes for fastenings on the surface of the canvas.
Test the finished product by closing and opening the lock. If everything was done correctly, the handle will work easily and freely, without scrolling, squeaking, or dangling.

The “petal” and “shell” models, mounted on the outside of the door, are attached using self-tapping screws with preliminary marking of the attachment points.

Sealing small cracks

To repair cracks and scratches you will need a cleaner, filler and liquid plastic.

Instructions:

Defects, cracks and the area around should be washed with soapy water and wiped dry.
Next, the defect is treated with a cleaner. You don't need much of it since it acts as soil.
We fill the defect with liquid plastic and level the surface with a rubber spatula if the crack is large or polish it with a paper napkin if it is small.

Do not use colored fabric or synthetic napkins with Cosmofen liquid! Only paper ones, since Cosmofen dissolves paint and synthetic fabric.

The lock on the plastic door is broken. Castle repair

Let's look at how to fix a broken lock on plastic doors with your own hands. We remove the door handle, use the method described above to get to the bolts, unscrew them, and remove the handle. The door handle is inserted into the fitting groove using a square fastener. See about castle repairs

There are two types of locks used on plastic entrance doors: with and without a latch. The latch holds the door in the closed position, preventing it from opening due to wind or touch.

halyard, triggered by pressing the handle;
roller in the form of a hinge mechanism - to open the door, you need to pull it towards you.

single-lock – have one closing point, do not provide sufficient pressure of the sash to the frame;
multi-point or crossbar – provide protection against burglary and more

Multi-point locks provide high sound and thermal insulation

tight connection of the sash to the frame.

Multi-point locks are more expensive, but they provide high sound and thermal insulation due to the tight fit of the sash and protect it from sagging when closed due to locking elements located at several points.

A multi-point lock for plastic doors consists of a main and additional locking mechanism, a solid bolt and a tire that moves all elements of the system. Such a lock can be with a rebated push or roller latch.

Lock repair may include replacing the core, latch, or individual locking elements. You can replace the lock yourself by purchasing components and seeking advice from specialists.

Expert advice

It’s clear how to install a magnetic latch on a balcony door, but now it’s worth listening to some advice from experts who will tell you how to use the latch correctly in order to extend its service life and which one to choose from among the wide variety of assortments.

First of all, when purchasing a mechanism, you need to inquire about the amount of force applied to open the door. If it is minimal, then the fit of the sash to the frame will not be tight and in this case the door may open from a gust of wind or the touch of, for example, a pet. But the maximum fit also has its drawbacks, because when the door slams, a strong bang will be heard and the rubber seal will wear out much faster. Therefore, it is worth choosing magnetic latches with a medium fit.

The entire range of magnetic latches offered is universal and suitable for any profile. But still, before purchasing a mechanism, you should ask a consultant whether this type is suitable for the installed balcony structure.

The smoker's handle will last much longer if, when closing the door, you always grasp it not in the same plane, but in a different one.

If it happens that a person is on the balcony, and for some reason the door is jammed, then you should not immediately start breaking it down, because after that, in most cases, you will have to completely replace the structure. If you can’t wait for help from anyone, then it is best to break the glass itself or the sandwich panel installed at the bottom of the door. Replacing them will cost much less than a complete balcony block.

Sometimes it is necessary to reduce the gap between the magnetic latch and the metal strip. In this case, washers are placed under the bar, the number of which is calculated individually, depending on the size of the gap that needs to be reduced.

It is recommended to install the handle on the balcony block with a multi-locking mechanism. This option helps to lock the door using an installed button or key. In this way, you can protect your apartment from intruders entering it through the balcony.

If it is necessary to replace the old mechanism, it is not necessary to drill new holes. You can screw the planks into the old place, but use larger diameter screws.

If installing a magnetic latch on a balcony door is not entirely clear, you can always watch a video that shows everything down to the smallest detail. Thus, the mechanism will help protect the room from cold, frost and the penetration of unpleasant tobacco odor. You can be sure that a correctly selected magnetic type of mechanism will provide reliable protection and will have a long service life.

What types of balcony handles are there?

Currently, it can be made not only from plastic, but also aluminum, metal-ceramic or fiberglass. The use of these materials allows us to produce products with sufficient strength and reliability in operation.

But one of the main requirements for balcony handles is good resistance to high humidity, temperature changes and ultraviolet radiation. They should also ensure easy and simple locking of the balcony door, especially if the balcony or loggia is located on the first floors.

Types of handles for balcony doors

They can be divided into several categories:

one-sided;
bilateral asymmetric type;
with anti-burglary function;
with a conventional built-in locking mechanism;
shell;
petal.

They can also be classified according to installation method, appearance, material, shape, color.

Important! Thanks to the huge variety of types, you can easily choose a plastic handle for any type of balcony door and various functional applications. The main thing is that they fully meet the consumer's requirements.

The handle on any balcony door made of various materials can be installed on both sides or on one.

The single-sided handle basically has a fairly simple design. It is easy to use. It is installed in cases where it is necessary to open the door only from one side. Single-sided handles are in great demand due to their convenient use and simplicity of shape and design.

Double-sided balcony handles are traditionally made with identical shapes on both sides. They are connected, as a rule, using a special metal rod. This type of plastic handles is certainly more convenient to use.

A double-sided handle is usually made with a certain asymmetry. Both halves of it have the same appearance on both sides of the door. This type of handles is more practical due to the equipment with a special mechanism made of durable steel.

Door fittings with an anti-burglary function are equipped with doors at the exit to a balcony or loggia located on the lower floors. A special mechanism allows you to protect the premises from various unauthorized intrusions of intruders.

A metal or plastic handle with a simple locking device is installed mainly in families with small children. This allows you to exclude unwanted access of the child to the balcony.

A simple plastic structure called a petal is most often used on the outside of the door. Usually the toffee is made of the same plastic as the door itself. It is not equipped with a locking mechanism. Small self-tapping screws are used to secure the petal-type handle. The mounting holes on top are covered with a decorative cap.

This locking device can significantly reduce heat loss, which is most important on cold days.

The “shell” handle (also called “toffee”) can be purchased in two types: plastic or aluminum. Traditionally it is installed on the outside of the balcony. The handle of this type of balcony door allows you to conveniently cover the exit to this room from the outside. For example, if you want to smoke on a balcony or loggia. It can be easily secured to the door using short self-tapping screws.

Advice! To avoid the need to master the skills of repairing or replacing fittings on a balcony door, it is advisable to pay attention to the quality of the handles you buy. It is better to give preference to more expensive models made of better quality.

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.

Options for broken balcony handles and repair methods

Most often, users of PVC windows and balconies encounter a problem when the handle of the balcony door does not close completely. To understand the reason, you need to open the door and try to close it while the handle is in the open position. If the fittings rotate easily, then the problem is with the clamping mechanisms and not with the sash. Most likely, one of the clamps is preventing the door from closing tightly. You need to figure out which clamping part is preventing the sash from closing and fix the problem.

To do this we do the following:

We unscrew each clamp in turn and check whether the handle closes completely (if not, then the problem is not in this part);
we do this sequentially with each clamping mechanism until we identify the one, after unscrewing which the handle closes tightly;
this broken clamp needs to be replaced.

If the handle does not close in the open position, then the problem is with the sash. It is necessary to identify the problem area that prevents the door leaf from closing. Since the fittings consist of several parts, it may be that they are not connected correctly. In such a situation, you need to close the fittings as much as possible. After this, check the position of the trunnions. Since the handle is not completely closed, the trunnions will also not close completely. If one of the trunnions closes all the way, then it is the problem area.

To fix the problem, do the following:

We move the handle to the “open” position.
We unscrew the problematic fittings. We disconnect its two parts and place the trunnion strictly in the center.
Since there may be several such problematic pins, you need to check each fitting separately along the perimeter of the sash.

To ensure that your balcony door fittings last as long as possible, lubricate them with machine oil or a special mineral compound once a year, and clean them from dust.

Prevention of breakdowns - how to extend the service life of door hardware

Troubles during the operation of fittings, for example, when a handle falls out of a balcony door, can and should be prevented. This is easy to do by paying attention to the care of the balcony door and fittings from the first days of operation. So that the doors, and at the same time the handle, hinges, locks, last longer without requiring repairs, you need to carefully open and close them. It's simple and yet important.

It is also necessary to protect the locking mechanisms from moisture by regularly lubricating the handle with special products that do not contain acids or resins. In most cases, lubrication is sufficient for the normal functioning of the handle throughout its entire service life.

So that the problem when the handle of the balcony door turns, falls out or wobbles does not bother you already in the first year of use, choose fittings from trusted manufacturers with a guarantee.

Why do you need to remove the PVC door from its hinges?

Removing the plastic door leaf may be necessary in the following cases:

repair or replacement of door fittings that are difficult to perform on a canopy;
broken hinges requiring fastening replacement;
a temporary increase in the width of the doorway is necessary;
performing general construction repair work that is hampered by the presence of a door;
replacement of fabric that has received mechanical damage.

You can dismantle it yourself using available hand tools.

Removing the balcony door

To dismantle a plastic balcony door you will need a hammer, pliers and a screwdriver. The door hinge consists of the following parts:

sash bracket with metal insert;
frame part with built-in pins that secure the part to the frame;
Teflon spacer bushings installed between the sash and frame parts.

Work order:

the door is closed, but the handle is not moved to the closed position;
carefully remove the decorative trims covering the metal parts of the loop; if necessary, use a thin flat screwdriver to pry it off;
squeeze out the pin, exerting pressure on this part from top to bottom;
the extended pin is completely pulled out using pliers;
remove the pins from all hinges except the bottom;
The canvas is carefully tilted towards itself and removed with a slight upward movement.

Next, if replacement is necessary, remove the fittings from the door leaf and frame by unscrewing the fixing bolts with a screwdriver.

If problems arise in the operation of the fittings of a balcony, office or entrance plastic door, you can contact us for professional repairs. We offer services for setting up, adjusting and replacing elements of the fittings group.

Price from: 300 rub/m2

Removing the PVC entrance door

Entrance plastic doors are equipped with 3-4 reinforced hinges. Decorative trims that hide the awnings can be removed by unscrewing the fastening bolts with the door leaf open. Having removed the decorative trims, you can begin dismantling the pins. It will be difficult for one person to remove the canvas, since it is 2-3 times heavier than the balcony structure. It is recommended to involve two people in the work.

How to return the canvas to its place

After completing the planned actions (replacement of fittings, repairs or removal of a large object through the opening), the canvas is installed back. All the steps described should be followed in reverse order. The canvas is lowered onto the hinges and placed well at a slight angle. When attaching the nozzle, you should keep the course towards the lower loop, this will prevent misalignment. The remaining hinges are fixed in the closed position of the door, but not locked with the handle. After installing the axial cylinders, the lower pins must be pressed upward until they click. In this case, the upper cylinders of the loops should eventually protrude from above.

You can adjust the hinges until the door is even by tightening it with a screwdriver. The last step will be to return the linings to their place and check the operation of the door. Before installation, it is recommended to lubricate the rubbing parts of the fittings.

Working conditions:

Minimum cost:

5000 rubles - for and “Mosquito nets”;
2500 rubles - for other services.

Thus, for example, when ordering the installation of one handle with a key (1,500 rubles), you must additionally order something worth at least 1,000 rubles. And when ordering one frame mosquito with an area of 1 m2 (1200 rubles) - an additional amount of 3800 rubles.

The visit of a specialist is free when ordering a service. In case of refusal of the service, the visit of a specialist is 1500 rubles.

The Healthy Window company offers a flexible system of promotions and discounts, thanks to which you can save significantly.

We inform you about the cost of service BEFORE the start of work, and the cost does not change during the implementation of the order. For all details, you can contact us by phone.

Replacing the handle

The most common problem with a balcony door is a broken handle. The types of faults can be very different, but the repair is not quite complicated.

If the handle jams when the door position changes abruptly, then most likely the problem is in the shutter valve, which is located at the end of the door just below the handle itself. In this case, it is enough to return the valve to the vertical position with your finger and close the door, and turn the handle to the closed position. It often happens that the plastic handle does not rotate well due to insufficient lubrication; in this case, you need to lubricate the moving parts with a special lubricant.

When all of the above measures did not help and the handle or the entire plastic balcony door still jams, the reason for this may be sagging or deformation of the door leaf, we will talk about this below.

There are breakdowns when repairs without replacing the handle of the balcony door are impossible. In this case, these instructions will suit you:

Place the handle in a horizontal position.
With a slight movement, pull the decorative plug at the base of the handle toward you and rotate it to a horizontal position, exposing the mounting screws, as shown in the photo.
Using a flat blade screwdriver, unscrew the screws and carefully remove the handle.
We insert a new handle in place of the old one, lightly pressing it against the door frame, and tighten the fastening screws.
We put the damper in place.

Why change the fittings on a plastic window or balcony door?

The main load when opening and closing a window or balcony door falls on the handle. No wonder she is the first to fail. It often happens that the rest of the structure is in excellent condition, but the fittings are either loose or completely broken off.

But even if there is no visible damage, there may still be a reason to change the mechanism. For example, to install new stylish elements that will fit beautifully into the overall style of the room.

No standard manufacturer or window installer offers such handles due to the rare demand for them, but you can buy them separately.

Many parents, with the birth of small children, especially when children enter the dangerous age of first independent movement, insert a locking mechanism into the design of the balcony door. After all, a child may want to open a window or go to the balcony to look at people from above. You never know what will come to a child’s mind. And the lock is a reliable protection against his curiosity - and it makes parents feel safer.

Finally, the ability to open the door from the outside may be necessary if you go out onto the balcony, but it is impossible to close the door completely. It may happen that you jumped out onto the balcony for a minute, and the child, while playing, turned the handle. Then he can’t open it himself, and you can’t open it from the outside. It’s good if it’s warm outside, but what if it’s frosty?

And the child is left alone in the apartment, and you cannot call or call any of the adults. The situation is not only unpleasant, but also extremely dangerous. Unfortunately, this has already happened in reality more than once - therefore, responsible parents prefer not to take risks and anticipate possible dangers.

Nature and causes of breakdowns

Today, frame structures for windows and balconies made on the basis of plastic profiles have become widespread. They have a certain warranty period, however, after its expiration, various malfunctions may appear both in the design of the balcony door and damage to the surface of the plastic or double-glazed window. Typical malfunctions of plastic door structures during this period are:

sagging door leaf;
displacement of the door, as a result of which it may not close or, on the contrary, cracks may form when closing;
the occurrence of squeaks when the door leaf moves;
damage or destruction of the seal;
a play appears in the handle fastening, leading to loosening of the locking mechanism, and it may be that the balcony handle has broken;
the appearance of scratches or cracks on the profile or glass unit.

The causes of such breakdowns may be:

improper installation and adjustment of the door leaf and fittings during the initial installation;
deformation of walls due to shrinkage of the house;
violations of the rules for the operation of plastic window structures;
sudden temperature changes and placing the entrance to the balcony in the area of maximum exposure to sunlight.

If any malfunctions of this nature are detected, it is necessary to repair the plastic balcony doors. It is possible to eliminate such deficiencies on your own. However, you need to correctly assess the amount of work and your own capabilities. There are situations when it is better to turn to specialists.

Selection principles

A handle that meets certain characteristics is mounted on the balcony door. You need to know them.

Temperature resistance

This is extremely important. For example, a locking device made of metal can burn your hand due to the influence of temperature in summer, and freeze it in winter

Handles made of wood and plastic (PVC) do not have this drawback. Aluminum products are expensive, but their service life is longer.

Resistant to moisture. When the temperature changes, condensation forms on the shut-off device. A high-quality product does not corrode and remains operational for a long time.

Safety. Unglazed (open) balconies on the lower floors require protection from unauthorized entry into the home. The double-sided locking device poses a threat. For security, the external part must be equipped with a lock.

Thermal protection. The handle and its location must guarantee good impermeability, which means complete protection against the penetration of cold air. There are locking devices with protection devices.

Easy to use. There is no one willing to fiddle with the locking mechanism for a long time to get onto the balcony. There are simple shell-shaped devices that can be opened by hand without any problems.

Features of the door. It’s better to make sure at the time of purchase that the model will fit your door sample. Be sure to check the performance and functionality of the product directly in the store, with the seller. It should have a smooth and free move.