If a square spindle goes from the back of your handle into the window, it's an espag handle, the most common type. If it has a hooked spur that catches on a wedge, it's a cockspur handle. If the window tilts in at the top, it's tilt and turn.
For an espag handle, the thing most people get wrong is the spindle length. Our Home Secure universal handle comes with five spindles, so you don't need to measure. For a cockspur, check the step and which hand it is.
Replacing a broken, stiff or loose uPVC window handle is a five-minute job with a screwdriver, as long as you buy the right one. There are three main types of window handle in UK homes, and once you know which you have, there are only one or two things to check.
Already know what you need? Browse our uPVC window handles.
Open the window and look at the handle and the frame next to it.
| What you see | Handle type |
|---|---|
| A square bar (spindle) goes from the back of the handle into the window | Espag handle, the most common type |
| The handle has a hooked “spur” that catches on a small wedge on the frame, with no spindle | Cockspur handle, common on older windows |
| The window can tilt inwards at the top as well as open like a door | Tilt and turn handle |
Espag (espagnolette) handles are on most modern uPVC windows. Turning the handle turns a square spindle, which moves a locking bar running round the edge of the window. Most have a key lock, and many have a push button so the handle can’t be flicked open from outside.
There are two styles. Check which you have:
The other thing to get right is the spindle length, and it’s the most common mistake people make. Too short and the handle won’t turn the lock. Too long and it won’t sit flat against the window.
We kept seeing customers order a handle with the wrong spindle length, so we designed the Home Secure universal window handle to take the guesswork out. It comes with five spindles in the box (9mm, 15mm, 30mm, 45mm and 55mm), fits windows that open left or right, and locks with a key. You just try the spindles until one fits. Over 55,000 were sold last year, and it’s now the best-selling window handle we make.
No need to measure the spindle
The Home Secure universal handle comes with five spindles and fits windows that open either way. 55,000+ sold last year. £4.99.
Cockspur handles are found on older uPVC and aluminium windows. There’s no spindle: the curved spur on the handle catches on a wedge fixed to the frame and pulls the window shut. Many have a key lock in the handle.
Cockspur handles are handed, so check which way your spur points and order a left or right-hand handle to match. You also need the step (see measuring, below). If the window doesn’t close tightly, a thicker wedge on the frame can fix it.
Replacing a cockspur handle?
Avocet key-locking cockspur handle, left or right hand, in 9mm, 17mm or 22mm steps. £5.99.
Tilt and turn windows open inwards. Turn the handle one way and the top of the window tilts in for air. Turn it further and the whole window opens like a door. The handle works like an espag handle, with a spindle into the window, but it has three positions instead of two.
Our Trojan Sparta tilt and turn handle locks in both the closed and tilted positions, so you can leave the window tilted for air and still lock it.
Tilt and turn window?
The Trojan Sparta locks in both the closed and tilted positions. From £7.99.
Replacing an inline espag handle? You can skip measuring the spindle: our universal handle comes with five lengths. Otherwise, check these:
If you’ve got a single-length handle with a spindle that’s too long, you can cut it down with a hacksaw. Cut from the end and file off any sharp edges.
Watch: how to replace a uPVC window handle
Still not sure? Email a photo of your handle and the edge of the window to info@homesecureshop.co.uk or call us on 0151 521 8089, and we’ll tell you which handle you need.
Changing several handles? Doing them all at once means they all match. For a deeper look at compatibility, see are all uPVC handles universal?
Our best-selling window handle
Five spindles in the box, fits left or right-opening windows, key locking. £4.99.
