Match three things to your old handle before you buy: the type (lever-lever if you lift the handle to lock, lever-pad if there's a fixed pull handle outside), the PZ (from the centre of the spindle to the centre of the keyhole) and the screw centres (the distance between the two fixing screws). Then choose your finish.
About 8 in 10 uPVC door handles we sell are 92mm PZ, but the screw centres vary, so always measure yours, because a handle that doesn't match won't line up with your lock.
Choosing a replacement uPVC door handle isn't as simple as picking one that looks right. The handle has to match your door's measurements, work with your lock, and suit the way you use the door every day. Get it right and the swap takes ten minutes. Get it wrong and you're left with a handle that doesn't fit, a door that won't lock, and a return to arrange.
This guide covers everything to check before you buy.
Measure before you order
It takes a couple of minutes with a tape measure. Our guide shows exactly where to measure — or send us a photo of your handle and we'll match it for you.
| Feature | Fab & Fix Windsor | Hoppe D27 | Trojan Lever-Pad | Kore Sprung |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Our verdict | Our best seller | Best value | Best lever-pad | For 70mm PZ doors |
| Type | Lever-lever | Lever-lever | Lever-pad | Lever-lever (sprung) |
| Customer rating | ★ 5.0 (5) | ★ 5.0 (2) | ★ 4.8 (4) | ★ 4.2 (6) |
| PZ | 92mm | 92mm | 92mm (62mm offset) | 70mm |
| Screw centres | 122mm | 215mm | 210mm | 180mm |
| Finishes | Chrome, white, black, gold | Silver (more Hoppe styles available) | Chrome, white, gold | White, chrome, gold |
| Price | £24.99 | £17.99 | £24.99 | £19.99 |
| Shop | View | View | View | View |
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Why we ask you to measure first
A handle can look right and still not fit. If the PZ or screw centres are different from your old one, the handle won't line up with your lock and the door won't lock properly.
Measuring takes two minutes and saves a return. If you're unsure, send us a photo — matching handles is something we do every day on our trade counter in Aintree.
The Home Secure teamThis is the most important decision, and it comes down to one question: should the door open from outside without a key?
Lever-lever handles have a working lever on both sides. Push down the outside handle and the door opens, no key needed. They're the standard choice for back doors and patio doors, where convenience matters more.
Lever-pad handles have a lever on the inside and a fixed pad on the outside. The door can only be opened from outside by turning the key. On a front door this is the more secure option, and the one most locksmiths recommend.
If your front door has a lever-lever, it can be worth switching to a lever-pad. Check your lock first, though. On some multipoint locks the key can't pull the latch back, so with a pad on the outside you could shut yourself out. Our guide to single and split spindle locks explains how to tell.
Not sure which type you've got? Our guide on how to identify and measure your uPVC door handles shows the difference with pictures.
The PZ is the distance from the centre of the handle spindle to the centre of the euro cylinder keyhole. It's set by the lock inside your door, so the new handle's PZ must match exactly or it won't line up.
The most common PZ sizes on UK uPVC doors are:
To measure the PZ without removing anything, measure from the centre of the handle lever (where it meets the backplate) to the centre of the key.
The screw centres are the distance between the two fixing screws on the backplate. They decide whether the new handle lines up with the holes already in your door.
The common sizes are 122mm, 180mm, 203mm, 210–215mm and 240mm. Of the handles we sold online in the last 12 months, about 4 in 10 were 122mm and 1 in 3 were 210–215mm, so don't assume. Measure.
If you buy a handle with the wrong screw centres, you'll have to drill new holes through the door. It's possible, but getting this measurement right first saves the hassle.
If you're unsure, or your sizes are unusual, the VERSA Universal handle adjusts to fit most uPVC doors.
Not sure of your measurements?
Our step-by-step guide shows exactly where to measure PZ and screw centres.
uPVC door handles are often described as Type A or Type B. The difference is where the top fixing screw sits.
Type A handles have the top screw just under the lever. They're usually 92mm PZ with 122mm screw centres, the most common single size.
Type B handles have the screws at the very top and bottom of the backplate, above and below the lever. They're usually 92mm PZ with 210–215mm screw centres, and sometimes 240mm.
To check yours, look at the inside handle: is the top screw under the lever, or above it? The type tells you roughly what to expect, but the PZ and screw centre measurements are what decide whether a handle fits.
uPVC door handles come in a range of finishes to match your door:
The finish doesn't affect how the handle works or how secure it is. Pick one that matches your letterbox, knocker and house numbers. Our guide to door handle colours and finishes has more on this.
The spindle is the square metal bar that passes through the door and connects the two handles. When you push down the lever, the spindle turns and works the lock.
Most replacement handles come with a spindle. If yours is worn, bent or the wrong length for your door, you can buy one separately. A loose handle after fitting a new one is often down to a worn spindle, so we stock replacement spindles and springs on their own.
If you're replacing the handle because the door isn't locking properly, the handle may not be the problem. Two other parts cause the same symptoms:
The euro cylinder. If the key is hard to turn or the deadbolt doesn't throw fully, the cylinder may be worn. It's also a good time to upgrade to an anti-snap euro cylinder if yours isn't TS007 3-star rated.
The multipoint gearbox. If the handle lifts but the locking points don't engage, the gearbox inside the door may have failed. See our replacement gearboxes.
In most cases, though, a new handle on its own is all you need.
With those four checked, you can order the right handle first time.
Know your sizes?
Filter every uPVC door handle we stock by PZ, screw centres and finish.
Browse our full range of uPVC door handles in lever-lever and lever-pad, in all common PZ sizes and finishes.
If your handle is dropping or feels loose, read our guide on how to fix a loose or dropping uPVC door handle before you order a new one. The handle itself may not be the problem.
Need help measuring? Our measuring guide walks you through it step by step, or send a photo to info@homesecureshop.co.uk and we'll tell you which one to order.
