How to quickly remove and change the handle on a plastic balcony door

• 1 Options for handles on balcony doors - what are they and how are they different?
• 2 How to replace the handle on a balcony door yourself?
• 3 Prevention of breakdowns - how to extend the service life of door hardware

Metal-plastic doors and windows are the norm for modern houses, apartments, and offices. Information on how to change the handle on a plastic balcony door will be useful to anyone who is ready to fix breakdowns with their own hands without outside help, which is often not free.

Repairing handles on plastic doors is a simple operation if you study the nature of the breakdown of a specific handle model and have an idea of ​​the general algorithm for replacing door hardware.

Types of handles

Handles are one of the most important elements of fittings.
They make life much easier and more convenient. In addition to functional advantages, handles can also be a decorative element, emphasizing the features of the interior and delighting with their beauty. It is not known exactly when handles appeared in human life and who came up with such an important element of fittings today. The first information about them appeared in the papyri of ancient Egypt, which were written 4 thousand years ago. Over the years, the fittings became better, more functional, and many types and varieties appeared.

The main impetus for the development of pens was made in the last century, after the Second World War. It was at this time that plastic doors began to appear, for which completely different handles were used than for wooden and metal doors.

There are two main types of such mechanisms on the market. The first type is mobile. Such handles are also called halyard handles. The design feature is that the handle is connected to a locking mechanism. To open the door you need to turn it or press it.

The second type is stationary. In this case, the handle is a fixed structural element not connected to the lock. Stationary button handles, as well as staples and shells, are widespread.

The last variety should be described in more detail. They are mounted only when a normal latch is installed on the door, which fixes its position. Otherwise, in a strong wind or in a draft, the door may open and the glass unit may break. As a rule, the installation location for this type of fittings is the outer part of the balcony door.

This pen received the name “shell” for a reason. It is very similar to a mollusk shell. It can be made from both plastic and aluminum. Manufacturers strive to make such fittings invisible.

Installation can be done anywhere on the canvas. The main rule is the convenience of opening in height. Fastening is carried out using ordinary self-tapping screws, which, after tightening, are closed with decorative caps. Installation is very simple.

This pen is also called a “smoker’s pen.” It is intended specifically for plastic doors that lead to the balcony. With its help you can enter the loggia and close the door behind you. The interesting name is due to the fact that such pens are usually used by people who smoke. In most cases, this element of fittings is included in the standard equipment of doors.

Depending on how handles are installed on plastic doors, there are overhead or mortise models. The invoices are fixed on the outside of the canvas. Mortise ones are fixed in a cavity specially cut into the canvas.

The most common types of pens on the market are:

• The handle is a halyard, which is essentially rotary. The handle is turned to open the locking mechanism. There are also push options. Such mechanisms can be installed not only on plastic doors, but also on ordinary interior doors;
• Handle-brace. If locks are installed on the door, such a handle is installed only so that it is possible to pull it to open the door.

Various technologies are used to produce handles for plastic doors. This makes it possible to produce various versions of products from a variety of materials with different shapes and appearance. Materials such as PVC and various metal alloys are used. The color can be completely different, which implies complete freedom for creativity.

Modern pens can become a real decoration for a home, apartment, or other home. There are also designer options that are made to order. They can be very beautiful, but at the same time very expensive.

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.

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

Plastic doors are equipped with different types of handles made of metal, glass, glass ceramics and fiberglass with individual mechanisms. The most commonly used handles are:

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

The simplest and most budget option is a one-sided handle for indoor use. The product has a simple mechanism, easy to use.

Double-sided models are more functional. Also, the simple 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 locking mechanism or a latch is used. A mechanism with a lock is a must 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 copes well with its main function - preventing heat loss in the autumn-winter period.

The “shell” model is mainly installed on the outside of the balcony door, often made of plastic, sometimes aluminum. The handle is not equipped with a mechanism; it is used solely 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 important 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 children will not be able to get onto the balcony without their parents’ knowledge. The model is easy to use, practical and reliable.

Selection principles

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

1. Resistance to temperature fluctuations. This is extremely important. For example, a locking device made of metal can burn your hand due to the influence of temperature in the summer, and freeze it in the winter. Handles made of wood and plastic (PVC) do not have this drawback. Aluminum products are expensive, but their service life is longer.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.

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.

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. Watch the video below about the repair of the castle:

There are two types of locks used on plastic entrance doors: with and without a latch. Correct installation of hinges on checking doors on how to decorate a door with your own hands. 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.

Watch the latch repair in this video:

• single-lock – have one closing point, do not provide sufficient pressure of the sash to the frame;
• multi-point or deadbolt - 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. How to fix a lock on a plastic door. 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.

Adjusting door hardware

Having decided on the direction of displacement and closing the door, slide it up and remove the plastic decorative covers blocking access.

Modern hinges allow you to adjust the door in several directions:

1. By rotating the vertical screw of the lower hinge clockwise, the door is raised, and counterclockwise, it is lowered. Access - with the door closed through the upper end of the hinge. The power reserve is usually sufficient to eliminate rubbing of the threshold under the hinge and across the entire width. Rubbing of the far corner of the door is eliminated by adjusting the top hinge.
2. When the door is open, a second, horizontal adjustment screw is accessible, located at the base of the hinge frame. Its rotation changes the distance from the end of the door to the frame to eliminate rubbing of the end part.
3. Access to the horizontal screw of the top hinge, located on its door part, is possible only with the door open. By rotating the head clockwise, the upper end of the door is moved away from the frame, and the lower corner of the leaf is raised to eliminate rubbing.
4. The tightness of the fit of the leaf to the door frame is adjusted by eccentrics on the end surfaces of the door. The shorter the distance from the eccentric head to the frame, the tighter the clamp.

If it is necessary to thoroughly disassemble a plastic balcony door, as is the case when replacing the seal, work begins by removing the decorative trims. Then, using pliers, remove the pin connecting the frame and sash parts of the upper hinge. The design of the lower loop allows you to tilt the canvas away from the horizontal and move the upper corner outside the box. Now, to remove it from the lower axle, simply lift the doors. Reinstallation is performed in reverse order. Considering the weight of the product, it is better to do the work together.

Something as simple as replacing or repairing a balcony door handle requires a minimum of time. Access to the handle fastener is closed by a plastic cover, which you just need to pull towards yourself and turn 90˚.

Types of door handles

Depending on the mechanism, double-sided handles can be:

1. Standard (stationary).
2. Movable.

Standard handle

Products such as a stationary door handle are a conventional design, on both sides of which there is an element that, when pulled, opens the door.

Movable handle

If it is enough to install and adjust the placement of a stationary element, then to install movable door handles you need to have some skills. The movable handles have a locking mechanism in their structure. In turn, this type of handle is divided into two types:

1. Rotary.
2. Push.

In the first case, the mechanism works like a handle for a loggia and balcony. You need to turn the door handle to the side or lower it and the latch opens.

There are also several types of how to install it. Overhead mechanisms and mortise installation systems. The installation method is determined initially and is known when purchasing the product. The installation option determines what tools and materials you need to purchase.

Double-sided handle installation process

The movable handle is a mechanism that is worth paying attention to when you need to choose a balcony handle. These are the most popular types of handles for balcony doors and loggias

A double-sided handle is usually installed on a plastic balcony door.

The main causes of problems

If it has been noticed that the balcony door does not close tightly or is too tight, then you should not delay the problem, but solve it immediately, otherwise a small breakdown can lead to serious problems over time and repairs will cost a large amount.

Due to constant changes in air temperature and high humidity, the door moves in the opening, as a result of which it no longer presses tightly in the middle. It also often happens that the handle closes tightly or is completely loose. This situation makes it difficult to close the door and rapid wear of the mechanism.

If at least one of the listed problems arose some time after the installation of the structure, then you should not engage in repairs yourself, but it is better to contact the company that installed the door block, because it is obliged to send a technician free of charge to fix the existing problems. But if the structure was installed a long time ago and the door to the balcony does not close, then you can try to eliminate the cause yourself.

Balcony door with magnet. Review and installation of the gadget.

Hello everyone! Many have metal-plastic balcony doors installed, which, when entering a balcony or loggia, open slightly on their own. Unauthorized opening of the door creates uncomfortable situations: - if it is winter, then cooling the room; — the arrival of foreign odors from the balcony or loggia from balcony smokers; — no barrier to sound (for example, balcony chatterboxes).

I bring to your attention a magnetic holder (hereinafter referred to as magnet) for a balcony door with a petal handle (balcony handle). Magnitogorsk appeared on the market several years ago and is successfully conquering the market (personally, I have been waiting for such a gadget for a long time, otherwise they are on furniture doors, but not on balcony ones).

Of course, you will also need a petal handle on the side of the balcony (loggia), screwed onto the door leaf. There are many options for handles, but most often you can find one like this.

Previously, and even now (on some window-profile systems), a variety of mechanical latches were used.

I don't like the way they work, because any closing of the door is accompanied by a strong shaking due to this latching. Shocks are not desirable for windows and doors, as they can lead to a violation of the seal of the window (door) and the appearance of cracks at the joints of different elements. Windows, like any equipment, require careful handling.

Another disadvantage of these latches is the complicated operation of the tilt and turn fittings. Namely, after the sash is in the folding position, sometimes the latch stubbornly prevents the sash from pressing against the frame in order to turn the handle to another position. You have to use force, which is not very good. Also, some latches, when the door leaf is slightly sagging, refuse to fulfill its purpose until you adjust the leaf or twist the latch itself. I've sanded them down, now I'll move on to the magnet.

I don’t see any downsides to the magnetic balcony door holder. The only thing is that it will not hold the sash in a gust of strong wind or in a strong draft in the apartment, so be careful.

So, I already want to install it quickly, but here the first “pitfall” appears. We have a huge variety of window profiles (ivaper, rehau, veka, kbe, wooden, etc.) and each profile has its own shape.

That is, if the windows are “ivaper”, then you need to buy a magnet for the “ivaper” profile, if the windows are “rehau”, then a magnet for “rehau”.

You can look for the profile of your windows (if you don’t know) on the frame or sash, thoroughly reviewing all the inscriptions and seals. 80% of those who can recognize the name, the rest hide their name. If they don’t sell magnets for your profile, then sometimes you can customize them to fit your profile using a knife or grinder. Also with a counter metal strip (sometimes it had to be drilled or bent differently). I'm done with horror stories here))

How to install a magnetic balcony door holder? EASY AND FAST. It seems to me that you can even get pleasure from this process))

Now you need to install a metal strip (the counterpart of the magnetic holder) on the door leaf.

We secure it in the sash with a universal galvanized self-tapping screw no longer than 30 mm. For example 3.5 mm*25 mm. Usually on the door hardware there is a specially designated place for installing this answer (in the area of ​​the door handle. If there is no such place, then you can simply unscrew one hardware screw not far from the handle and install the answer there.

Of course, the easiest way to tighten the screws is with a screwdriver, but a strong person can do it with a Phillips screwdriver. THE MAIN THING is that during installation, DO NOT TURST THE SCREWS, as they will only screw into the plastic profile.

Now I attach a magnetic holder to the answer, placing it exactly on it.

Now I press the sash against the door frame to mark the installation of the magnet on it. A pencil will help me!

Using these marks, I screw the magnet onto the door frame with two self-tapping screws (let’s say 3.5 mm * 30 mm).

All that remains is to screw the balcony petal handle on the side of the loggia or balcony. You can screw it anywhere you like. I have two options for these places.

IMPORTANT. The self-tapping screws for screwing the petal handle should be no longer than 10-12 mm, otherwise the long ones will rest against the edge of the glass unit, which will crack because of this

I have 3.9 mm*12 mm self-tapping screws.

Then the decorative overlay is snapped onto the handle and the installation is completed. See my video for details:

Good luck, kindness and warmth to everyone! Don’t forget to click “thumbs up” if this reading helped you.

Prevention of breakdowns

When using balcony fittings, problems may occur. To prevent breakdowns, experts recommend performing a preventive inspection of fasteners and the valve once every three months.

When inspecting, pay attention to the reliability of the fastening elements and the cleanliness of the mechanism. Using a clean, dry cotton rag, clean the surface from debris and dust. The inside of the shutter is cleaned with a cotton swab or toothpick.

During operation, the balcony door should not be slammed. Strong and sharp pressing of the canvas against the frame leads to loosening of the fasteners. If the door leaf is closed due to a draft, inspect the locking part and tighten the screws.

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.

Double sided

This type is practically not much different from the previous one. It is often installed in offices or inside the home. It is suitable for those who have children at home. This will serve as good protection from open balconies (especially if the apartment is on high floors). Double-sided handles come with or without a lock. The second option is usually installed in the apartment. After all, there is not always a need to close the balcony from the side of the room.

Installing a double handle

The first step is to remove the single handle. We turn the protective plastic cover, then use a screwdriver or screwdriver to unscrew the screws that secure the handle.

Do not forget that the handle itself must be turned to the open position. When the screws are unscrewed, take out the hexagon handle.

To secure the double handle, you will need to drill a hole for the square rod (pin). But there is one important nuance here.

The long axis of the double handle will pass not only through the mechanism that opens and locks the balcony sash, but also through the reinforced profile installed inside the frame.

Therefore, you won’t be able to simply take a drill of a suitable diameter and drill a hole. If you do this, you will damage the mechanism.

To prevent this, you need to loosen the entire drive mechanism for locking and opening the balcony door.

It is enough to unscrew just a few screws, and then slightly bend the drive mechanism to the side, fixing it in the required position with a wooden wedge, pencil, screw or screwdriver.

Drilling a hole in the balcony door

From the side of the room, use a 6 mm drill to drill a through hole for the axis of the double handle. You should try to drill strictly in the center, perpendicular to the balcony sash. From the side of the balcony we drill a hole with a drill with a diameter of 10 mm.

Now you need to check if the hole is drilled correctly. To insert the handle, return the drive mechanism to the reverse position, but do not fix it with screws.

Next, we insert the handle and make marks for the holes for the protruding parts - they should be recessed into the frame profile, the mounting screws will be screwed into them. Then we bend the mechanism again and fix it.

Let's start drilling the holes. First, according to the markings made, we drill holes with a drill of a smaller diameter, and then with a larger one - with a 9 mm drill.

In order for the long screws included in the kit to pass through the door frame, you need to drill holes with a diameter of 8 mm through the reinforcing metal profile.

Double handle installation

We return the drive mechanism to its original place and fix it with screws. The kit includes universal mounting screws, which can be easily shortened to the required length if necessary.

Before fixing the installed handle, you need to make sure that it is in the open position.

After installing the double handle, you will need to turn the cover and check the operation of the mechanism.

Detailed instructions on how to install a double handle can be viewed in the author's video. The author of the YouTube channel “Do-it-yourself apartment renovation” shared this useful advice with us.

Replacing the seal

A defect in the rubber seal usually occurs as a result of mechanical damage from hard or sharp objects.

To replace it with your own hands, first dismantle the old seal. This is done mechanically using a flat screwdriver or chisel. The grooves under the old seal must be completely clear of glue residue and dust. Before installing a new seal, the surface of the groove is wiped with Galosh gasoline or 96% denatured alcohol to degrease.

After the grease-free groove has dried, we begin installing a new seal, pressing it in with our fingers. When installing, do not tighten the seal. Installation is done from bottom to top. Upon completion of installation, the excess length of the sealant is cut off with a sharp knife, and the ends of the sealing tape are additionally fixed with glue.

You can close the door only until the glue has completely dried.

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.

Sealing small cracks

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

Instructions:

1. Defects, cracks and the area around should be washed with soapy water and wiped dry.
2. Next, the defect is treated with a cleaner. You don't need much of it since it acts as soil.
3. 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.