How to Change and Repair Door Handles on Every Door Type – DIY Door Handle Guide.

Replacing or repairing a uPVC door handle in Newcastle, fixing a composite door handle in Jesmond, or upgrading a patio or wooden door handle in Whitley Bay, Gosforth, Ponteland, Blyth, or North Shields doesn’t have to be complicated. Most handles can be swapped out with just a screwdriver, as long as you know how to measure them correctly.

In this guide, Newcastle Commercial and Residential Lockout Specialists show you how to change different types of door handles, explain the key measurements (like the PZ dimension) and highlight when it’s best to call a professional locksmith in Newcastle Upon Tyne.

How to Change a uPVC Door Handle

1. Open the door and locate the fixing screws (usually two long screws inside the backplate).

2. Remove the screws and pull both sides of the handle away from the door.

3. Check the spindle (the square bar through the lock). If it’s worn, replace it.

4. Fit the new handle set, insert the spindle and tighten screws evenly.

Tip: Always buy a replacement handle with the correct PZ size (see measurement guide below).

How to Change a Composite Door Handle

Composite doors use multi-point locks, just like uPVC:

• Follow the same steps as above.

• Choose a high-security handle (anti-snap, reinforced, or PAS24-rated) to improve security.

How to Change a Patio Door Handle

• Patio handles are usually surface-mounted.

• Remove the visible screws, slide off the old handle and fit the new one.

• Some models are brand-specific – check the make of your door before ordering.

If unsure you can call Newcastle Commercial and Residential Lockout Specialists for advice on 07745 858648.

How to Change a Wooden Door Handle

For standard lever handles:

1. Unscrew the backplate.

2. Remove spindle and handles.

3. Fit the new set, making sure the spindle passes cleanly through the latch.

For knobs or mortice handles, the process is similar – but the latch type may differ.

How to Change a Shop or Commercial Door Handle

Commercial doors (steel, aluminium, or fire-rated) often use specialist hardware such as:

• Adams Rite handles for shopfront aluminium doors

• Heavy-duty levers for fire doors

• Push pads or panic bars for emergency exits

⚠️ Warning: DIY replacement on commercial doors isn’t always safe or compliant. Fire safety, insurance and regulations may apply – in these cases, it’s best to call a professional locksmith.

How to Measure a Door Handle (Made Simple)

When replacing uPVC or composite door handles, the key measurement is the PZ Dimension.

• What is PZ?

It’s the distance (in mm) between the centre of the spindle (follower) hole and the centre of the keyhole (cylinder).

Common PZ sizes:

• 92mm → Most modern uPVC and composite doors

• 68mm / 70mm → Older models

• 72mm → Some wooden/commercial locks

Other important measurements:

• B. Screw-to-Screw (Fixing Centres): Distance between top and bottom screw holes

• C. Top Screw to Spindle: Distance between top screw and spindle

• D. Overall Backplate: Total length of the backplate (top to bottom)

• E. Faceplate Width: Width of the backplate (across the face of the handle)

👉 Not sure? Compare with your old handle or send a photo to our locksmiths in Newcastle for advice.

(See diagram below for reference.)

Where to Buy Door Handles

• DIY stores & online: Good for budget handles.

• Locksmiths: Best for security-rated or specialist handles.

Newcastle Commercial and Residential Lockout Specialists supply and fit new handles across Newcastle Upon Tyne and the North East – including uPVC, composite, patio, wooden and commercial doors.

See our full Locksmith Services for more details on how Newcastle Commercial

And Residential Lockout Specialists help with lock and handle repairs.

For peace of mind, you can also check professional standards at the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA).

Broken Door Handle – Repair or Replace?

• Loose handle → Try tightening screws or replacing the spindle.

• Handle won’t spring back → Spring cassette has failed; replace handle set.

• Snapped handle → Needs a full replacement.

FAQs – DIY Door Handle Fixes

• What’s the easiest door handle to change?
• uPVC and wooden levers – usually just two screws and a spindle.
• Do I need a locksmith for a broken handle?
• Not always. But if it’s part of a multi-point lock (uPVC/composite) and the door won’t open, a locksmith is safer than forcing it and damaging the multipoint gearbox.
• Do new handles improve security?
• Yes – modern high-security handles protect the lock cylinder from snapping or drilling.
• Do locksmiths sell and fit door handles?
• Yes – Newcastle Commercial and Residential Lockout Specialists supply and fit all types, ensuring correct sizing and compliance with insurance standards.

Contact the Specialists

📞 Call Newcastle Commercial and Residential Lockout Specialists on 07745 858649.


We cover Newcastle, Heaton, Gosforth, Whitley Bay, Ponteland, Gateshead, North Shields and across the North East – supplying, repairing and fitting new door handles 24/7.