Balcony door handles: types, installation and repair
Is the handle on the balcony door not as primitive as it seems? it is a complex device with a variety of functions. An important distinguishing feature of the balcony door handle is its style. She is obliged not only to meet the conditions for reliability and convenience, but also to fit the style of window fittings. However, no matter how annoying it may be, just small elements and mechanisms often fail and require rotation. A well-chosen and correctly installed handle will help you bypass most of the problems.
Modifications to balcony locking devices
All devices for balcony doors, which are available on the Russian market today, can be broken down into the following categories:
- one-sided view;
- double-sided sample with asymmetry;
- with anti-burglary function;
- with a lock;
- shell;
- petal.
The one-way handle is easy and convenient to use. It does not have any special functionality and is optimal if there is no need to unlock the balcony from the opposite side.
The asymmetrical double-sided model looks the same on both sides of the balcony. It is similar to the one-sided one, but much more convenient, it has a mechanism made of durable metal.
The device is endowed with a special anti-burglary function. Ideal for the owners of the balconies on the lower floors. Having a specialized mechanism, it makes it possible to protect against intruders. The device is endowed with a special anti-hacking function. Ideal for the owners of the balconies on the lower floors. Having a specialized mechanism, it makes it possible to protect against intruders.
A device for a plastic balcony door equipped with a lock is a great option for families with small children. A simple lock will make it possible to protect the child from careless actions.
The petal design is not equipped with a standard locking mechanism. As a rule, it is made of fairly durable plastic. The petal handle is fixed from the outside by means of self-tapping screws. A special decorative cover hides all the holes for fastening. This type of locking device helps to reduce heat loss, which is extremely important in cold weather.
The "shell" type locking device is produced in two versions - made of aluminum and plastic. As a rule, they tend to fix such a model from the side of the balcony. Its purpose is to close the balcony from the inside. This type of fittings is convenient for those who like to smoke a cigarette on the balcony or for people who often go out on it. If the family has small children, a locking device, coupled with a latch on the door, will be extremely useful. The shell is predominantly included in the standard balcony design. It is fixed without problems and does not create any special problems during operation.
Selection principles
A handle is mounted on the balcony door that meets certain characteristics. You need to know them.
- Resistant to temperature fluctuations. This is extremely important. For example, a locking device made of metal can burn your hand from the influence of temperature in summer and freeze it in winter. Handles made of wood and plastic (PVC) do not have this disadvantage.Aluminum products are expensive but have a longer lifespan.
- Resistant to moisture. With temperature surges, condensation forms on the shut-off device. A high-quality product does not corrode, it remains efficient for a long time.
- Security. Unglazed (open) balconies of the lower floors must be protected from unauthorized entry into the dwelling. The double-sided locking device is a threat. For safety, you need to equip the outer part with a lock.
- Thermal protection. The handle and its location must guarantee good impermeability and therefore complete protection against cold air penetration. Locking devices with safety devices are available.
- Ease of use. There is no one who wants to dig for a long time with the locking mechanism to get to the balcony. There are simple shell-shaped devices that can be opened by hand without any problems.
- Features of the door. It is better to make sure at the time of purchase that the model fits 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 ride.
Repair and replacement of the locking device
We will analyze the main operations that need to be performed in order to repair the handle, which must be secured carefully. Such actions do not require any special knowledge, skills, or intricate tools. An ordinary screwdriver is enough.
Let's consider how to eliminate the backlash in the handle. As a rule, it occurs during prolonged operation of the doors. This is due to the fact that the fasteners are loosened (screws are loosened). To make corrections, the handle is placed in the horizontal position ("open"). Then the plug covering the screws is squeezed out and turned. The screws are tightened with a screwdriver, the handle functions as new again. Before returning the plug to its place, it is required to test the operation of the device by opening and closing the mechanism. If everything is in order, the plug is turned back.
When the device is completely out of order, you will have to change it.
Installation of various types of handles on PVC doors
To put a handle on a plastic balcony door does not require special knowledge. You will need a minimum of tools: an electric drill with drills, a screwdriver, screwdrivers and a little skill.
Installing a one-sided version
A one-sided model on a balcony is installed, as a rule, in a situation when an old one has broken down, which must be dismantled in advance.
Then proceed directly to the installation.
- It is inserted into the hole, the locking mechanism is brought to the "open" position. To do this, turn the handle until the sash opens.
- The model is then removed and inserted into a horizontal position.
- Self-tapping screws are tightened all the way. A loosely tightened handle will respond faster.
- The fasteners are closed with a decorative strip.
Installing a double-sided model
To be able to open and close the door from both sides, there is a reason to tinker and put an asymmetrical structure on both sides.
If the balcony is located on the ground floor and is not equipped with gratings, the double handle can make it easier for criminal elements to access. In this situation, it is advisable to worry about an additional security measure.
The installation procedure includes a number of steps.
- First, the old handles are dismantled, the mechanism is brought to the "open" position. There are 3 vertical holes on the inside of the door. The hole in the middle, which is for the square of the handle, needs to be projected to the outside.
- When drilling a hole, do not damage the lock fittings. There are two methods for this. In the first case, a hole is drilled through with a 5 mm drill from the inside, and then from the outside it is reamed with a 10 mm drill, without reaching the lock mechanism.The second option is simpler: before starting work, remove the lock and drill all the holes.
- A handle is inserted from the outside, holes for fasteners are marked. This can be done with a bright marker or pencil. The holes are made of the required diameter.
- The lock fittings are mounted in place, if removed, the external handle is inserted into the holes made in the horizontal position and the length of the square is determined. When necessary, the excess is cut off by means of a grinder or a hacksaw for metal.
- The internal model is installed and the bolts are tightened. The fasteners are closed with a decorative strip.
- The work of the handle is checked. The door should close freely and tightly, the handles should not have any backlash.
Installation of stationary devices
Stationary shell or petal handle - very easy to assemble. The most significant moment is their location. Before installation, it is necessary to attach the handle in various places and determine the most suitable position. After that, 2 holes are drilled for the fastening bolts, the fittings are screwed on and the fasteners are closed with a decorative plug or caps.
Summarize
Thus, it is difficult to imagine a balcony door without a locking device. It is not difficult to choose the necessary modification if the choice is approached with full responsibility. With a beautiful and comfortable handle, using the balcony is a joy.
How to install the balcony handle, you will learn from the video below.
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