Keep An Eye On This: How Replacement Window Handle Is Taking Over And What We Can Do About It

· 5 min read
Keep An Eye On This: How Replacement Window Handle Is Taking Over And What We Can Do About It

Choosing uPVC Replacement Window Handles

Window handles are a crucial part of your uPVC windows and must match to the frame. The spindle size is what determines whether your new uPVC handles will fit.

Take a look at the table below for a quick guideline when measuring your uPVC window handle's spindle. This will allow you to select the proper window handle replacement for your double-glazed window.

Espag Handle

Espag handles are the most common design of handle used on upvc windows (they're often found in aluminium and timber too). They have an oval spindle that extends from the back of the handle and then enters into the multi-point lock mechanism attached to the window. By turning the handle, you operate the system that locks and unlocks the locking points around the window.

Window handles from Espag come in a variety of styles and functions. Some feature a push button for a locked closed position, and key-locking. (And fire-escape nonlocking if required.) Many of them meet the Secure by design specifications for an added level of security. They also come with a range of different spindle lengths, which can be adjusted by using spindle sleeves that decrease the size of the protruding spindle.

Yale has tested the espagnolette handles we offer to ensure they are in line with the standards you'd expect. They are suitable for Upvc windows, timber windows and aluminium frames. We have a variety of colors available, as well as an option to match the handle to your hinges.


The step height is a different important aspect of the espagnolette handle. This is the distance between the base of the handle and the point where it rests on the frame. It is crucial to have this in order to ensure a tight, secure fit. Most of our handle designs are 43mm between screw hole centres, which is the industry standard.

You can pick between straight or Cranked handles. Cranked handles are perfect for situations where the espagnolette handle will be placed close to the frame's edge as they can give you more room to open the window.

Our range of replacement handles for upvc offers a range of finishes, styles, and colours that complement the decor in your home, including polished chrome, satin nickel, and antique brass. Some of our products feature soft-close systems to minimize the sound that windows create when they slam shut.

Cockspur Handle

The Cockspur Window Handle was designed for manufacturers who wish to provide their customers with an elegant and high-quality design. These handles are compatible with either uPVC windows or aluminium frames. They function by using spurs that lock over the frame's edge to secure the window. This window handle is also locked so that it will only open when pushed. This provides extra security. The handle is available in five different finishes, in both left and right handed. This allows the fabricators to cater for more windows.

The window handle for the cockspur cockspur is supplied with three packing pieces of different thicknesses. This allows them to be adjusted to a range of sizes for backsets. Each packer fits neatly under the handle nose and can be removed or incorporated into the size of the step to create a different backset which ranges from 9mm up to 21mm. The handle is also available in left and right handed versions and with a straight or curved nose option.

When you're looking for an alternative to your current cockspur handles, it's important to measure the current handle height in order to ensure that the new handle will be able to fit correctly. A handle that is not right can cause a variety of issues such as the inability to shut the window. This can be a problem for homeowners and cause excessive stress.

A cockspur handle is found on older uPVC or timber windows. These handles don't have windows with integrated locks unlike Espag handles that are used on modern windows and include shootbolts or Espagnolette bar lock.

The espagnolette (often abbreviated to "espag") handle is the most common type of handle used on the new uPVC casement windows. The Yale Encloser locking mechanism is activated when you turn the handles on the espagnolette. This is safer than traditional cockspur handles or British standard handle. This is because the espagnolette handle turns multiple locks to secure the window frame.

Turn and Tilt Handle

These windows are a very popular option for those looking to increase the ventilation within their home, as well as offering an additional level of security. As the name suggests, they offer the ability to turn and tilt that allows the window to tilt open at 90 degrees, providing a small opening or to drop into a hopper design for full ventilation. The dual functionality provides them with a stylish appearance which can enhance the awe factor of double-glazed windows.

Tilt-and-turn windows are more complicated than other double-glazed window styles that can increase the cost of installation. They require more parts and more labour. They are worth the investment because they increase the value of your home and bring numerous benefits to your home.

The major benefit of these ladders is that you can clean your windows without the need for external ladders. This is perfect for those who live in high-rise buildings or flats as it eliminates the need to go outside and the risk of falling from an elevated height. Tilt-and-turn windows provide an additional level of security as they lock when in a tilted state. This means that intruders cannot open them from the inside.

These handles are often found on European style windows in Germany and other European countries however, they can also be used in UK homes. The uPVC handle replacement is usually a spindle-based one. It is made of a 7mm spindle which is available in sizes of 38mm 44mm and 32mm. The base of this handle is larger than other handles, which is the reason it's known as a "tilt-safe" window handle. It can only be opened after the window has been locked in a closed position or tilted.

When replacing the uPVC tilt and turn window handle you will need to first remove the handle that is currently in the window with an screwdriver. The screws are usually concealed behind a sprung-loaded backplate. Simply lift the backplate and then twist it until you can see two screw holes. By using  door handles  as a ruler or tape measure, you can then measure the distance between these two holes that is typically 43mm centre to center. Once you've got the measurement you can then order the right handle size to fit your uPVC windows.

Aluminium Handle

The diecast aluminum is finished in a fashionable matt black color.

Aluminum handles are typically constructed from weatherproof and corrosion-resistant alloys. They are strong enough to meet the requirements of the construction industry. It is also shaped easily by industrial metal processing processes like extrusion, forging, and casting, giving it a lot of flexibility with nearly unlimited design potential.

Aluminium is also extremely durable with a remarkable strength-to-weight ratio. It is able to endure even the harshest of conditions. It is also immune to UV radiation and can be utilized indoors. It is extremely versatile and can be coloured to match any aesthetic. From classic emulations of hardware metals to lively applications of hundreds of pure colors, the possibilities are endless.

Furthermore, unlike iron, aluminum does not rust or require regular maintenance. It is protected by an oxide layer that is natural. The protective layer can also be strengthened by a variety of methods, like anodizing or powder coating, to provide additional corrosion resistance. This means it will last for a long time without the need for routine maintenance or cleaning. Furthermore, it is an eco-friendly material and 100 percent recyclable. This makes it a great option for commercial, residential, and industrial buildings. It also has thermal efficiency and is fire-safe.