Introduction

Door handles are one of the most frequently used parts of any entrance door, yet they are often the least understood. Although many handles appear similar, they vary considerably in size, security, fixing positions, spindle type, handing and compatibility with different locking mechanisms.

Choosing the wrong replacement handle can result in poor operation, reduced security or a handle that simply doesn't fit. Even small differences in PZ centres, screw centres or spindle size can prevent a replacement handle from working correctly.

This complete A–Z guide explains the terminology, measurements and features used throughout the industry, helping homeowners identify the correct handle for their uPVC or composite door.

Common Handle Measurements

Before ordering replacement handles, check:

• PZ Centres
• Screw Centres
• Backplate Length
• Backplate Width
• Spindle Size
• Handle Handing
• Top Screw to Spindle
• Bottom Screw to Cylinder
• Overall Projection

A

Adjustable Handles

What they are

Handles with adjustable fixing positions, allowing one handle to replace several different screw centre measurements.

Benefits

• Ideal when originals are obsolete
• Suitable for many older doors
• Reduces the need for drilling new holes

Complete Guide

➡ Complete Guide to uPVC & Composite Door Handles

Related Articles

• Measuring Replacement Door Handles
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ASSA ABLOY

What it is

One of the world's largest manufacturers of locks and architectural door hardware.

Products Include

• High-security handles
• Multipoint locking hardware
• Commercial door furniture

Related Articles

• Leading Door Hardware Manufacturers
• Multipoint Lock Manufacturers Explained

Atlanta Handles

What they are

A popular style of residential uPVC and composite door handle available in various finishes and PZ centres.

Related Articles

• Choosing the Right Replacement Handle
• Measuring Door Handles Correctly

B

Backplate

What it is

The long plate fixed to the face of the door supporting the handle, spindle and cylinder cut-out.

Related Articles

• Door Components Explained
• Door Handle Measurements

Backplate Length

What it is

The overall length of the handle backplate.

Why it matters

Ensures replacement handles cover previous fixing holes.

Backplate Width

What it is

The width of the handle backplate.

Why it matters

Wider backplates can conceal marks left by previous handles.

Black Finish

A modern powder-coated finish popular on composite doors and contemporary homes.

Brisant Secure

Manufacturer of premium security hardware, including TS007-rated security handles designed to complement Ultion cylinders.

Related Articles

• TS007 Security Explained
• Ultion Cylinders Explained

Brass Finish

Traditional polished or satin brass finish commonly found on older timber and uPVC doors.

C

Cego

Manufacturer of replacement door hardware and multipoint locking components.

Chrome Finish

Available in polished chrome or satin chrome.

Offers excellent corrosion resistance and suits many modern properties.

Centres (PZ Centres)

What they are

The distance between the centre of the handle spindle and the centre of the Euro cylinder.

Common Sizes

• 40mm
• 48mm
• 68mm
• 70mm
• 72mm
• 85mm
• 92mm
• 92/62mm
• 95mm
• 117mm

Correct PZ measurement is essential when replacing handles.

Related Articles

• Understanding PZ Centres
• Measuring Door Handles

D

Double Spindle Handles

Designed for locks using two separate spindles.

Allows independent internal and external handle operation.

Related Articles

• Split Spindle Explained
• Lever/Pad Handles

E

Easyfit Handles

Replacement handles designed for quick installation with minimal adjustment.

Emergency Escape Handles

Used on doors where occupants must be able to exit quickly without using a key.

Common on apartment entrance doors and some commercial buildings.

F

Fab & Fix

Well-known manufacturer of quality uPVC and composite door hardware.

Popular for:

• Lever/Lever handles
• Lever/Pad handles
• TS007 security handles

Finishes

Common finishes include:

• White
• Black
• Polished Chrome
• Satin Chrome
• Satin Silver
• Gold Brass
• Antique Brass
• Anthracite Grey
• Stainless Steel Effect

Fullex

Manufacturer of multipoint locking systems and compatible door handles.

G

Gold Finish

Traditional decorative finish, particularly common on older uPVC doors.

H

Handing

Some handles are handed for left- or right-opening doors.

Others are reversible or universal.

Related Articles

• Left-Handed vs Right-Handed Handles
• Reversible Door Handles

High Security Handles

Designed to:

• Shield the Euro cylinder
• Reduce cylinder exposure
• Resist attack
• Work with TS007-rated cylinders

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Hoppe

One of Europe's best-known manufacturers of architectural door handles.

Produces both residential and commercial door furniture.

I

Inline Handles

Lever positioned directly above the cylinder.

Suitable for left- or right-handed doors.

Related Articles

• Inline vs Offset Handles

L

Left-Handed Handle

Designed specifically for left-hand opening doors where the lever orientation cannot be reversed.

Lever/Blank Handle

One side operates normally while the opposite side is a fixed blank plate.

Often used where external operation is not required.

Lever/Fixed Pad

The external pad does not move.

Requires the key to retract the latch from outside.

Provides increased security.

Lever/Lever

Both inside and outside levers operate the latch.

The most common residential arrangement.

Lever/Pad

Internal side has a full lever.

External side uses a smaller operating pad.

Often combined with split spindle mechanisms.

M

Mila

Leading manufacturer of residential door hardware and multipoint locking systems.

Millenco

Well-known manufacturer specialising in replacement hardware for uPVC and composite doors.

Offers both standard and adjustable handle systems.

N

Non-Handed Handles

Can be fitted to either left- or right-opening doors without modification.

O

Offset Handles

The lever is offset from the centre line of the cylinder.

Must be correctly handed.

P

Packaging

Replacement handles are usually supplied with:

• Internal handle
• External handle
• Spindle
• Fixing screws
• Spring cassette (where applicable)
• Fitting instructions

PZ Measurement

Another name for lock centres.

Measured from:

Centre of spindle → Centre of Euro cylinder.

R

Reversible Handles

Can be converted between left- and right-handed installations.

Right-Handed Handles

Designed specifically for right-hand opening doors.

S

Satin Silver Finish

One of the most popular modern finishes.

Offers a contemporary appearance while disguising fingerprints and minor scratches.

Screw Centres

The distance between the fixing screws.

Common sizes include:

122mm • 123mm • 160mm • 180mm • 195mm • 200mm • 203mm • 210mm • 211mm • 212mm • 214mm • 215mm • 216mm • 221mm • 237mm • 240mm • 264mm • 265mm

Adjustable: 196–252mm

Always measure before ordering.

Spindle

The square steel bar connecting both handles through the gearbox.

Common sizes:

• 7mm
• 8mm

Sprung Handles

Contain internal spring cassettes that return the lever to its horizontal position.

Recommended for many multipoint locking systems to reduce strain on the gearbox.

Spring Cassette

The replaceable spring mechanism fitted inside many quality door handles.

Stainless Steel Finish

Offers excellent corrosion resistance, making it particularly suitable for exposed and coastal locations.

T

Top Screw to Spindle

Measurement from the upper fixing screw to the centre of the spindle.

Useful when identifying unusual fixing patterns.

TS007 2-Star Security Handles

Security-rated handles tested to the TS007 standard.

Combined with a TS007 1-Star cylinder they achieve an overall 3-Star security rating, offering improved protection against lock-snapping attacks.

U

Universal Handles

Designed to fit a wide range of doors without regard to handing.

W

White Finish

The most common finish found on traditional uPVC entrance doors.

Measuring Before You Replace

Before ordering replacement handles, measure:

• PZ Centres
• Screw Centres
• Backplate Length
• Backplate Width
• Spindle Size (7mm or 8mm)
• Handle Handing (if applicable)
• Top Screw to Spindle
• Bottom Screw to Euro Cylinder
• Overall Projection

Accurate measurements help ensure replacement handles fit correctly and operate smoothly.

Choosing the Right Handle

The best replacement handle depends on:

• Door type
• Multipoint lock
• PZ Centre measurement
• Screw Centre measurement
• Security level
• Finish
• Handle style
• Handing
• Spindle size

For additional security, consider fitting TS007 2-Star security handles with a TS007 1-Star Euro cylinder, or upgrading to a TS007 3-Star cylinder where appropriate.

Related Complete Guides

• Complete Guide to uPVC & Composite Door Handles
• Complete Guide to Door Components & Hardware
• Complete Guide to Multipoint Locking Systems
• Complete Guide to Euro Cylinder Door Locks
• Complete Guide to Door Locks
• Complete Guide to Home Door Security

Conclusion

Door handles are much more than decorative furniture. They provide the connection between the user and the multipoint locking mechanism while also contributing to the overall security of the door. Understanding measurements such as PZ centres, screw centres, spindle size and handing is essential when replacing handles, while selecting the correct style, finish and security rating helps ensure reliable operation and improved protection.

By identifying the correct specifications before ordering replacement parts, homeowners can avoid compatibility issues, improve security and keep their uPVC or composite doors operating smoothly for many years.