How to Measure a uPVC Door Handle: PZ, Screw Centres & Spindle Explained
A uPVC door handle fits only if four measurements match your door: the PZ, the screw centres, the backplate size and the spindle. Get one wrong and the handle will not line up with the lock, the screws will miss their holes, or the lever will not turn the mechanism.
The good news is that you can take all four in about five minutes with a tape measure and a screwdriver. This guide shows you exactly where to measure, what the common UK sizes are, and the mistakes that lead to returns.
If you already know your sizes, you can go straight to our uPVC door handles.
What you need before you start
- A steel tape measure or ruler marked in millimetres
- A Phillips or Pozi screwdriver
- A pen and paper (or your phone) to note each measurement
- 5 minutes with the door open
You can take most measurements with the handle still on the door. To measure the screw centres accurately, it is easier to remove the handle on the inside of the door. Undo the two fixing screws, slide the handle off the spindle and keep the screws safe. The outside handle stays in place.
The 4 measurements that decide the fit
Take these four in order and write each one down in millimetres.
|
Measurement |
Where to measure |
Common UK sizes |
|---|---|---|
|
PZ (centres) |
Centre of the spindle hole to centre of the keyhole |
92mm (most modern doors); also 85mm, 70mm, 68mm, 62mm |
|
Screw centres |
Centre of the top fixing screw to centre of the bottom one |
211mm and 215mm are common; others exist |
|
Backplate |
Full length and width of the old handle's plate |
Roughly 220–240mm long |
|
Spindle |
Square bar through the door; size across one face |
8mm square on most uPVC doors |
1. PZ: spindle to keyhole
The PZ is the distance between the centre of the square spindle hole and the centre of the keyhole. It must match your lock, because the lock's gearbox sets it. The handle cannot change it.
Measure from the middle of the spindle (where the lever pivots) straight down to the middle of the round part of the keyhole. Most modern uPVC and composite doors are 92mm PZ. Older doors are often 70mm or 62mm, so never assume.
2. Screw centres: fixing screw to fixing screw
Screw centres are the distance between the centres of the two fixing screws that hold the handle on. With the inside handle removed, measure from the middle of the top screw hole to the middle of the bottom one.
This matters because the new handle's screws must go through the same holes in the lock's gearbox. If the spacing is out by even a few millimetres, the screws will not bite.
3. Backplate length and width
Measure the full length and width of the old backplate. Choose a new handle whose plate is the same size or slightly bigger. A smaller plate can leave old screw holes, marks or a clean outline of the previous handle showing on the door.
4. Spindle size and length
The spindle is the square bar that passes through the door and turns the lock. On uPVC doors it is almost always 8mm square. Check the length too: it must reach fully into both handles. Measure your door's thickness and compare it with the spindle supplied with the new handle. If you need a different length, see our door handle spindles and our spindle guide.
Choose the right handle type
Sizes are only half the job. The handle also has to work the way your door does.
Lever/lever or lever/pad?
- Lever/lever: a lever on both sides. The door opens by pressing the handle from inside or outside. Common on back doors and patio doors.
- Lever/pad: a lever inside and a fixed pull pad outside. From outside, the door opens only with the key. Common on front doors, as it stops anyone walking straight in.
Replace like with like unless you deliberately want to change how the door opens from outside.
Sprung or unsprung?
On a multipoint lock you lift the handle to throw the bolts, then turn the key. Some lock gearboxes have their own springs; others rely on a sprung handle to return the lever to level.
The simple test: if your current lever springs back to horizontal by itself, keep the same type. If the old lever droops, it may be a worn sprung handle that needs replacing with a new sprung one.
Handing and offset
Most uPVC handles are reversible and fit left- or right-hand doors. Some lever/pad and offset designs are handed, so check the product page before you order. While you are changing the handle, it is also a good time to check your euro cylinder lock. Our guide to replacing a euro cylinder shows how.
5 common mistakes to avoid
- Measuring the PZ from the edge of the keyhole. Always measure centre to centre, or you will be several millimetres out.
- Guessing the screw centres from outside. Remove the inside handle so you can see both screw holes clearly.
- Buying a smaller backplate. Old holes and marks will show. Match or go slightly larger.
- Swapping lever/pad for lever/lever by accident. Your front door would then open from outside without a key.
- Blaming the handle for a stiff lock. If the handle is hard to lift, the door may be dropping on its hinges. See how to adjust uPVC door hinges before buying new parts.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most common uPVC door handle size in the UK?
The most common is a 92mm PZ handle with screw centres of around 211mm or 215mm. Always measure your own door, because older doors often use 70mm or 62mm PZ.
Can I fit a 92mm PZ handle on a 70mm PZ lock?
No. The PZ is set by the lock's gearbox. If the handle's PZ does not match, the keyhole in the handle will not line up with the cylinder.
Are uPVC and composite door handles the same?
Usually, yes. Most composite doors use the same multipoint locks as uPVC doors, so the same PZ and screw centre measurements apply.
Do new uPVC handles come with screws and a spindle?
Most do, but check the product description. If your door is unusually thick, you may need a longer spindle or longer fixing screws.
How long does it take to change a uPVC door handle?
About 10–15 minutes. You only need a screwdriver: remove the two fixing screws, take off both handles, fit the new pair on the spindle and tighten the screws.
Ready to order?
Once you have your PZ, screw centres, backplate size and spindle written down, choosing a replacement takes minutes. Browse our uPVC door handles in chrome, black, gold and more, with next-day delivery on in-stock orders placed before 2pm.
Not sure which one fits? Call our team on 0151 707 6858 or email support@lovehandles.uk.com with a photo of your current handle and your measurements, and we will point you to the right one.
For more on multipoint and front door locks, read our guide to composite door lock types.
