uPVC door handles are common in British front doors, and their replacement is a simple task for most DIYers.
Annoyingly, uPVC door handles are not a universal type.
This guide will show you how to identify your existing uPVC door handle type and the differences between Type A and Type B.
What are the Differences Between Type A and Type B uPVC Door Handle?
The key differences between Type A and Type B lie in the screw fixings’ position and the measurement between the screw holes.
Type A
Type A uPVC door handles have a screw at the bottom of the backplate (the vertical piece where the handle goes) and another screw under the handle.
Type B
Type B uPVC door handles have screws at the top and bottom of the backplate.
How to Tell the Difference Between Type A and Type B
The diagram below illustrates the key differences between Type A and Type B. It also shows the measurements you need to check.
In the diagram above, the handle on the left is Type B. The handle on the right is Type A.
The measurements A, B and C are crucial to identifying your uPVC handle correctly. The table below shows the measurements for each type.
| Type A | Type B | |
|---|---|---|
| B | 122mm | 211mm |
| C | 220mm | 240mm |
Measurement A (also known as “PZ”) is taken from the handle’s axis to the centre of the lock barrel.
Pro Tip: the most common PZ measurement is 92mm, but this can vary.
It’s important to note that measurements B and C above tell you whether you need a Type A or Type B handle. Measurement A (“PZ”) ensures that the handle you need (whether that be Type A or Type B) fits your uPVC door.
Even if you accurately identify your Type A or Type B uPVC door handle, it’s possible to buy the correct handle type and still end up with a handle that won’t fit your door if your PZ measurement is wrong. As always, use this guide to measure twice and order once!
Final Thoughts — uPVC Door Handles
As with all home repairs, take your time to ensure your measurements are as accurate as possible.
The differences between Type A and Type B uPVC door handles are the fixing method and the size of the handles. Check all the measurements provided in this guide if you’re ordering a replacement.
To see how to replace a Yale uPVC door handle, check out the video below:
Pro Tip: Check out our guide to replacing internal door handles if you want to spruce up your interior door furniture.
uPVC Door Handles — FAQ
What does Type B mean for Door Handles?
Type B uPVC door handles have screw fixings at the top and bottom of the handle’s backplate and measure 240mm from top to bottom, with 211mm between the screw-hole centres.
How do I identify a uPVC door handle?
A Type A uPVC door handle has screw fixings at the bottom of the backplate and just below the handle itself.
A Type B uPVC door handle has fixing screws at the top and bottom of the backplate.
What are the different types of handles?
This guide covers Type A, and Type B uPVC door handles. These two types refer only to the handle’s size, not style. The handle’s style is a separate topic that I’ll briefly cover below:
uPVC door handles come in various styles, with 4 main types: entrance, privacy, passage, and blind handle.
If you want to make a statement with your handles, shop around and see what fits your style!
How are uPVC door handles measured?
uPVC door handles have three key measurements:
1. The overall length of the handle’s backplate.
2. The distance between the screw holes on the backplate (this governs whether your handle is Type A or Type B)
3. The length between the centre of the handle and the keyhole centre.