Window handle replacement in Exeter

Professional window handle replacement services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.

Price Guide

£60-£85

Typical Duration

30 mins-1.5 hrs

Location

Exeter, Devon

Window handle replacement for broken, stiff, or worn handles. Restore smooth window operation, match existing style - quick fix for daily frustration.

That Handle You Have to Wrench Every Time

Broken window handle? Have to yank it to close the window? Handle snapped off completely? Every time you try to open or close that window, it's a frustration. Sometimes dangerous if you can't secure the window properly.

💡 Pro tip: Stiff or broken window handles often indicate the window has dropped or mechanisms have worn. Worth getting checked before it develops into bigger problem. Early fix is cheaper fix.

Why Professional Replacement Matters

Getting the right handle type and fitting it properly makes the difference.

✅ Done Right	❌ Done Wrong
Correct handle type for window mechanism	Generic handle that doesn't operate lock
Matches existing handles aesthetically	Odd-one-out that looks bodged
Smooth operation, locks positively	Stiff, jams, or doesn't engage lock
Securely fixed with correct length screws	Wobbles or screws too long damage mechanism

What You Get

🔧 The Full Service

Stage	What Happens
Assessment	Check handle type, mechanism, window alignment
Source	Get correct replacement handle
Fitting	Remove old handle, fit new one properly
Testing	Check operation, locking, smooth action

📦 Included

Replacement handle in matching finish
Correct length screws
Testing and adjustment if needed
Diagnosis if handle isn't the real problem

Pricing Guide

Number of Handles	Estimated Time	You'll Pay
1 handle	30 mins-1 hr	£60
2-3 handles	1-1.5 hrs	£60-£85
4+ handles	Quote	Call for price

Based on £60 minimum + £50/hr. Assumes standard replacement handles. Specialist handles cost more.

Perfect For Your Project If...

✅ Broken handle - snapped off, cracked, won't turn

✅ Stiff operation - have to force handle to open/close

✅ Worn mechanism - handle loose, doesn't engage lock properly

✅ Aesthetic upgrade - old handles look tired, want matching set

Why Choose Us for Window handle replacement in Exeter?

Smooth window operation restored

Replace broken, stiff, or worn handles

Match existing style and finish

Works on UPVC, timber, and aluminium windows

What to Expect

Step 1: Handle Assessment

Check what type of handle you've got and what's actually wrong. Is it the handle itself or the mechanism behind it? Is window alignment the real problem? I'll diagnose honestly - no point replacing handle if that won't fix it.

Step 2: Source Replacement

Common handle types I often have in the van. Specialist or matching old handles might need ordering - typically next day or few days. I'll measure spindle length, screw centres, and note colour/finish.

Step 3: Fit & Test

Remove old handle (usually just two screws). Check spindle and mechanism are OK. Fit new handle with correct length screws. Test operation - should turn smoothly, engage lock properly, feel positive. Adjust if needed.

🔧 DIY Tips

Easy DIY if you get the right handle:

🔧 Tools you'll need

Screwdriver (usually Phillips, sometimes Pozidriv)
Replacement handle (correct type crucial)
That's it - simple job

🔍 Identifying your handle type

UPVC windows:

Espag handle (most common) - lever handle with spindle through it
Cockspur handle - older style with side locking

Timber casement windows:

Casement handle - cranked handle that operates a casement stay
Cockspur handle - same as UPVC type

📏 Key measurements needed:

Spindle size (usually 7mm square)
Screw centres (distance between fixing screws, usually 43mm)
Handing (some handles are handed - left or right)
Colour/finish (white, gold, chrome, black, etc)

🔧 Fitting new handle:

Open window for access
Remove screws from old handle
Pull old handle off spindle
Check spindle turns smoothly (if not, mechanism problem)
Slide new handle onto spindle
Position correctly (usually upright when window closed)
Screw in place with correct length screws
Test operation before fully tightening

⚠️ Common DIY mistakes

Buying wrong handle type (doesn't fit spindle or screw holes)
Wrong spindle length (too short won't engage, too long interferes)
Screws too long (damage mechanism behind handle)
Not checking handing (some handles only work one way)
Assuming all espag handles are the same (hundreds of variations)

💡 Pro trick: Take the old handle with you when buying replacement. Much easier to match than describing it. If ordering online, measure everything carefully and check return policy in case you get wrong one.

Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.

Good to Know

🏠 UPVC windows from a development? All the windows probably have identical handles. If one has failed, others might be getting stiff too. Worth replacing them all together while I'm there - saves return visits as they fail one by one.

Handle works but window still stiff? The problem is probably not the handle. Could be failed hinges, dropped window, dirt in the mechanism, or warped frame. I'll diagnose the real problem. Sometimes handle replacement is part of bigger fix.

Locking vs non-locking handles: External windows should have locking handles (for insurance). Internal windows don't need locks. If you're replacing, worth upgrading to locking type for security and insurance compliance.

Colour matching: White, gold/brass, chrome, and black are standard finishes. Older brown or other colours can be harder to match. Sometimes makes sense to replace all visible handles for uniform look rather than one odd one out.

Mechanism replacement: If handle is fine but mechanism behind it has failed, that's a bigger job. UPVC window mechanisms (espag gearboxes) can be replaced but it's more complex than handle replacement. I'll assess and quote separately if that's needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

My window handle is really stiff - can it be fixed or does it need replacing?

Sometimes a good clean and lubrication will sort a stiff handle. More often the mechanism behind it is worn or the window has dropped slightly. I'll assess whether it's fixable or needs replacing. If the handle itself is cracked or the mechanism is worn, replacement is usually the answer.

Can you match my existing window handles?

Usually yes. I'll try to match colour (white, black, gold, chrome, etc) and style as closely as possible. Some older handles aren't made anymore, so I'll get the nearest equivalent. Function is most important but I aim to match aesthetics too.

Will a new handle fix my window if it won't close properly?

Depends on the problem. If the handle mechanism is broken, yes. If the window has dropped or the frame is twisted, a new handle won't help - that's a bigger job. I'll diagnose the actual problem honestly. No point selling you a handle if that's not what's wrong.

Do you do UPVC window handles or just timber ones?

Both, plus aluminium. UPVC handles (espag handles) are common jobs - the mechanism wears out or handles break. Timber window handles (casement handles, cockspur handles) also fail over time. The fitting is different for each type but I do them all.

How long do window handles last?

Depends on quality and use. Cheap UPVC handles might only last 5-10 years. Good quality handles can last 20+ years. Windows that get opened daily wear faster than rarely-used ones. Coastal locations corrode handles faster too.

Window handle replacement Also Available In:

ExeterExmouth Crediton Tiverton Dawlish Teignmouth Newton Abbot Sidmouth Honiton Ottery St Mary

Get a Free Quote in Exeter

Call us today for a free, no-obligation quote for your window handle replacement job in Exeter.

01392 964094 Request Online Quote

Our Rates

Minimum charge£60

Includes callout + first hour

Additional time£50/hr

This Job£60-£85

Got multiple jobs?

Make the most of your first hour - I can often tackle several small tasks in one visit. List everything you need done when you call!

Why Trust Us

Fully Insured

Local Exeter Business

30 Mile Coverage

No Hidden Costs

Need Window handle replacement in Exeter?

Get a free quote for your window handle replacement job in Exeter today.

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