Do You Need Sprung or Unsprung Multipoint Door Handles?

So, you've found the handles you like and you're sure they will look fantastic on your uPVC or timber frame doors. You can even imagine yourself unlocking them and swinging them open out onto the patio in the early evening sunlight.

Then you notice they come in two different styles; a sprung multipoint door handle and an unsprung multipoint door handle.

We get asked this a lot, so we wanted to take a few minutes to explain the difference between the two and help you decide which one you need for your home.

What's The Difference Between Sprung and Unsprung Multipoint Door Handles?

First things first, a multipoint door handle is a handle that can be lifted up to provide leverage for doors with locks at the top, middle and bottom. The three lock mechanisms of the multipoint door are designed for added security to protect the door from bending.

Multipoint locks are mostly used in uPVC doors.

The difference between a sprung multipoint door handle and an unsprung multipoint door handle is that a sprung handle has a spring cassette in the rear of the handle (usually fixed into the backplate) and an unsprung handle does not.

The purpose of the spring is to return the handle to it's original position after use. 

Both types of handle lift up to allow the multipoint locking mechanism to function correctly.

Sprung multipoint handles are suitable when:

• You have a low quality lock that does not return the handle to its original position after use - leaving you with 'droopy handles'.
• You want the handle to return to it's original position with less effort.

Unsprung multipoint handles are suitable when:

• You have a high quality lock that does not require a spring to return the handle to its original position.

In most cases, an unsprung multipoint door handle will be sufficient for your door. In either case, if you buy your solid pewter multipoint handle from us, you can always return it if you buy the wrong item as long as it has not been fitted.

Visual Differences Between Sprung and Unsprung Multipoint Door Handles

There is a small visual difference between the sprung and unsprung handles. The sprung multipoint handle backplate is slightly deeper than the unsprung. This is to accomodate the spring cassette in the rear.

You will notice the depth of the unsprung backplate is 9.5mm deep and the depth of the sprung backplate is 13mm deep.

Do You Need A Sprung Or Unsprung Multpoint Handle For Your Door?

In most cases, an unsprung door handle will be sufficient. If you think you might have an inferior or lower quality locking mechanism, then you should buy a sprung multipoint.

Be mindful to check that the depth of the backplate meets your requirements.

If you need any additional help, feel free to give us a ring on 01207 593528.

If you're ready to buy, you can view our entire range of pewter multipoint door handles here.