Unable to remove long screws from ext uPVC door back plates

[Mangotulip]

Hi all,
I am trying to replace my door handle/cylinder on an ext uPVC door but the 2 screws at the top and bottom would not unscrew with a manual screw driver/ electric screw driver The back plates have plastic caps at the tops and bottoms through where the back plates are screwed on.
I have removed the cylinder, can just about see the bottom screw turning as I try unscrewing but nothing happens. Both screws turn but neither of them would budge. I have seen other threads but all have managed take both screws off already. I will attach pictures so you can see what I am faced with.
It seems as if the back plates are glued onto the door! Grub screw removed from lever already fyi. Thanks in advance.

 

[JohnD]

Lever out the plastic caps.

Are you hoping to use the handle again?

Are there screw heads on both sides of the door? If so, you probably have sleeve nuts, and gave to turn them against each other.

 

[Mangotulip]

Hi JohnD, thank you for your reply. I have already tried pushing the caps off with no luck as the long screws actually go through the unseen part of the plastic caps that secure the back plates to the door. So I think I would have to mangle/crack the plastic caps thats locking the screws in.
Also, I can't visibly see any screw heads on the ext side of the back plate so I suppose they are not sleeve nuts? (Thanks for attaching the picture too)
I don't intend on keeping the cylinder or the door handles.
I am thinking of cracking the plastic caps BUT worry that what if the long screws still stuck to the ext one and won't come off?

I will attach pictures for ext back plate and plastic caps.

Thanks in advance.

 

[crank39]

No you lever off the the gold handles off the plastic clips

 

[Mangotulip]

Hi Crank39, thanks for your reply. I see, is it possible to do that without damaging the door? I guess with multiple chisels? and do I lever off both back plates off?

Thanks in advance.

 

[crank39]

Yes both, those screws only hold the black clips on the door, the handle then thumps on and clips onto the clips

 

[JohnD]

Use a hacksaw to cut through the handle. If you make a couple of horizontal cuts you can probably pull the pieces off

 

[JohnD]

Yes both, those screws only hold the black clips on the door, the handle then thumps on and clips onto the clips

But with that type, the screw heads are hidden.

Try it on the outside first, maybe there are concealed sleeve nuts

 

[Mangotulip]

Thanks Crank39 and JohnD, I had to sleep on the idea of hacksawing the handle as it seems there will be no turning back!
Just to clarify, please see attached picture to make sure that these are where you (JohnD) suggest I make the 2 horizontal cuts? (On the outside one first)
Thanks in advance.

 

[JohnD]

That would do

If you start with the outside one you might discover a way to undo the fixings

The reason for cutting the plates is that you may then be able to remove them or pry them off with minimal damage and scratching to the door. Masking tape on the door will also help.

 

[crank39]

Ive just noticed the outer handle doesn't have screws so that points to the inner visible screws screwing into sleeve nuts on the plastic clips, if you prize the outer handle off the clips you should expose the sleeve nut which I assume is just spinning, no need to hacksaw through anything!

 

[Mangotulip]

Hi sorry left it so long, I have finally plugged up the courage to crack the door handles off. But there the sleeve nuts at the top would not unscrew. I have tried using two pairs of pliers without success. Any tips would be much appreciated. TIA.

 

[JohnD]

If you have already tried a penetrating oil, or freeing agent such as Plus-Gas, you could try applying local heat from a small gas flame or large soldering iron, to the nut only

Or just saw them off. The screws often have grooves ringing the shaft to help cut them cleanly.

Grease the threads next time to prevent a recurrence.

 

[Mangotulip]

Thank you so much for your help JohnD (and crack39 earlier on in the thread). I managed to cut the screw with a hack saw. Fitted a set of new door handles, cylinder and middle gear box! Happy bunny! Really appreciate your prompt replies just when I needed it too and I didn't even have to enlist the help of a lock smith to pick the pieces.