Aluminium Window Fittings

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networkn

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#242896 19-Nov-2018 11:38

We have single fittings like this on all our windows.

https://www.bunnings.co.nz/yale-slimline-window-handle-face-fixed-right-hand_p00276053

They have a little attached wedge/packer which is made of plastic/rubber, that drops down when the window latch is being "closed" which means the window closes snugly.

As part of our attempt to provide some additional ventilation in our rooms, we are intending to switch to something similar to these:

https://www.bunnings.co.nz/yale-black-fix-right-hand-styleline-window-catch_p00383909

The problem being that these don't have the same wedge/packer. I can see some are sold seperately, however as best I can see, this involves "attaching" them to the base of the window, and requires holes to be drilled to accomodate it. I am not really super excited about drilling 4 holes in each window and wondering if anyone had any experience or suggestions on a good alternative?

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#2129352 19-Nov-2018 11:49

You can get adhesive packers that tend to stay in place well as they have a small lip. Check out these guys for the wedges and a good range of handles too - can recommend them. Bunnings should have adhesive wedges too.

https://www.joineryhardware.co.nz/shop-wedges-packers-adaptors.html

mdf

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#2129354 19-Nov-2018 11:51

Just confirming I understand the question right - the wedge of your existing ones is part of the latch, like this one?

https://www.bunnings.co.nz/yale-wedgeless-window-handle-face-fix-right-hand-low-profile-black_p00498956

You can get adhesive (non drill) wedges to attach to the window, but the problem I found (I've only done it once) is that it was impossible to figure out what depth of wedge you needed until the latch was fitted to the window. For me, it turned out not every window required quite the same depth to fit snugly. I ended up DIY'ing some feeler gauges to measure the gap then ordering appropriately. But it did mean that the windows were loose for a bit.

Google turns up this, but IIRC correctly, I just sourced direct from a window manufacturer: https://www.joineryhardware.co.nz/shop-wedges-packers-adaptors.html

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#2129357 19-Nov-2018 11:51

nickb800:

You can get adhesive packers that tend to stay in place well as they have a small lip. Check out these guys for the wedges and a good range of handles too - can recommend them. Bunnings should have adhesive wedges too.

https://www.joineryhardware.co.nz/shop-wedges-packers-adaptors.html

Snap. Top Google result!

wellygary

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#2129359 19-Nov-2018 11:52

There is a version of the "vented" latch that has the fold down flap...

https://www.joineryhardware.co.nz/shop-aluminium-window-handles.html?id=291-aria-venting-fastener-rh

nickb800

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#2129368 19-Nov-2018 12:05

wellygary:

There is a version of the "vented" latch that has the fold down flap...

https://www.joineryhardware.co.nz/shop-aluminium-window-handles.html?id=291-aria-venting-fastener-rh

Good find - but I wonder how that would work in practice. The vented position doesn't have any wedge, so I would think that the latch will scrape on the window frame and scrape the paint off over time.

wellygary

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#2129377 19-Nov-2018 12:17

nickb800:

wellygary:

There is a version of the "vented" latch that has the fold down flap...

https://www.joineryhardware.co.nz/shop-aluminium-window-handles.html?id=291-aria-venting-fastener-rh

Good find - but I wonder how that would work in practice. The vented position doesn't have any wedge, so I would think that the latch will scrape on the window frame and scrape the paint off over time.

The latch is powder coated and its not hard against the window when it rotates,

My folks have them at a beach place, and they've been fine for the last 15 years, no scratching....

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networkn

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#2129392 19-Nov-2018 12:46

nickb800:

wellygary:

There is a version of the "vented" latch that has the fold down flap...

https://www.joineryhardware.co.nz/shop-aluminium-window-handles.html?id=291-aria-venting-fastener-rh

Good find - but I wonder how that would work in practice. The vented position doesn't have any wedge, so I would think that the latch will scrape on the window frame and scrape the paint off over time.

I have just spoken to them, the 'vented' part has a small rubber/plastic part that apparently stops that from happening.

My issue is that to move the fitting to the vented part, you need enough clearance to the left or right of the current placement so that there is space for the handle to still clear the left or right hand side of the sill. A less attractive, but more practical solution would be for the vented part to be at 90 degrees to the shut part, so that the handle would stick up in the air then in the venting position. Much less attractive. I'll need to check how much room I have on the various windows, but that is likely to be a problem.

The fitting I posted above allows the handle to be closed the same direction both vented and unvented, but neither has a lip.

RunningMan

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#2129416 19-Nov-2018 13:45

Try these guys - have found them good in the past

https://www.awsltd.co.nz/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.browse&category_id=37&Itemid=9

mattwnz

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#2129430 19-Nov-2018 14:02

Those latches with the wedge that flips down are hopeless I have found, as they can just break off. You just need the latch not quite fully open when you close it, and it hits the frame as the window closes and snaps off the hinges. I have seen a lot these type missing the flip down wedge after it is come off. It is also possibily partly due to them not being installed correctly, leaving enough room for the wedge to get past the frame if it is slightly out. You could look at something like the Stella Window vented option on https://www.fairviewwindows.co.nz/doors/accessories/hardware , as these don't use a separate wedge, it is part of the handle itself. I am guessing other manufacturers do something similar which you can buy.

neb

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#2129480 19-Nov-2018 15:05

A general comment about these, if you're in a house from the 1970s or 80s then the window handles are typically (a) incredibly flimsy to start with and (b) worn out/corroded and very loose, so they can be jimmied open in seconds with a screwdriver. Even if they're not causing problems, it's a good idea to replace them with modern, more secure ones on lower-floor/street-facing windows, and in particular replace single ones with doubles. I had (single) ones at my place that I could have forced with my bare fingers...

mattwnz

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#2129484 19-Nov-2018 15:08

neb: A general comment about these, if you're in a house from the 1970s or 80s then the window handles are typically (a) incredibly flimsy to start with and (b) worn out/corroded and very loose, so they can be jimmied open in seconds with a screwdriver. Even if they're not causing problems, it's a good idea to replace them with modern, more secure ones on lower-floor/street-facing windows, and in particular replace single ones with doubles. I had (single) ones at my place that I could have forced with my bare fingers...

I would also suggest security stays on each side, which are screwed into the inside of the frame so not visible. That prevents them being opened too far, and you can also get ones that are removable.

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networkn

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#2129486 19-Nov-2018 15:10

neb: A general comment about these, if you're in a house from the 1970s or 80s then the window handles are typically (a) incredibly flimsy to start with and (b) worn out/corroded and very loose, so they can be jimmied open in seconds with a screwdriver. Even if they're not causing problems, it's a good idea to replace them with modern, more secure ones on lower-floor/street-facing windows, and in particular replace single ones with doubles. I had (single) ones at my place that I could have forced with my bare fingers...

Our house is reasonably new, 12 years old from memory, the fittings all look pretty much new.

networkn

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#2129487 19-Nov-2018 15:11

RunningMan:

Try these guys - have found them good in the past

https://www.awsltd.co.nz/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.browse&category_id=37&Itemid=9

Spoke to the knowledgeable and helpful guy who answered the phone, gave me the information I needed. Just need to determine if the fittings are far enough across to acommodate the opposing ones, or if we will have to put on an adhesive striker.

Thanks for the recommendation.

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#2129512 19-Nov-2018 15:15

networkn: ...A less attractive, but more practical solution would be for the vented part to be at 90 degrees to the shut part, so that the handle would stick up in the air then in the venting position.

Then how would you actually open the window?

networkn

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#2129532 19-Nov-2018 15:30

Paul1977:

networkn: ...A less attractive, but more practical solution would be for the vented part to be at 90 degrees to the shut part, so that the handle would stick up in the air then in the venting position.

Then how would you actually open the window?

Oops, didn't think that through :)

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