Window Handles
Since the inception of the PVC window some 30 years ago the number of lock variants and handle designs has decreased to a more standardised range as the espag handles have all but become the norm. The problem is the number of older locks that have been used on windows over the years, as the PVC window began to make its mark and the number of businesses entering this market increased and each to their own design of course.
The hardware is what makes the window and the window performance and functionality depend on it. It is fairly safe to assume that the uPVC just holds the glass in. UPVC is a great material and has proved itself over the years so less attention needs to be placed here but the hardware is a different matter.
Here at HandleStore we have seen all the different types of window handles and in some cases there is little customers can do when change is needed as the window locks can be so unique. When faced with this type of problem the best thing to do is hire a Double Glazing Repairs company who can look at the possibilities of changing the complete locking mechanism, or at worst the window would have to be replaced.
Those window handles that remain still provide a good assortment and range to help customers so let's discuss them here with a few pointers:
uPVC window handles - espag handles
These handles are used on most uPVC and timber windows these days and they are designed to turn a series of locks around the window. This type of 'multi-point' locking system is used in various forms on new and older windows and the basis of their design is a spindle that protrudes from the handle into the multi-point lock gearbox inside the window. This square spindle operates the gearbox which in turn drives the movement of the locks around the window to engage them and dis-engage them with the handle turn. The spindles can be various lengths, as over the years different frame designs have entered the market from different manufacturers.
uPVC Window Handles - cockspur handles
Probably seen as the first window handle design to be used on a uPVC casement window and the concept differed little from the handles found on a timber window or referred to as window latches. The cockspur handles action is simple as turning the handle forces the nose of the handle across a wedge shaped block to tighten the window. This differs from the window handles found on timber windows where the nose of the handle can close into a keeper block as opposed to closing over the wedge block. There are various sizes of handles so the step height has to be judged carefully when replacing the cockspur handle. The fortunate thing is that the wedge blocks can be replaced to a thicker or thinner size so this gives the adjustment needed when replacing a cockspur handle with a different 'step height'. The 'step height' is the gap under the nose of the handle.
uPVC Window Handles - Tilt and Turn
The tilt and turn window is widely used in Germany and other parts of continental Europe and came into the UK in the late 1970's. The window has a two-action opening and both openings are to the inside of the room not outward as the casement windows we are used to. These handles are similar to the espag handles only a little bigger and capable of opening through a 360 degree action. The tilt and turn window is very mechanical and relies on a special hinge system. Some windows tilt before turn and some turn before tilt. This can be a safety problem as the whole of the window will open into the room and some form of restriction would be needed today on windows like this. The handle design has been developed to incorporate a safety feature whereby the handle can be locked at the mid-position to stop the window opening fully into the room without a key.
uPVC window Handles - cockspag handles
This is an old window handle found commonly on an old uPVC window and is a hybrid design of an espag handle and a cockspur handle. In the olden days the espag locks available were not that great so this was backed up with a cockspur design to the handle. Some manufacturers produced a cockspag handle with a round cam action spindle and these are no longer replaceable. The square design are replaceable mostly although some variants relying on special wedges and a hooked nose design on the handle are now obsolete as well. We find that this handle is a great 'repair' handle where the multi-point locks fail and cannot be replaced the cockspag handle can be used as a cockspur handle if the multi-point lock is removed from the window.
Cadenza Window Handles
Some of the very first multi-point locking systems were designed to be driven by a blade instead of a square spindle as became the espag lock. There were two types and even today this causes some major problems when replacing these window handles. The true Cadenza handle relies on a blade which is angled slightly as it inserts into the gearbox of the multi-point lock. Another version available on the market uses a flat and straight blade and if this is used in the angled multi-point lock it can lead to failure. Customers are advised to check carefully as we show in the details of both products which are available from the website. Other variants exist too such as the old and probably earliest Everest window but this is unique to Everest and cannot be replaced without repacing the lock mechanism or even the window.
Handlestore.com aims to give you the widest possible choice of uPVC window handles in our on-line window handles catalogue – We provide high quality uPVC window handles that are sourced from the best UK suppliers, including: upvc window handles with push button security, upvc window handles that are key locking, Hoppe uPVC window handles, designer upvc window handles, UK design pvc window handles, pvcu window handles with spindles, security upvc window handles. We are sure you will agree that our range of uPVC window handles meets every solution possible!
