Tilt and Turn Window Handles

These are UK quality locking tilt and turn window handles with key locks for added safety. Basically these handles are for windows that open inwards and tilt down inside the room. All handles shown can be used for tilt and turn windows that are controlled by a spindle that protrudes from the back of the tilt and turn handle. Our 'turn-safe' models such as the W22 Tokyo tilt and turn handles can be locked to stop the window opening fully internally but unlocked for tilting at the same time! A great safety feature! If you have found your way to this page but need different window handles then see the vast range we have in stock for old and new including insurance rated locking double glazing window handles! You can learn more about replacement tilt and turn window handles and also select from some great designs if you are looking to buy and know what you need to buy!

Tilt and Turn window handles For UPVC

The tilt and turn window handles that are most associated with UPVC windows all have a 7mm square spindle that projects from the back of the handle and enters into the window and then the gearbox of the lock mechanism. This is the same principle as a similar handle type known as Espag window handles which are used on casement windows although the mechanism is a lot bulkier in a tilt and turn window and so the tilt and turn window handle needs to be a lot sturdier and capable of turning through 360 degrees which the standard espag replacement window handles cannot do. The spindle is usually available in a few sizes like 32mm, 38mm and 44mm and these are the more standard sizes with 32mm being by far the most popular of those. It is fair to say that timber windows with a tilt and turn mechanism may also use this type of handle but may have an 8mm square spindle. If that is the case use spindle sleeves to alter the 7mm to be 8mm. If you need more help please review our range of upvc window handles which includes all the upvc handle types.

The origins of the tilt and turn window eminate from Germany where vast numbers of windows are made in this styling but it offers much larger windows than you normally find in the UK along with the advantages of a tilt ventilation position and an inward opening turn position for cleaning. It is this latter point that causes much concern due to the large opening that is easily accessible from the simple turn of a handle. This has led to UK manufacturers developing a safety handle that can lock the main opening of the window and still engage the lock for use with a ventilation tilt position. These types of tilt and turn window handles are known sometimes as 'turn safe' handles as they ensure the window is in a locked position at the turn-in motion of the window as opposed to the ventilation or drop-down position. This is particularly important where young children may have access to these unlocked windows. The beauty of the handle design will allow you to switch the operation around if you have a different mechanism like tilt-before-turn or turn-before-tilt. Watch the video on how the locking tilt and turn window handle is set up to work on your window. This effectively allows you to have the window locked at the closed position if the first turn of the handle opens the window into the room or you can set the tilt and turn handle to be unlocked when you turn the handle 90 degrees initially so the window will tilt down for ventilation but the window cannot move to the next 90 degree position until you unlock the handle with a key.

Tilt and Turn Window Handles For Aluminium

Tilt and turn window handles for aluminium windows can be a whole different ball game as the locking mechanism is vey different to that on a upvc window. The difference really is the aluminium frames are much slimmer but can also be much bigger and this tends to lead to their use more for commercial applications like offices and shopfronts etc. The first thing you may notice is the handles are a lot bigger and when you take the handle off an aluminium tilt and turn window you will find a different type of 'spindle' which is probably best expressed as a blade or a fork and these are a very popular design. Residential applications see fewer aluminium windows with a tilt and turn design these days so the likelihood that you still have them is less than any other type of window as would be found in the UK. The best advice with these type of handles is to contact a local double glazing repairs company to help you through the replacement possibilities.

 

Quick Tips & Links

Tilt and turn window handles have a spindle and can turn 180 degrees in either direction.

What is a tilt and turn window handle? 

Tilt and turn window handles are found on the dual-action double glazed windows where the window tilts in and also opens inside the room. The handle turns a series of locks around the perimeter of the window. Inside the window is a small gearbox that connects with the spindle of the handle. The gearbox is then linked to the multi-point locks around the window. To know whether your tilt and turn window handle is broken can only be tested by taking the handle off.

How do I get the tilt and turn handle off the window?

It is very simple. The screw fixing holes are concealed under a cover plate. You may notice a small impression at the top and bottom of the base plate and using your fingers just lift the cover and swivel the plate to reveal the holes for fixing. Keep the screws as they will be the correct length and type for your replacement tilt and turn handles (new ones can be ordered for a small charge).

What do I need to  know to replace broken tilt and turn window handles?

The main thing is the spindle length which can be measured by taking the handle off the window by its two screws to expose the spindle. The spindle can vary although 32mm is quite common  The picture should explain it:

Tilt and Turn window handle broken spindle sizeIt is also worth making some other quick checks as older windows can throw up some unusual locking systems.  The screws should be pitched 43mm apart (from centre to centre). Also, check the spindle is 7mm square (most are). If it is 8mm square, and these are usually found on Scandinavian timber windows, then you can use the special spindle sleeves as shown here: Or read our guide to replacement tilt and turn window handles.

Tilt and Turn window handle broken may need spindle sleevesWith some of the older aluminium tilt and turn window handles you will find the spindle is replaced with a fork type blade and unfortunately these are not items that are easy to find.

Tilt and turn window handle broken and the spindle is stuck in the lever of the handle, what do I measure?

You need to find the measurement of the spindle from the underside of the handle base. The best way to do this is take the same handle off the window next to it and measure that one instead as they should be the same on the same window.

The key does not lock my handle, is the tilt and turn window handle broken?

Take the handle off the window and in the palm of your hand turn the lever 180 degrees to the base of the handle and then put it back on the window. It should work now. The handles have a safe mode which means you can lock the handle when the window is about to turn into the room but the window can still tilt down for ventilation. In other words the key lock can work on either the closed position or when the handle is 90 degrees. This is particularly useful for safety.

When fitting a new handle the back plate does not sit down flat on the frame?

There could be two main reasons:

Spindle too long – you will need to re-check the length of the protruding spindle. It is not recommended that you attempt to shorten this as the material is hardened and difficult to cut. Such spindles require a certain amount of strength to overcome the torque and resistance to move the locking mechanism that in time may become more frictional. You will need to reorder the correct size.

The holes in the PVC-U frame are not large enough – you may need to open up the two holes on the surface of the frame to accommodate location lugs. These are usually 10mm in diameter. Location lugs are much more the norm these days to ensure a much better location and stop the window handle twisting in use.

How do I know if my tilt and turn handle is right-handed or left-handed?

It is not necessary as the handles turn both ways.

What can I use to clean the handles?

Care should be applied when cleaning handles.
Window handles can often be cleaned with a soft dry cloth. If further cleaning is needed use a mild solution of warm, soapy water on a soft cloth and dry thoroughly afterwards.
To prolong the serviceable life of the handle, care must be taken not to scratch or damage the surfaces of the handle. Do not use wire wool or scouring agents.