Filling window openings in any living space is one of the most important tasks for the owner.
Translucent structures must reliably protect the apartment from drafts and frost, provide ventilation in the room, and also perform a soundproofing function.
When choosing and installing window structures, you should pay attention to wooden windows, since the environmentally friendly and breathable natural material will ensure the comfort and safety of all residents for many years.
For ease of maintenance, it is recommended to install windows with opening sashes and choose ergonomic, reliable and beautiful handles for wooden windows.
Varieties
There is a huge amount of fittings for wooden window structures on the market, and choosing the right handle for the sash can sometimes be difficult.
In order not to make a mistake when purchasing, it is necessary to study the classification of these products, depending on various criteria and characteristics. A detailed classification of fittings in this category with a description of the advantages and disadvantages of the products is given below.
By mechanism type
The old handles that set the latch on a wooden window frame are long gone, and modern fittings are complex and reliable designs. Depending on the type of mechanism, there are several categories of window handles:
Rotary – the most common type.
They are a standard L-shaped handle, which in the closed position is directed with the long side down. When opened, the product rotates 90 degrees to a horizontal position, acting as a lever for the metal core, which, in turn, is associated with a locking mechanism.- Tilt and turn - have the same design as standard ones with the difference that rotation can be carried out not only by 90, but also by 180 degrees. In the deployed position, the handle drives the folding mechanism of the sash, which allows you to open it slightly in a vertical plane for ventilation.
- Press - the appearance of the products is not much different from previous types, but when pressed, a spring mechanism is activated, similar to that installed on the doors. Such handles do not change direction, always remaining in a horizontal position.
- Stationary - the simplest type of handles, designed to be grasped by hand when opening. The design has no connection with the locking mechanism and can be installed in any place convenient for the user.
The window handle must be integrated into the opening mechanism, turn without effort and have a reliable design so as not to break down when pressed multiple times.
By functional purpose
Handles installed on wooden windows do not always perform their standard function of opening the window from the inside. On sale you can find several types of such products with expanded functionality that increase comfort and safety when operating the window structure:
- Standard - a design equipped with a standard lever and designed for normal force when opening a window with standard dimensions.
- Reinforced - designed for opening non-standard windows with increased dimensions and weight. To increase the lever arm, such handles are made in an elongated form and are made of materials of increased strength.
- Double-sided . As a rule, handles are installed on the side of the room. However, if the window structure is not mounted in an external wall and opens onto the balcony or terrace of a private house, some owners decide to install a double-sided structure, which allows the window to be opened both from the inside and from the street.
- Removable . In public buildings or children's rooms and institutions, in order to ensure increased safety, window handles can be removed, and their installation locations are protected with plugs. With this design, access to the tilt-and-turn window mechanism is limited.
- Deformed - a special design of products installed in cases where the window sash opens outward. The curved shape of the lever prevents the handle from touching the window frame during operation.
- With a lock - an improved analogue of a removable design, also designed to provide increased security. There is a keyhole on the surface of the lever into which a small key is inserted to lock the turning mechanism. In the closed position, the handle cannot turn and move the window fittings.
- With a button - the mechanism is designed to ensure the safety of the window when small children stay indoors for a long time. In the closed position, the handle is locked by a spring stopper and cannot be turned without pressing the button.
Improved designs of window handles with locking mechanisms not only guarantee increased safety during operation, but also provide additional protection of the room from burglary.
According to the material of manufacture
Handles for wooden windows are made from several types of materials and are purchased by owners, depending on the budget, desired strength and taste preferences. There are several types of products on the market, differing according to this criterion:
Metal – oddly enough, it is steel, aluminum, brass, copper, bronze and other alloys that are used more often than other materials for wooden windows.
The user's choice is determined by a wide range of products, increased strength and optimal price.- Wooden - Fine products, usually handcrafted, feature a metal core inside a hardwood veneer. With the correct selection of color and texture, they look perfect with expensive wooden double-glazed windows and belong to high-price products.
- Plastic ones are the simplest and cheapest option. PVC products can be produced either in white or covered with a lamination that matches the color and texture of the wood from which the window structure profile is made.
It must be said that modern design solutions increasingly less often involve the presence of heavy multi-layer curtains and curtains on the window. In this regard, the aesthetics of the appearance of window handles is becoming more important for owners every year, which contributes to the expansion of the range of these products.
Classification of locking handle mechanisms
According to the functions of the handles and additional elements, the devices are divided into standard, lockable, removable type, double-sided, etc.
Standard locking mechanisms allow you to close and open the frame from inside the room.
Handle locks are built-in mechanisms that allow you to lock the frame frame in the required state by turning a key. The systems prevent children from opening the doors.
Removable handles are functional and help save space in a small room.
Double-sided fittings for wooden windows are suitable for advanced structures, as well as terraces and balconies.
Anti-burglary devices protect the room from opening the window from the outside, because when pressing on the frame, the mechanism is blocked.
Review of manufacturers
There are many foreign and domestic brands on the Russian market that produce window fittings and handles. Among Russian and global companies whose products are in high demand when installing and equipping wooden windows, the following brands can be distinguished:
Roto
German manufacturer of comprehensive fittings for all types of windows, founded more than 80 years ago.
Produces handles for wooden windows and plank shutters. Universal products can be installed on standard structures or selected based on the individual characteristics of the window .
The products have increased quality, resistance to negative environmental influences and durability. The cost of a standard rotary handle starts from 500 - 550 rubles, and for a product with a locking mechanism you will have to pay less than 1000 - 1500 rubles.
Winkhaus
A brand from Germany that has its own production facilities in the Russian Federation. Due to the reduction in production costs, products are in high demand among consumers with average incomes.
The products are manufactured under the constant control of the parent organization , and their quality does not differ from original European products.
The price for handles of this brand starts from 250 rubles, and with a designer design and the presence of a lock it reaches 2000 - 2500 rubles.
Schuco
It is a premium high-tech product. The German manufacturer aims to create not just a rotary handle, but also to provide increased safety and comfort during operation.
Products manufactured under this brand can be equipped with either a standard lock or a radio-controlled mechanism with a worm drive.
The opening system for such structures can be integrated into smart home software
Depending on the design, material and technical equipment, the price of such pens can range from 1,500 to 15,000 rubles. per unit of goods.
Kale
A European brand whose products have been produced for more than 20 years at the Russian enterprise Proplex. Domestic materials and inexpensive logistics allowed the company to offer the best prices for the entire range of products, and consistent European quality allows window handles to be used for at least 10 - 15 years without breakdowns.
The average price for standard fittings for opening a window is 200 - 350 rubles, with a lock - from 600 - 700 rubles.
Vorne
A German brand with a long history, which has an official representative office in our country.
The company's products include thousands of universal window handles , which can be used for installation on any type of wooden profiles.
The cost of the cheapest plastic pen ranges from 80 – 120 rubles. A set of steel products with a lock is sold at a price of 500 – 700 rubles.
When choosing a window handle manufacturer, it is important to study reviews from real consumers on forums. If there are a large number of positive ratings from the owners of apartments and private residential buildings, you can safely purchase and install the appropriate fittings on the windows.
Tips for choosing
In order for the wooden window opening mechanism in combination with the handle to meet expectations and be used for many years, when purchasing you should pay attention to the following criteria :
- Brand and country of production - as described above - the higher the demand and the more reviews for the company's products, the greater the likelihood of purchasing a reliable product.
- Price - cheap products, as a rule, are of low quality and do not meet the requirements for strength and durability.
- Appearance - given that the product is purchased with the expectation of many years of use, it should not cause irritation after a long time.
- Color - depending on the type of wood and the shade of the window profiles, you should select handles that match the color scheme with the main structure. For dark windows, metal handles with a golden or brown finish are often selected, and for light wood, products made from natural materials or plastic with lamination of the same shade as the frame are suitable.
- Material - white plastic handles, despite the price, do not go well with any wood. The best choice for wooden windows would be steel products with anodized coating, or products made from natural materials.
- Functionality - depends on the mechanism for opening the window sash and the nature of the use of the room.
A correctly selected window handle is compatible in design with the structure and material of the window, makes it possible to fully use the fittings and ensures increased safety for residents when operating the mechanism.
What materials are used for manufacturing
Window handles are made from materials:
- brass,
- plastic,
- aluminum,
- steel,
- tree.
Brass alloy is universal and aesthetically pleasing as a raw material for locking mechanisms. The material has anti-corrosion characteristics, is durable, and is affordable.
Aluminum mechanisms are suitable for many interior styles, they are durable and budget-friendly. The material is lightweight and does not corrode. The top layer of aluminum is coated with plastic for functionality.
Stainless steel fittings are durable and reliable. For aesthetics, varnish and paint are applied to the alloy elements.
Wood is also used by manufacturers to create handles. Wooden fittings belong to the premium class and are used in the design of rooms in vintage, rustic, and classic styles. When selecting a wood species, strength and color range of light or dark shades are important. For long-term use, the products are coated with paints and varnishes.
Plastic handles are inexpensive, durable, and easy to care for.
Raw materials can be given different shapes. Plastic roto handles are equipped with position locks, adjustable with a key. In wooden structures, the optimal color for fittings is brown with imitation of natural wood.
Forged locking devices will suit the vintage style of the interior. The material is wear-resistant, durable, optimal for decorating rooms in Provence and Rococo styles.
Installation tools
It is not necessary to involve professionals to install and adjust window handles. Simple work can be done with your own hands, if you have the necessary tools :
If the window frame does not have a mounting hole for the mechanism, it must be drilled using a drill.- When installing a mortise lock, you will need a chisel with a hammer or a portable router with a set of cutting attachments for wood.
- Cleaning up the torn edges of the wood after drilling is done using a file.
- Markings for installing the product in the frame are made using a tape measure, ruler and pencil.
- Fixing the fastening elements of the handle to the wooden profile is carried out with a screwdriver or screwdriver.
- Depending on the design of the mechanism, you may need pliers or internal hexagons to fix it.
All tools used during installation must be in good working order, sharpened and ready for use.
Step-by-step installation instructions
If we are talking about installing or replacing a handle with a complete double-glazed window, the fittings are installed around the entire perimeter of the profile, and a seat has already been prepared for the handle, which is why its installation is reduced to tightening two screws.
However, when the mechanism is installed in an old-style window frame, the work must be carried out in compliance with the technological map :
- The installation location of the mechanism and the handle itself is marked on the profile.
- For the lock, a recess is selected in the end surface of the profile using a chisel, drill or router. This is the most difficult stage of work, which requires skill, accuracy and increased attention.
- The edges of the sample are smoothed using a file.
- The window handle mechanism is fitted into the groove. If there are burrs or irregularities on the surface of the wood, the recess is reworked.
- A wood drill is installed on the drill, the diameter of which is equal to the dimensions of the rotary pin.
- A hole for the pin is drilled in the profile, after which the core is fitted into this socket.
- When all the openings and holes in the profile are made, the product is assembled - all parts are inserted into the grooves, after which they are fixed to each other and to the profile with screws and screws, using a screwdriver or screwdriver.
When the work on installing the handle is completed, it is necessary to drill a hole in the fixed profile of the window frame and install a special cover for the lock tongue. After installation, you should check the smooth movement of the mechanism, as well as the alignment of the locking part with the reciprocal opening for the tongue.
Installation Features
Fittings corresponding to the weight, dimensions, and temperature conditions of use are mounted on window structures.
We install handles and locking mechanisms using special tools. You will need: a building level, a tape measure, a hammer, an electric drill with attachments, chisels, screwdrivers, fasteners (screws, a lock).
The installation location of the main mechanism is marked on the frame, the contours of the front plate and the system’s fastening scheme are accurately marked. Holes for screws must be drilled inside the body contour.
Then, using a hammer and chisel, an internal contour is created and the recess is deepened to the optimal size. The opening is carefully drilled along the contour, and the front strip is built into the frame frame.
The hole for the rod is drilled with a drill. It is necessary to fit the device into the block and secure it using a screwdriver and screws. Finally, an opening (groove) is made for the tongue, which is closed with a hinged cover.
Possible difficulties and errors
During work, a home craftsman may make some mistakes that lead to a loss of quality and the impossibility of comfortable operation of the structure.
To avoid this, experts recommend paying increased attention to the following details :
- The product must fit the profile dimensions. Before purchasing a handle at a retail outlet, you should take measurements from the frame and provide the data to a consultant.
- If there are errors in the markings, the selection will turn out to be uneven, and it will have to be modified, or the excess space will have to be hidden with additional overlays.
- Sampling in a wooden profile should be carried out with a well-sharpened tool, starting from a cross section. Under this condition, the risk of splitting wood fibers is reduced.
- If the mechanism does not fit into the mounting socket, it does not need to be installed by force - the sample needs to be modified.
- When assembling the product in a profile, it is necessary to ensure that all parts are lubricated and rotate easily.
- Before fixing elements to wooden structures with self-tapping screws, guide holes should be drilled in advance to reduce stress concentration in the wood structure and the risk of splitting.
- The counter groove for the tongue must be installed strictly after installing the handle and the locking mechanism - if the groove and lock are installed simultaneously, the alignment will be disrupted in 99% of cases.
If, after installation, the structure does not satisfy the conditions for comfortable use, it should be modified, since turning the handle with force will eventually cause destruction and cracking of the profile.
Adjustment
If the window handle turns tightly after installation and the frame does not close completely, this does not mean that irreparable errors were made during installation. Most often, minor defects can be eliminated by simply adjusting the structure by following these steps:
Adjustment of the entire sash - as a rule, modern hinges have some freedom.
By turning special adjusting screws using a screwdriver or hexagon, you can change the position of the sash in the framed fixed profile.This also ensures alignment between the lock and the mating hole for the tongue.
- By turning the screws on the handle itself, you can select the force required to open it.
- If the handle becomes difficult to turn during long-term use, but the position of the sash remains unchanged, the product should be cleaned of dust and lubricated with a penetrating compound.
In addition to adjusting the handle, it is necessary to monitor the quality of the polymer seals, replacing them in a timely manner, and also maintain the rest of the fittings installed on the window.
How does the manufacturing process of window handles work?
Making window handles in production is not difficult. For the base, a steel rod is used, which is covered with a layer of plastic. Before applying the top layer, the metal is most often treated with a varnish with protective properties. The metal rod itself can be made of galvanized steel, which is considered a very durable material. This feature of the main component of the window handle allows it to withstand regular loads. Applying a layer of plastic is characterized by the following steps:
- Plastic granules are heated in a special oven.
- The material, which has turned into a liquid state, is poured into a special mold using pressure devices.
- Leave the mold for crystallization of the polyvinyl chloride component.
- The hardened plastic gives the structure the role of a protective layer. In addition, its purpose includes ensuring the aesthetic function of the structure.
To make a pen of a non-standard shade, a special color is added to the molten material. This allows you to create an even shade throughout the door handle. When creating colored frames and sashes, the lamination method is used, so the shade on them is not as deep as on the window handle.
The use of a high-pressure apparatus during the casting process allows us to obtain a structure that does not contain voids or air bubbles. This approach makes the mechanism strong, reliable and durable.
A wide variety of window handles allows you to select accessories to decorate your home to suit every taste and budget. Many models allow you to decorate the room with reliable elements and create additional protection against burglary or accidental opening by small children.
Prices in the Russian Federation for specialist services
If the owner of the premises does not have enough time or does not have the necessary experience to make high-quality adjustments of window handles and other fittings, he can always turn to professionals who will carry out all preventive work for a low price. The average prices of such companies in the Russian Federation are as follows :
- Adjustment of a simple sash with a tilt-and-turn mechanism - from 200 - 300 rubles.
- Adjustment of the position and maintenance of handles with fittings for non-standard sashes - from 700 - 900 rubles.
- Cleaning and lubrication of swing window structures – from 120 – 160 rubles.
- Replacement of worn out or faulty handles – from 300 – 500 rubles. + cost of the product.
The advantages of turning to professional installers are that a company officially operating on the market provides a long-term guarantee on all work performed.
Which childproof handles are the most secure?
Roto Swing handle: press the button and the window locks
We did not find any reviews in which anyone praised similar pens from a particular brand. However, we also did not encounter any negative reviews. In this case, it is better to trust the most famous and respected brands.
Handles with a key and/or button are provided by such brands as: Maso, Winkhaus, Roto, Siegenia, Kale and others. In addition, Maso, Roto, Siegenia also have removable handles that can be pulled out and hidden from the baby when the window is closed.
Together with the handle, you can choose curtains or blinds for the balcony. There is information on our website about which of them is more practical/cheaper/prettier. Perhaps the following material will be useful for you: A mosquito net on the balcony is a guarantee of a healthy rest. From it you will learn about the types of mosquito nets.
If you are thinking about buying a dryer for your balcony, this article will help you. In it you will find links to specific products from the Ozone store. As well as a description and evaluation of all types of dryers.
