The Austrian company has been producing Maso fittings for more than 60 years - a period that deserves respect. Over the years, the company has maximally improved product quality and entered the markets of more than 35 countries. Russia is among them.
Today, four factories produce fittings. The main one is stationed in the Austrian city of Salzburg. The other two are also located in Austria: the cities of Mautendorf and Tibren. The third was built in the Russian city of Kaluga in 2010. The total production area of all these factories amounts to more than 130,000 m².
What are Mako window mechanisms?
The MAKO fittings system represents reliable locking devices and interlocks that have a long service life. The devices are suitable for plastic and wooden windows, are easy to install and reliable in use.
Kit includes the following items:
- window handles;
- opening blocker;
- ventilation system;
- hinges and clamps for connecting the sashes;
- balcony latches;
- balcony door stops;
- transom scissors;
- turn limiters;
- travel limiters.
Note. The fittings are intended for turning and tilt-and-turn windows, balcony blocks. Equipment is also provided that is used to organize micro-ventilation.
Maco hardware retail: in which windows can it be used?
One of the significant advantages of Maco plastic windows, and in particular the fittings from this manufacturer, is that it can be equipped with absolutely any profile model. Thus, the presented fittings are perfect for both wooden and plastic windows, as mentioned above. However, in some cases, Maco fittings for plastic windows are still more suitable than products from any other manufacturer.
The fittings will be the best option for large windows. So, if the window is more than one and a half meters high, or more than a meter wide, this manufacturer will be the best option. The reason lies in the fact that Maco window fittings include a micro-lift function as standard.
Technical specifications
MACO fittings are distinguished by the following technical characteristics :
A three-layer coating of chrome, zinc and beeswax is provided.- Elegant and simple appearance.
- Warranty up to 10 years, provided the windows are opened no more than 8 times a day.
- Truly high and simple adjustment range.
- The main elements have an extruded stiffener.
- The lower hinges are adjustable for pressure.
- It is possible to install a trunnion with a burglary protection function.
Note. MAKO fittings are suitable for installation on tilt and turn windows. It is also chosen for balcony doors.
Stylish design
In MASO MULTI-MATIC fittings, not only engineering, but also design solutions are brought to perfection. Stylish silver coating, ergonomic smoothed and rounded edges, longitudinal notches and special overlays – all this gives the fittings a finished and modern look. A combination of elegant, ergonomic and durable window handles of MASO’s own production and hinge covers in various colors will give your window a personal touch.
Photo: MACO handles - stylish, ergonomic, reliable *Hinges located horizontally flush with the sash provide a special attractiveness to the window. Various designs of “hinge-handle” sets will ideally complement the image of the window. The window will become a real decoration of the interior and the highlight of the whole house.
MACO's innovative developments have made it possible to avoid unnecessary, conspicuous elements on the swing doors. Additional clamps for rotary sashes are securely hidden inside the structure. Nothing distracts from the beauty and design appearance of the window.
Installation and adjustment
First of all, you need to remove all the old fittings from the windows, but you must leave the bottom hinge, as it works independently. This approach eliminates drilling, which is especially bad for plastic coatings
Next, the following sequence of actions is performed :
- You need to make sure that all the trunnions are set to the middle position, and this indicates a horizontal position of the handle.
- Install the middle lock, which is located on the loop side and connects to the scissors. It is important to clean the old window as dirt can disrupt the process.
- The fixing screw is tightened. This will extend the life of the lock.
- Next, install the corner top switch on the handle side. For this purpose, fixation with two self-tapping screws is used.
- Install the scissors and mark the cutting area. In some cases, the fittings are trimmed using a grinder.
- The lower latch is fixed using two self-tapping screws.
- Next, apply the main lock and insert the handle.
The adjustment and configuration of MAKO fittings deserves special attention . The procedure is required when blowing around the perimeter. Also, adjustment is needed if friction of metal elements is detected, and the sash is not pressed to the end.
A square wrench is used for adjustment. It is advisable to use the tool that comes with the accessories. Turn the key clockwise or counterclockwise to achieve normal pressure level.
Installing MAKO fittings on a plastic window:
Safety first
Protection from extreme weather conditions. Gusts of wind can forcefully slam the door shut. Such impacts are likely to cause breakage of fittings and cracks in double-glazed windows. MASO MULTI-MATIC fittings provide window protection in extreme weather conditions. Thanks to the standard built-in lock against the sash slamming in the tilted position, a constant flow of fresh air is ensured and the window operates safely in the event of a draft. The sash will not rattle or flap in strong winds and bad weather, and will not slam shut due to a draft. Thus, the fittings are not subject to shock loads and will last a long time.
Photo: a built-in lock will protect the sash from slamming. Protection against the entry of uninvited guests. Home security is a basic human need; everyone wants to live in peace and not worry about life and the safety of property. Unfortunately, economy-class fittings cannot provide security to windows - an intruder will enter the house by pressing the sash in a few seconds.
Photo: MASO MULTI-MATIC - reliable protection from uninvited guests *The technical capabilities of MASO MULTI-MATIC make it possible to achieve the highest class of burglary resistance of a window RC3 (PV3), thanks to the presence of burglar-resistant pins and locking strips in the fittings, protection against drilling of the handle, as well as the use of a handle with key or button. Anti-burglary fittings in combination with anti-vandal glass, closed reinforcement and glued glazing beads make it possible to turn a defenseless window into an impregnable one. Such a window will be able to withstand a hacking attempt long enough for the attacker to change his mind.
Windows with MASO MULTI-MATIC fittings are safe not only when closed, but also in ventilation mode. It is optionally possible to equip the burglar-proof fittings set with the SECUAIR function, which provides micro-ventilation with automatic burglar-proof protection of the sash up to level RC2 (PV2).
Photo: windows with MASO MULTI-MATIC fittings are safe in ventilation mode*
Advantages
Innovative Austrian-made MAKO fittings are distinguished by increased performance and strength characteristics. The products correspond to the premium class and can be used without replacement during the service life of the window structures.
Among the advantages of the fittings are:
- maintaining the tightness of windows;
- comfortable opening and closing;
- safe and proper air exchange;
- highest class in burglary protection.
In this case, smooth operation may turn into a disadvantage, since the window operates in high load mode. The problem can be solved by periodic adjustment.
Important. You will have to service the fittings twice a year to avoid serious damage.
Accessories that are easy to care for
Often dust, dirt and construction debris get clogged into the cracks at the junction of fitting mechanisms. It takes a lot of effort to clean the fittings. Dust and dirt not only cause cosmetic damage to the window, but also negatively affect the operation of the fittings. Dirt in moving elements leads to unpleasant sound and rapid breakdown.
The proprietary wax coating of MASO MULTI-MATIC fittings makes cleaning windows much easier. Wax prevents dirt from penetrating deeply into the coating. The surface is easy to clean using non-abrasive cleaners, returning to its original color after cleaning.
Reviews
According to user reviews, the MACO brand, which produces parts for windows, does an excellent job of functionality.
Meets the standards for the use of plastic and wooden windows. The declared service life is achieved only with proper care and regular maintenance.
MAKO fittings are one of the market leaders . For most users it has no problems during operation. But it is better to carry out periodic maintenance to further extend the service life.
At the same time, the MAKO manufacturer has a certain percentage of defects. The fittings are not distinguished by external sophistication, but correspond to modern ideas about geometrically correct forms.
Real reviews can be read here and here.
Reliable protection against drafts
The window should keep the house warm, but if the sash is not tightly pressed to the frame, then cold and drafts cannot be avoided. The fittings are largely responsible for the lack of ventilation. Blowing through the window in winter is easily eliminated due to the unique MASO locking pins. These moving elements in the fittings are responsible for the tight fit of the sash to the frame in the closed position. The trunnions are made of hardened metal, and the special method of their installation completely eliminates possible rotation when closing. The unique development of MASO contributes to heat conservation and the absence of drafts, provided that other high-quality components other than fittings are used in the window. The ellipsoidal shape of the trunnions gives a maximum adjustment range of ±1.5 mm - this is more than enough to compensate for possible deformation and wear of the seal, completely eliminating blowing and drafts. With windows equipped with MASO MM fittings, the house will always be warm and cozy.
Average cost in Russia
The cost of MAKO mechanical products largely depends on the place of purchase . So, a corner switch in a large city will cost 10.69 rubles, and a striker - 22.72 rubles.
The top MACO loop will cost 99 rubles. A decorative strip for it in bronze is available at a price of 47 rubles. To purchase an end lock with a connecting plate you will need 235 rubles.
Decorative overlays cost from 19 rubles. A rotary lock with a cylinder will cost 577 rubles.
Design features of MACO Multi devices:
- A lock that prevents the window sash from opening in two positions at once,
- Protection against damage caused by sudden slamming or gust of wind,
- Possibility of turning on winter micro-ventilation mode,
- Accessories for people with disabilities,
- Wide selection of anti-burglary elements,
- Equipped with magnetically controlled alarm sensors,
- The presence of a hidden middle clamp,
- Possibility of independent, simple adjustment of trunnions and hinges,
- Attractive design: wide color range of decorative overlays for hinges, hidden fittings,
- Protective water-repellent coating MACO Tricoat.
To protect against counterfeit products, the MACO manufacturer uses personalized engraving on products that contains the manufacturer’s trademarks and records the batch number and production time of the product. The warranty on all elements of MAKO Multi-trend fittings is 10 years from the date of release.
Innovative approach and European quality
The MACO company, whose main plant is located in Salzburg, has been a leader in the development and production of fittings for windows and doors for many years. Numerous new products from the company's engineers provide processors and consumers with a huge number of significant advantages, from reliability, durability and comfort, to the attractive appearance of manufactured products. Since the share of the company's own developments in the production of accessories is about 97%, this is what makes the response to customer needs quick and flexible.
The handle is hard to turn
The most common reason for this phenomenon is unlubricated fittings. Modern window fittings require lubrication of moving parts at least once a year. You can time this work to coincide with spring or autumn window washing, or better yet, both. Lubrication points are shown in the figure below.
If lubrication does not help, then perhaps the trunnions are set to a strong clamp, and large deformation of the seals when closing the sash leads to a large force on the handle. The pressure is loosened using a spanner wrench (or pliers if it is not available) for conventional trunnions and a 4 mm hex wrench for iS trunnions, guided by the figure below. It should be noted that excessive loosening of the clamp can lead to loose locking of the sash and blowing.
So, in the following figure, turning the trunnion along the blue arrow will weaken the pressure, and turning it along the red arrow will strengthen it.
Different gaps around the perimeter of the sash
Symptoms of this malfunction may include the sash touching the frame in various places or the inability to lock the window (the pins do not reach the strikers). The first thing to do with this defect, before adjusting the fittings, is to make sure that the frame and sash are in the correct rectangular shape. The easiest way to do this is by measuring the diagonals - they should be equal on both the frame and the sash.
If the diagonals are significantly different and the window has acquired the shape of a parallelogram, then adjustment may not help. This will require serious repairs or even the manufacture of a new product. If the sash touches the frame approximately in the middle of the height (or width), you should check the vertical (horizontal) bars of the frame for straightness.
This happens when “saving” anchor plates - when expanding, the mounting foam presses the frame inward. In this case, the window should be remounted by installing more anchor plates on those sides where there is deflection and re-foaming the mounting seams.
If everything is in order with the geometry, then you can start adjusting using a 4 mm hex key. The most important thing is to correctly understand exactly how the sash is skewed in relation to the frame and what needs to be turned where. The skew of the sash can be determined by placing a sheet of paper on the frame and pressing it with the sash. Next, on the sheet with a pencil (carefully, without pressing, so as not to damage the paint), mark the position of the overlap of the sash. We remove the sheet and measure the distance from its bend to the drawn line.
Fortunately, in addition to the height adjustment already discussed, there are only two left. The first moves the sash left and right at the top hinge, the second moves the sash left and right at the bottom hinge. Each individual adjustment, of course, also ensures rotation of the sash relative to another hinge (the upper one relative to the lower one and vice versa). The upper adjustment is located on the scissors, the lower adjustment is located in the lower hinge hinge, both adjustments are made by rotating the screws and are shown in the pictures below.
Source: svokna-vdnh.ru/info/regulirovka-furnitury-maco.asp
Interface system, rebate, overlap, rebate play
Each fitting is created by the manufacturer for a specific mating system, which includes the dimensions of the gap, the width of the sash overlap and the distance to the axis of the fitting groove. In our windows we use the 12/20-9 mating system, where 12 mm is the gap, 20 mm is the width of the sash overlap, 9 mm is the distance to the axis of the fitting groove.
As can be seen from the figure, in the field of production of windows, balcony and entrance doors, the term “leaf size”, unlike interior doors, is not used, since the “leaf” has different sizes. The most commonly used size of the sash is the rebate. It is from the lower rebate of the sash that, say, the height of the axis of the window handle is measured.
The clearance contains fittings, and the reliability and duration of its operation depend on the accuracy of the clearance size. Therefore, if you have problems with closing or opening the sashes, you should first of all check the gap in both the height and width of the window. To do this, the dimensions along the rebate of the sash and window frame are measured, then the size along the rebate of the sash is subtracted from the size along the frame rebate. For a 12/20-9 mating system with a clearance of 12 mm, the difference should be 24 mm in both height and width.
The window sash is locked and the seals are pressed using pins and strikers. Trunnions are installed on the sash, and strikers are installed on the window frame. When the window handle is turned to the “Open” position (the handle is installed horizontally), the trunnions move down and come out of the strikers, which allows you to open the sash. When the handle is moved to the “Closed” position (the handle is vertically down), the trunnions rise up, enter the strikers and lock the window, pressing the seals.
In the “Tilted” and “Micro-slot ventilation” positions (if the window is equipped with it), the trunnions also come out of the counter strips, but in this case the scissors are released (installed on the upper hinge) and the folding support trunnion (installed below on the side of the handle) engages. At the same time, the sash rotates on a folding support and a lower hinge, and the scissors hold its upper edge. If the clearance is too reduced, the trunnions cling to the base of the strikers; if the clearance is too large, it will be impossible to lock the window (the trunnions do not reach the strikers).
Next, we will consider several typical cases of hardware malfunction and ways to eliminate them.
More on the topic How to repair plastic window fittings
So that the window manufacturer does not have unsolvable issues
Austrian technology is embodied in the clever application of all the company's experience in combination with the latest generation of engineering innovations.
Maco Multi fittings are supplied in a wide range of articles that solve any problem: turning, tilting, transom opening; windows of rectangular, arched, triangular shape, windows with beveled corners - trapezoids.
Depending on the degree of production automation, modifications of the MULTI series fittings are offered:
- — MACO Multi-trend — for predominantly manual assembly;
- — MACO Multi-matic — for assembly on automated lines.
Micro-lift, micro-ventilation and false opening blocker
A very important element of window fittings. Thanks to the microlift, the sash will serve you even longer. A microlift is a special mechanism located on the side of the sash and designed to lift the sash at the moment of closing.
This happens as follows: At the moment of closing the sash, the microlift first comes into contact with the counterpart on the sash frame, thereby lifting it. Thus, the aggravating load is removed from the hinges, and the sash closes more softly. Also, a microlift will not allow your window sash to sag.
Another important advantage of the microlift is that it functions as an erroneous opening blocker. When the sash is in the folding position, the upper hinge moves away from the frame along with the sash.
Therefore, if you tilt the sash and then, from the tilted position, try to open it by turning the handle, the sash will open and will hang on just one hinge. In this case, if you pull it carelessly, you can break the sash. The erroneous opening blocker will not allow you to make this movement. It will protect your sash from turning the handle in tilt mode.
