Handles for plastic windows: 6 tips for choosing

Today plastic windows are found almost everywhere - both in residential apartments and in offices, preschool and school institutions, suburban or country houses, sanatoriums and recreation centers, etc. Such popularity is due to the clear advantages of PVC structures over their wooden counterparts. However, when choosing a metal-plastic window, many of us pay special attention to such parameters as the presence or absence of the energy-saving function, number of cameras, the presence of a special protective coating against ultraviolet radiation does not at all think about what accessories are included in the standard package and whether they are included at all. But you must not forget that it’s from quality workmanship the correct operation of the window, the smoothness of its opening and closing, and the durability of the product as a whole will depend. One of the important components of the hardware kit is a window handle. This seemingly primitive object can have several useful functions, serve as a real window decoration and be made of different materials. In this article we will consider possible types of handles for plastic windows and give useful tips for choosing them.

1. Window handle design

The handle on the plastic window is often necessary not only to open / close the sash, but also to fix it in the airing or micro-ventilation mode or to actuate the locking mechanism. Therefore, its design is somewhat more complicated than that of handles that are installed on old wooden windows and are simply screwed onto several screws. Main elements are:

• The pen itself or staple - in most cases, this part is L-shaped and is nothing more than a normal lever. Moreover, the larger the sash, the longer the lever will be required so that the opening / closing process does not require any tangible effort;
• Core or the handle body is attached to the window frame itself or to balcony door. Fasteners are carried out with the help of two self-tapping screws with M5 thread and countersunk head, and the attachment point itself is closed with a decorative overlay. Important point - the screw that is used to mount the handle must have a protective coating that will prevent the formation of corrosion. It can be either anodized film or galvanized;
• Pin - is a metal tetrahedron with a side width of 7 mm. Its length can be from 35 to 45 mm, which depends on the distance from the center of the furniture groove to the front side of the sash. It provides a connection between the pen and the core. When the handle is rotated and installed in one position or another, the locking mechanism is activated. The metal from which the pin is made affects the durability and reliability of the entire product. Accordingly, the stronger it is, the higher these indicators will be.

This design is standard on many window handles. The difference may be in the presence or absence of a locking mechanism, color and design itself. Also to additional elements can include:

• Lining against drilling - are plates of high strength steel of sufficient thickness. It is usually installed at the stage of installation of all accessories opposite the handle.The plate covers with itself a pin and does not allow to reach it to turn, thereby simulating the turn of the handle or knocking out;
• Bollards turning - these include various modifications of the locking mechanisms, latches or buttons. These elements prevent the involuntary or accidental opening of the sash, which is especially true in a house where there are small children;
• Anti-burglary mechanisms are built in the handle case. They work when any pressure is exerted on the sash outside the window or when trying to rotate the pin. The mechanism locks the handle, as evidenced by a characteristic click. It can be said that most of these mechanisms are disposable. After triggering, you will need to either do it full repair, or completely change the handle. However, compared with the possible consequences, these are trifles.

It is important to understand that the handle is the most frequently used part of the hardware, so the quality of its manufacture plays an important role.

2. How are pens made?

The process of manufacturing pens can be called quite simple. IN design basis lies a steel rod on which a layer of plastic is applied. Previously, the metal is coated with a protective varnish. As the raw material for the rod, galvanized steel is most often used, since its strength indicator is high enough to withstand regular loads.

• Granules of plastic are heated in a special chamber;
• After the plastic goes into fluid state, the rod is filled under pressure;
• After complete crystallization, polyvinyl chloride acts as a protective layer for the metal;
• It also provides decorative functions, so at the molding stage it is additionally possible to form the shape of the handle and change the usual white color by adding color to the plastic. Unlike color window profiles and sashes, which are made by lamination, the handles have the same shade throughout the depth of the material.

Due to the fact that the casting process is performed under high pressure. This completely eliminates the possibility of the formation of voids or air pores in the structure, and also provides reliable adhesion of materials. This technology provides the following operational specifications products:

• Strength;
• Durability (service life can reach 10 years);
• Reliability;
• Wear resistance even with active use;
• Resistance to mechanical and other types of exposure. The surface of the handle does not turn yellow and does not fade under the influence of ultraviolet radiation or after the use of aggressive chemicals, it is not afraid of shock and elevated temperatures.

3. What material to choose?

In fact, and probably fortunately, the choice is small. There is either plastic or metal.

• Plastic handles are more affordable and generally reduce the cost of a set of accessories. Basically, they are installed on the windows of the budget series. This ends the benefits. The obvious disadvantages include increased fragility, unreliability and flimsy structure, frequent breakdowns, the appearance of yellowness and loss of color. But you can not bother and not think how to fix such a pen, but immediately replace it with a new one;
• Pens from metal installed on expensive and high-quality windows or balcony doors. On top of the metal from which the product is made, a coating of various colors and shades or imitating various textures can be applied. Such a handle can become a real decoration of the window. Metal products are characterized by increased strength and longer life. The disadvantages include their higher cost compared to plastic structures.

Despite this, you should not immediately discard the option of acquiring plastic pens, especially since there are models that are made of high-quality plastic and which also inspire a sense of reliability.It is just necessary to purchase accessories from well-known manufacturers and not try to save on this moment.

4. Types of window handles

Depending on your functional purpose All window handles can be conditionally divided into the following types:

• Standard handle - it is only responsible for the process of opening / closing the sash in a folding or tilt-turn way. Such models are the most popular and affordable. It is ivi that by default is equipped with a set of accessories. They can be made of both plastic and metal;
• Reinforced handles - we have already said that the larger the window, the larger the lever should be in order to facilitate its opening. For these purposes, special elongated handles were invented;
• Bilateral handles - mainly installed on balcony doors, but sometimes used on windows. They are two identical handles that are connected by a pin. Sometimes the handle, which should be located, for example, inside the balcony, may be smaller or simpler in design. After all, in fact, it is necessary only so that you do not accidentally slam the balcony door and wait for the arrival of your relatives who could release you, or if there is a smoker in the house. Thanks to the presence of a handle, he can close the balcony door behind him and prevent smoke from entering the apartment;
• Removable handles - very similar in appearance to standard handles, but have the ability to disconnect the lever from the core. After that, the fastening place is closed with a decorative overlay, which allows you to save the aesthetic appearance of the window. Sometimes the installation of such handles is a necessity and is due to overly cramped space. Sometimes such pens are chosen by families with small children, because if there is no handle on the casement, it is impossible to open it. Many argue that this is too complicated, because in order to change the position of the sash, you need to insert the handle, turn it and remove it again. However, in practice it takes a matter of seconds, and such products cost less than handles with special locks or buttons. And sometimes the decision to install such pens is made to support a certain design idea;
• Curved handles - similar in design to standard models, but their lever has an unusual shape. Since such handles are installed in case of opening the sash outwards, they should not catch on the window profile. Therefore, they have a characteristic bend;
• Pens with the key - that is, a handle with a locking mechanism. By appointment, they are similar to a removable handle, which prevents the possibility of opening the sashes. Only in this case it is not necessary to remove the handle; it is enough to turn the key in the lock, which is built into the handle, to fix the sash in the selected position. If you need to change position, you need to turn the key again, that is, open the lock, perform the desired manipulations with the sash and turn the key again, that is, close the lock. A very effective way that will ensure the safety of your child. After all, many sad cases are known when small children opened a window, leaned on mosquito net, and she just could not stand such an effort;
• Pens with button - this element performs a function similar to the above model. Only in this case, in order to change the orientation of the sash, it is necessary to simultaneously hold the button down and turn the knob. Manufacturers claim that this is a great way that will make it impossible to open the window with a small child. But notice how quickly children learn and learn to cope with difficulties, so we would not recommend choosing such models;
• Pen with anti-burglary mechanism - Outwardly practically do not differ from standard models. But a special mechanism is built into the core that responds to the application of force to the sash outside the window, and instantly blocks the handle.After that, the window can only be opened from the inside.

5. What design to choose?

Previously, when the first plastic windows were just beginning to be installed in rare apartments, all the fittings were standard, and the handles themselves were monotonous and quite restrained in design. But that was a very long time ago. Today, pens can have a variety of shapes, colors, or even be made to order and inlaid with decorative metal plates or rhinestones. In general, there would be funds ...

• The most harmonious will look a handle, matched identically to window frame color. Fortunately, now you can find products of silver, and platinum, and gold, and ivory and any other;
• If the sashes have a lamination, which is most often not monophonic, but has a color that mimics a slice of a natural tree, you can choose monophonic handles of a darker shade - for the color of the veins, and with a similar pattern;
• Sometimes, to highlight this element, you can choose an aluminum product that looks very interesting against the background of a white frame. Especially if you plan to install on the window aluminum blinds;
• Pay attention to the shape of the handle. It can be smooth rectangular, arched, taper to the bottom or have recesses for the fingers. The last option for many is the most convenient;
• Pads that hide the fasteners of the core can also be of different shapes. They can be strict rectangular, with rounded edges and smooth edges, oval, etc.

Many do not even pay attention to any other features, except for color, but in vain, because this is the most visible part of the hardware, which can give the general interior the desired shades.

6. A brief overview of popular manufacturers

To date, there are so many manufacturers of hardware for plastic windows that it is difficult to make a choice on your own. Especially considering that there are offers from both little-known companies at a very low price, and from fairly well-known brands. Many people think that while the product is relatively new, it should have decent quality, albeit at a low cost, because in this way trademarks are gaining market and popularity. However, this is most often not the case. When choosing hardware, we recommend that you rely on the opinions of not those companies that sell it, but on the opinions of people who install plastic windows and, accordingly, configure this hardware. Here they can, from a professional point of view, evaluate the quality of the goods of a particular manufacturer and recommend a particular company. Judging by the opinion and reviews of professional installers, the following companies are now leaders in sales:

• Austrian manufacturer Maco - representing its products on the Russian market since 1994. During this time, there were practically no complaints about the quality of their products; the accessories are reliable, easy to set up and have a long service life. In the manufacture of various elements, high quality materials are used;
• German mark Roto - also recommended its products on the positive side. Products are of high quality and reliability, durability and strength. All hardware is covered by a 10-year warranty. Handles are characterized by a smooth and easy stroke, a snug fit to the window frame;
• Turkish company Kale - produces hardware for windows and doors since 1980. In the Russian market, products are better known under the name "Proplex". The quality of the products in this case is really confirmed for years;
• Another German manufacturer Siegenia - specializes in the production of various types of fittings. A distinctive feature of this company is that production is carried out only in Europe. The quality of the products is appropriate, therefore, if you are assured that there are branches in China and other countries and offer to buy such products, we can say that they are trying to sell you a fake.

Cost handles for windows starts at 60 rubles and can reach several thousand, if we are talking about designer products with decor. The cost will depend not only on the material of manufacture, but also on the functionality of the product.