Window mechanics are actually pretty straightforward. With just a few moving parts, you can easily swing your windows open or lock them tight. But let’s be real—constant use eventually leads to wear and tear. The best way to keep things moving smoothly is regular maintenance, but sometimes even the best upkeep isn’t enough. When that happens, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and fix those window fittings. Here’s a quick guide on how to handle it like a pro.
The Anatomy of a Typical Window
Your average window is made up of several key components. If you’re looking at a repair, these are the parts you’ll likely be dealing with:
- The window handle and strike plates
- The stay bearings (the “scissor” hinges at the top)
- The window hinges (corner bearings)
Window Handles and Strike Plates
Swapping out a window handle is usually a breeze. Most handles come in standard sizes, so finding a replacement is easy. The same goes for strike plates—they’re generally simple to replace without much fuss during a repair.
Stay Bearings
Repairing stay bearings (those top hinges) can be a bit trickier. Many manufacturers use their own proprietary designs. If you need to replace these, make sure the new parts come from the same manufacturer as the originals to ensure a perfect fit.
Window Hinges
The same rule applies to the main window hinges. If you have a well-known brand-name window, finding spare parts is usually no problem. However, if you have “no-name” or generic windows, tracking down the right hardware can turn into a bit of a scavenger hunt.
Prevention is the Name of the Game
In the gardening and home world, a little TLC goes a long way. While it’s not a total guarantee against breakage, regular maintenance significantly lowers the odds of a major fail. One of the best things you can do is lubricate your windows to stop friction and wear in its tracks. Pro tip: If you’re installing brand-new windows, try ordering a few spare parts right away. Many manufacturers will even give you a discount for bundling them with your purchase!
Finding the Right Spare Parts
When it comes to fixing window hardware, the biggest challenge is often just finding the parts. Since high-quality fittings don’t break that often, you might suddenly find yourself needing a specific piece for a window that’s over ten years old. Most local window installers won’t have these sitting on a shelf. However, you can often still order them directly from the manufacturer, even years later—just be prepared to pay a small premium for those older, specialized parts.
