Replacing Tilt Latches
When it comes to replacing tilt latches, there are, for the most part, three different types of latches:
- Internal Tilt Latch: Internal tilt latches are concealed inside of the sash of the window--they have a small slider on the top of the sash that is visible. The user slides the top piece, and it unhooks the latch and the window sash can be tilted in.
- Slide-In Tilt Latch: Slide-in tilt latches snap into an opening in the top of the sash; it is a one-piece mechanism.
- Surface-Mount Tilt Latch (503028 and 503038): Surface-mount tilt latches are screwed onto the top of the sash--they are low-profile, but not flush with the top of the sash like internal and slide-in latches.
Tilt latches can break easily, because they are typically made of plastic. Replacing internal latches often requires a direct or exact replacement.
Alternatively, internal latches can be replaced with surface-mount latches. Because surface-mount tilt latches simply screw on to the top of the sash, they are a one-size-fits-all mechanism that can be used on any brand of double- or single-hung tilt window.
To replace an internal tilt latch with a surface-mount (part # 503028or # 503038):
- Remove the original, broken internal latch. Note that it is in two pieces that are removed separately: the little slider piece on the top of the sash and the actual latch, which is in the edge of the sash.
- Slide a small block of wood into the now-empty space where the internal latch used to be.
- Place the surface-mount latch on the top of the sash so that the extending latch piece hits the frame of the window in the correct spot.
- Screw the latch in place using self-tapping screws. Make sure the screws are short enough that they don't reach past the block of wood and damage the glass.
To replace a slide-in tilt latch, know the measurements of your original latch and recessed space in your sash. Find a latch that fits the space.
Surface-mount tilt latches can be replaced with any other surface-mount tilt latch.
There are two basic surface-mount tilt latch options: part # 503028 is longer and skinnier and part # 503038 is shorter and wider. Both will work on any window with a flat surface on the edge of the top of the sash. Pick the latch that best covers up any existing screw holes.