DIY hardware repair

In detail: do-it-yourself hardware repair from a real master for the site my.housecope.com.

Almost every house has plastic windows, which have a number of advantages over wooden ones. But, unlike wooden windows, which require painting every year, PVC windows, in the event of breakdowns, require repair of the fittings. In this article, we will consider the main malfunctions and do-it-yourself window hardware repair.

Window hardware functions:

  • regulation of ventilation intensity;
  • opening, closing the sash;
  • blocking the sash in a certain position;
  • protection against slamming during drafts.

The composition of the modular mechanism for plastic window fittings:

  • main obturator;
  • top and bottom hinges;
  • mechanisms regulating movement through the angle of inclination.

Varieties of fittings by the way of opening:

  • swivel fittings,
  • folding type,
  • swing-out type,
  • blind fittings.

Varieties of fittings depending on power:

The main components of the window fittings:

  1. Rotation stops - secure the window in the open position. Additionally, a brake is installed, which allows you to adjust the angle of inclination of the window.
  2. Rotation blockers - prevent the window from opening while the window is tilted back.
  3. Scissors - provide a tilt-and-turn window function.
  4. Microlifts are elements that raise the sash. Eliminates the risk of sash sagging. They perform the function of relieving the loops from additional load.

Requirements for window fittings:

  • reliability, strength, durability;
  • anti-corrosion;
  • adjustment in height, width and sash pressure;
  • smooth running of accessories;
  • satisfactory appearance;
  • the use of quality materials in the manufacture.
Video (click to play).

1. Preventive repair of window fittings includes the following stages:

  • customization of the window;
  • lubrication of window fittings;
  • replacement of the rubber seal in the window;
  • installation of handles.

2. Common repair of PVC window fittings includes:

  • replacement of handles;
  • replacement of double-glazed windows;
  • replacement of accessories.

Reasons for repairing window fittings:

  • difficulty opening or closing a window;
  • falling of windows from hinges;
  • the presence of drafts;
  • in winter, the presence of ice on the outside of the window;
  • mechanical damage to the glass unit;
  • breakage of the window handle;
  • bending of the window profile.

Tools for adjusting and repairing window fittings:

  • hexagon 4 mm;
  • Phillips screwdriver 3x4;
  • pliers;
  • nozzles for TX and T screwdrivers;
  • oil for lubricating the seal.

If the handle is loose, you need to tighten the mount. Remove the rectangular trim that is under the handle. Pry the pad with your fingers and turn it at a right angle. Use a Phillips screwdriver to tighten the two screws. This operation should fix the problem.

Tip: Do not use a screwdriver or other sharp tools to remove the plastic cover to eliminate the risk of damaging the profile surface.

For windows located in the nursery, special handles are used, on which fuses are placed, which do not allow the child to open the window on their own. To remove the old handle, remove the rectangular trim and unscrew the screws with a Phillips screwdriver. Insert the new handle in the same position as the old one was removed. After installing the handle, tighten the screws.

If the handle sticks or does not open well, you must first find the causes of this malfunction, and then eliminate them. Lubricate the mechanisms that are responsible for securing the handle, first removing it. Use a brush and vacuum cleaner to remove dirt from the mechanisms. Use machine oil and glass cleaner to clean.If the problem persists, try to loosen the bolts, as pinching can lead to the risk of incomplete opening of the handle.

The reason that the handle is stuck is incorrect operation of the locking mechanism. This mechanism is designed to lock an open window in a specific position. Retract the handle locking lever to fix the problem. The lever is located on the sash. Types of locking levers:

  • plates that are located directly at the end, if the sash is open, the plates are retracted at an angle from the sealing gum;
  • a clip that fits over the sealing gum.

During a long period of operation of the window or due to a change in temperature conditions, the sealing gum loses its elasticity and volume and requires replacement or repair.

Result of sealing gum malfunctions:

  • blowing,
  • drafts,
  • reduced level of sound insulation.

The clamping force of the plastic window depends on the level of elasticity of the sealing gum. The tighter the elastic is, the harder it is to close the window.

The plastic windows have a special mechanism that allows you to adjust this type of fittings.

Advice: The pressure control of the plastic window should be carried out at least twice a year. When the window is used in winter and then in summer, the sealing elastic requires adjustment. This procedure will significantly increase the usage strings of the compactor.

An expentric or zalf is a mechanism that allows you to adjust the sealing gum. Tsalf has a protruding cylindrical oval shape. The expentric is in the middle of the metal plug. The counter hook is located on the frame, when the trunnion is twisted, the elastic is pressed against the frame.

To loosen the elastic, that part of the trunnion that protrudes should be turned to the inside, and to tighten it - to the outside.

  • the presence of a slot, which is adjusted with a flat screwdriver;
  • scrolling of the shaft is performed by hand, by withdrawing from the end surface;
  • the pliers rotate the pins and adjust the clamping mechanism.

If you cannot adjust these cylinders, then change the location of the counterpart. The counterpart is attached with two bolts that need to be adjusted with a hexagon. To tighten the elastic, screw the bolts to the outside, and to loosen - to the inside.

With prolonged use of the window, the fittings become dirty with dust and do not perform their intended functions. Sometimes even new windows require hardware repair, if during the repair, finishing materials or dust and dirt accidentally get there. The cost of repairing one sash is $ 40.

If you follow these instructions, you can repair the hardware yourself.

Repair instructions for fittings:

  1. The first step is to remove the sash from the hinges, and then remove the decorative overlays from there.
  2. Knock out the axle at the top hinge, hitting from above and then from below. Pull out the axle using pliers.
  3. Remove the sash from the lower hinge.
  4. Remove the handle by unscrewing the two screws under the plastic trim.
  5. Unscrew the screws that secure the hardware.
  6. The window mechanism must be removed from the groove.
  7. Place the hardware on a table or other flat object.
  8. Clean all window fittings with a special liquid and a brush.
  9. After the fittings are cleaned, use a hair dryer or a bicycle pump to dry all items.
  10. All window components that perform the function of friction should be lubricated with machine oil or special oil.
  11. Put all the hardware back on, tighten the screws and install the handles.
  12. Lubricate the hinges before installing the window.
  • construction knife,
  • rubber hammer.

First, determine how many air chambers are in the glass unit of the plastic window. If there is one division in the window frame, the package is two-chamber, and if there is no division, it is single-chamber.

Measure the dimensions of the glass, and then add 3 cm on each side.Order the production of a double-glazed window.

The cost of a double-glazed window depends on the following indicators:

  • the size,
  • number of cameras,
  • quality, visit of the master to the house, if necessary, to carry out measurements,
  • delivery.

Instructions for replacing a glass unit:

  1. Dismantle the glazing beads. Insert a knife under the glazing bead and slide it out of place. When a gap forms, insert the plastic backing. Remove the glazing bead by loosening the lining.
  2. First, remove the side glazing beads, then the lower one, and last of all the upper one. Remember the location of each glazing bead.
  3. Perform work carefully and slowly, observing all safety rules.
  4. The double-glazed window should be replaced by two, or better by three. Be sure to use gloves to avoid cuts.

Advice: When replacing a single-chamber package with a two-chamber one yourself, be sure to order new glazing beads, which differ in greater width.

  1. Install the new glass unit in its original place, and disperse it with the help of straightening plates.
  2. Install the glazing beads: first the top and bottom, then the rest.

Tip: Use a rubber mallet when installing glazing beads. in the absence of a rubber hammer, use a regular one, having previously wrapped it with a rag.

  1. Click - evidence of the correct installation of the glazing bead.
  2. After replacing the glass unit, adjust the sash and the clamping mechanism.

Replacing glass, with the help of specialists, is more expensive than replacing a glass unit, but sometimes such an operation is necessary. for example when replacing stained glass or tinted glass.

Instructions for replacing glass in a plastic window:

1. Remove the glass unit. See above for how to do this.

2. Place the glass unit on the table with the damaged glass facing up.

3.Use a sharp knife to cut the glass from the glass unit.

4. Replace the spacer frame of the glass unit. Install the new spacer using double-sided tape.

5. The frame should be pre-filled with air dryers. If this is not done, condensation will form and it will constantly fog up.

6. Measure the dimensions of the glass frame and add 3 cm on each side.

7. Cut or order new glass.

8. Spread silicone sealant on the glass surface, pre-wetting the surface with water.

9. After the silicone has dried, reinstall the glass and secure with glazing beads, which are hammered in with a rubber mallet.

10. Reinstall the glass unit.

The bollard is installed in the scissors of the swing-out mechanism. In the process of prolonged friction during the opening and closing of the window, the fittings wear out and the blocker prevents the window from closing.

If the handle opens only in the open position, do not close the window forcibly, so as not to damage the gearbox of the main lock.

Remove the window sash. To do this, remove the decorative strip and pull out the pin. When the sash is removed, proceed to remove the scissors. To do this, unscrew the fastening screws. Remove the blocker and secure the scissors back. If there is a new blocker, replace the old blocker.

Photos from the site:>

Today, almost every home has plastic window frames installed to replace obsolete wooden frames. Caring for them is much easier, since you no longer have to paint the frames annually, but for the winter to deal with insulation procedures, such as sticking paper tapes, and this is a significant factor. While the windows are under warranty, the installation company will be engaged in setting, adjusting, and also replacing the fittings, but after its completion, all these manipulations, and they may be necessary, fall on the shoulders of the owners themselves. Do-it-yourself repairs, as well as replacement of fittings in plastic windows, are quite possible, therefore, it is worth going into this issue in more detail.

It often happens that a seemingly quite workable design suddenly starts to malfunction, does not work correctly, and even breaks down altogether.Any installer who installed new plastic blocks in your house is obliged to provide full warranty service, as well as high-quality repair of plastic window fittings at any time throughout the entire period. However, when the master puts the constructions himself, or after the warranty expires, one has to look for other ways besides calling a professional. Of course, you can call a master just like that, but the services of a real specialist are not cheap, and not everyone can afford it. Then it's time to figure out for yourself what this mechanism is, as well as to replace or repair window fittings, which is quite affordable to do with your own hands.

In fact, the hardware of plastic structures is a rather complex mechanism, which includes elements such as hinges, brackets and rods, as well as other parts that allow the sash to open, as well as close, tilt or turn.

You need to know that the fittings are perfect in any window block, they do not install it exclusively in blind structures without sashes. The entire mechanism is located on the perimeter of the sash, and control is often assumed with the help of a handle, as with which everything is tied. Since there is nothing complicated in this mechanism, the repair of window fittings for plastic windows and even its full or partial replacement is quite possible without outside help, that is, with your own hands.

First of all, the hardware consists of an upper and lower hinge, as well as the locking mechanism itself. It also includes tilt adjustment mechanisms, if the window was originally made as swing-out. Windows in general can be hinged, tilt-and-turn, rotary and deaf.

  • The swing arm limiter will ensure that the sash is stationary in any position. That is, they block its movement, even with a sufficiently strong wind or draft. A special brake can also be mounted, which will limit the tilt angle, which is also important.
  • Rotation blockers prevent the window from opening if it is in the open position.
  • The swing-out mechanism is called a scissor and is also adjustable and replaceable.
  • There are also microlifts in the sash, which will allow you to slightly lower or raise the sash, remove part of the load from the hinges, and also prevent hanging.

However, this is not all, since the replacement of fittings in plastic windows also implies the concept of the load that this or that mechanism can withstand, in fact, its power, which must be taken into account when choosing new parts.

  • Up to fifty kilograms.
  • From fifty to eighty kilograms of load.
  • Power up to one hundred kilograms.
  • From one hundred and thirty kilograms and above.

If this indicator is not taken into account, then the metal of the mechanism may simply not withstand and break, which will entail, again, new costs, as well as the hassle of replacing. Make sure that the spare parts you purchased are reliable and durable, because better brother is the products of well-known manufacturers all over the world, even in spite of the noticeably high cost. It will not hurt to take into account the resistance to rust, high-quality materials, attractive appearance and functionality. It must be said that the arrangement of fittings for wooden windows with double-glazed windows does not differ in any way from plastic ones, therefore there is no fundamental difference in them.

To begin with, you should definitely figure out what kind of repair of window fittings with your own hands you will need to perform, since professionals are accustomed to dividing it into current, that is, preventive, as well as usual, which is carried out in the event that something is broken or is working not correct.As a preventive measure, you can simply adjust the sash hold-down, check the functionality of the handle, clean and lubricate all moving parts of the mechanism with special grease, and replace the seal, if necessary. However, if there are no special reasons for that, then it is better to touch nothing, and postpone the repair and replacement of window fittings until better times. But how to understand that the time has come to do something? Let's figure it out together.

  • If, when checking, you feel a strong enough draft.
  • The fall of the sash from the hinges definitely means a breakdown and a serious one.
  • Various difficulties when unlocking or closing, indicate the need to adjust or replace window fittings.
  • Breakage of the handle in any part of it.
  • Deformation of the window profile can also indicate breakage of the fittings.
  • Frost in winter and condensation at any time of the year is a sign that it is time to set up, repair or replace the fittings of plastic windows.

It is clear that with bare hands it will hardly be possible to cope with such a rather difficult task as adjusting or replacing window fittings of plastic structures. You will first have to prepare a special tool, and only then start to work.

  • Curly Phillips screwdriver, with a cross section of 3x4.
  • Special 4mm Allen key.
  • Pliers or pliers.
  • Special screwdriver bits marked with TX and T.
  • Electric screwdriver or drill with an appropriate attachment. It is not worth buying a screwdriver specially, since you can easily cope without it.

There is one more issue that requires special attention, namely, what kind of oil to lubricate window fittings, and which one is better not to use. It is optimal to buy a special silicone-based lubricant, but ordinary clean machine oil will also work.

Also, real docks in their business recommend the WD-40 aerosol, developed in the early fifties to protect missiles from corrosion. It contains mineral oil, which can reliably and permanently lubricate any mechanism, and window fittings are no exception.

With a sufficiently long operation, the window fittings can become overgrown with dust and dirt, which is why its original functionality is impaired. It can also happen due to the occurrence of mechanical breakdowns, but then the repair is useless, for example, on how to remove and then replace the window handle of the plastic block on your own, like already described on our website, it makes sense to familiarize yourself with this useful information.

Moreover, sometimes even completely new designs may need to be repaired or adjusted, or even to replace fittings, for example, after repair, a lot of dirt and dust from the work carried out can get into the mechanism. The standard cost of repairing one sash will be about forty conventional units, so it makes sense to figure out how to repair and replace fittings in plastic windows with your own hands. Moreover, there is nothing overly complicated in this process, and any person can handle it, slowly and observing all the steps described below.

  • First you need to remove the sash from the hinges, for which you need to get rid of the decorative overlays on the hinges.
  • Knock out the axis of the upper loop, lightly hitting it first from the top and then from the bottom.
  • Using the pliers, pull out the axle and remove the sash also from the lower hinge, gently holding it and slowly.
  • Place the sash on a table or floor and then remove the handle. To do this, you need to turn the decorative plastic plug at the base of the handle and unscrew the screws that open to your eyes.
  • Then everything should go like clockwork, and the mechanism should easily and millet come out of the groove allocated to it.
  • Lay the window fittings you removed on the table, after which you can make an audit, looking for broken or damaged parts, they will have to be replaced.
  • Gently brush all parts with a large, hard brush.In case of heavy contamination, use special cleaning solutions or the good old WD-40 aerosol, which even "eats" rust with a bang.

Next, it remains only to dry the prepared and cleaned mechanism. It is very easy to do this with a regular household hair dryer, but you can use a vacuum cleaner with a reverse draft function or a bicycle pump. Please note that replacing plastic window hardware requires special attention, so all parts must be in place to ensure functionality. Lubricate all moving parts and then reinstall in reverse order. Before the final installation of the sash in its place, it is worth lubricating the window hinges as well, for their better functioning.