Window Handles

About Window Handles

The door and window hardware category include a range of convenient essentials that allow smooth operating. This accessory is typically made of metal and designed to work with one specific, or many standard designs and styles.

A window handle is a small fixture that installs on the window frame. By controlling the rotation of the hinge, it works to open or close the window. It often features more than one option to allow different opening positions.

Types of Window Handles

Espag 

This type derives its name from the French word espagnolette. It specified the particular kind of lock mechanism once fitted onto the vertical frame of French doors and casement windows. The system featured a long metal rod with hooks on both ends, connected to a turning fastener.

Modern Espag handles come with a system that fits inside the door or window frame, providing additional security levels with multiple locks. They can be installed into wooden casement windows, uPVC frames, or French Doors. Many modern built homes with double glazing windows have Espag handles as a standard feature.  

• Straight Espag handles: Straight designs are universal and suited for both right and left opening windows.
• Cranked Espag handles: The off-set design of the straight Espag handle is available in the left or right position. It's an excellent choice for situations where the handle must sit close to the edge of the frame, providing more ample maneuvering space. 

Cockspur  

A cockspur handle is typically found in timber, uPVC, and aluminium windows. It's a two-piece system composed of a latch and a catch that closes to it. While it comes in a broad range of designs and styles, they all have the prominent "nose" as a standard feature. 

On aluminium and uPVC double glazed windows, the latch and the catch belong to the same plane. A cockspur handle closes onto a wedge block mounted on the opposite side of the frame. 

Timber window cockspur handles, on the other hand, connect into an opposite catch and feature a shorter nose. The latch and catch are positioned at the right angle in the corner of the frames.

UPVC cockspur handle is recognised by the different size ranges between the nose of the handle and the base of the handle.

Cockspur handle design differs by the fixing screws, featuring two, three, and four fixing screw handles. 

Tilt and Turn

Tilt and turn window handles are common on timber, aluminium, and uPVC modern double glazed panels. They are based on a dual-action mechanism that allows the window to either open fully or be dropped down 'hopper' style for ventilation. 

On average, tilt and turn window handles are the most accessible type to replace. The spindle based system is relatively similar to the Espag but also sturdier, larger, and more durable. The reason is that a typical tilt and turn window is more substantial and heavier than most counterparts. Also, while the Espag handle can turn up to 90 degrees, tilt and turn handles can go up to 360 degrees when off the window, or 180 when on it. 

Tilt and turn aluminium window handles are mostly found in commercial applications, although residential use also holds a minor portion of the market. 

Two main types of tilt and turn systems are "tilt before turn," and vice versa. 

• Tilt before turn: The window can't be fully opened without proper effort and attention. When it's shut, the fastener system rests unlocked. Rotating the handle until it reaches 180 degrees will make the panel open first partially, then fully.
• Turn before tilt:  When the window is closed, the handle rests locked. Turning it 90 degrees opens the window fully, while the 180 degrees turn allows the panel to be dropped down (tilt) for ventilation.

Fastener Styles

Cranked Handle

The cranked handle is a variation of a standard inline handle. A curved bulbous top adds more character and style to enhance the aesthetic value of the whole setting. It's available in the left and right versions and opens only one way. 

Traditional Wrought Iron

Most wrought-iron handles are produced by the same methods used for over a century. Such a process allows authenticity and uniqueness, with no two handles created alike. On average, they can be fitted to the casement windows.

Monkey Tail

This model is probably the most well known among the traditional designs. It owes its name to the specific shape of the curly end, resembling a monkey tail. Such a design twist makes a notable visual feature and accentuates the overall style. 

Bulb End

The bulb end handle is similar to the round ring and monkey tail handles in terms of the production process. The shape of this type is characterised by a sweeping handle that grows thicker towards the end.

Round Ring

The round ring handle can be found in a plethora of materials and finishes, including wrought iron, bronze, brass, and more. 

Materials

Brass and bronze are the most conventional choices of materials when it comes to fasteners. However, there are many other options designed to fit with fibreglass, vinyl, uPVC and other modern frame styles. 

• White window handles work excellent in both modern and rustic farmhouse decor schemes. They fit equally well with neutral colour palettes, natural wood tones and textures, and dark shades. 
• Black window hardware is a staple of modern elegance and minimalist designs. 
• Chrome window handles boast a shiny surface, perfect for blending into industrial aesthetic and pairing with natural wood textures.
• Nickel fastenings come in either a prominent polished or subtle satin finish. 

Things to Consider Before Buying Window Fasteners

Before choosing the style of the window fasteners, it's good to identify what the window is made from timber, uPVC, aluminium, MDF, or steel. Some handle types work better with specific materials. 

The same applies to the window type. Most fasteners will work with casement models, while pivot, sliding sash, or roof and awning windows may have special requirements.