Anyone replaced their broken window latches. I have a couple that I need to fix. I got the replacement latches and the same rivets as the original (close anyhow). I tried one by drilling out the old rivet and peening the back of the new one. It's a little discomfiting though as one whacks away with a hammer that close to the window. I've searched around for a proper tool with no luck. Any ideas? Thanks.
jor
I would have to size it up close and personal, but I am think a job for a sturdy pair of vice grips, incrementally and carefully applied. Where did you get the latches? We need a couple of them too...
Don
Got them from Creation Windows:
Creation windows (http://www.creationwindows.net)
www.parkin-ac.com (http://www.parkin-ac.com)
800-637-8938
Actually, vice grips or channel locks were what I was thinking too, maybe with a ball bearing sitting on the back of the rivet so it would crush it uniformly. There has to be tool for this. I've found a couple of tools that would work that are used for leather work but they are very expensive.
jor
Thanks for the info! Regarding the ball bearing... my thoughts exactly. I wasn't sure that the rivet they came with have an indentation that will keep the ball bearing from becoming a projectile when force is applied!
Don
The rivet has a hollow shaft.
jor
A regular pop rivet tool won't work?
The latches are available at FT.
try a pan head screw and self-locking nut. Gam
Richard, these things are different than regular pop rivets. The shaft is hollow and meant to be preened or crushed.
Joseph, I could use a pan head screw but I would prefer that it look factory.
I'll post when I come up with a good solution.
jor
We have the replacement handles for 2 that need to be replaced, as well. I am glad to report that Jeff has not yet gotten out the hammer and started wailing away, and now I can head him off. Is there perhaps a tool for this kind of thing available at a tool rental place? They seem to have some hard to find, or unusual tools. Maybe a glass shop or window company?
See previous post.
Creation Window locks (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=12780.msg67996#msg67996)
No special tools needed.
George
I used an aluminum screw/nut combo of the type that is used to hold punched paper reports together. Called screw posts. I forget what length I used, but easy to install, just the right diameter, and I use a dab of thread-lock to keep them from coming open. Look just like factory, but not rivets.
Check out Screw Posts | Aluminum Screw Post | Chicago Screw (http://www.mybinding.com/.sc/ms/cat/Binding%20Supplies--Screw%20Posts)
Hah! We used those in various lengths to assemble our tech manuals in my Tech Library on the Enterprise.
OK Dave - now you told us of your great idea, you need to tell us the correct length and diameter :). Don't make us ALL run out to look! ha!
I'm going to go with DaveK's screw posts. I checked some at Ace but they didn't have the correct size. Thanks, Dave. (I'll stow the hammer)
jor
Dave!! Genius!! We should name a prize after you!!
Might use a little of the semi-permanent Loctite on the threads so it doesn't loosen up.
Brett
Checked the one I used, and it's 1/4" min grip length and 13/16" in dia, so that's really probably either metric - 5 mm dia and 6.5 mm min grip length, or inch - 3/16" dia and 1/4" min grip length.
Some of the versions are open on the "nut" end, so probably better to find that kind for more leeway.
Just trying to save a trip to my RV. Can someone tell me which window latch from the pic below is used on a 2000 320? I'm ordering from Window Creations.
mine is a 99 and the one on right is the same. creation are out of business but the latch is available from fot I believe. I broke one and repaired it by making a piece from vinyl block and gluing it. Works fine.
John
Yep, the one on the far right. I bought 3 from FOT last week. Red is all they had at $7.18 each plus tax. You might find them cheaper eslewhere.
Just to followup. I too picked up a new window lock at FOT. The price was as Jon posted. However, I wanted to add that the lock came with a post & phillip's head screw that I think will look very similar to the rivet install. Here is a pic.
Have you installed the new lock from FOT yet? Any issues with the install? I will pick up another lock next time at FOT as we have one that did not fair well when I shut the window. Yes, it was my fault! (See I do admit to mistakes... once in a while.)
Probably will do Friday - seems like that is shaping up as a work day instead of a play day which I've had a few in a row now... You know this Florida gulf coast weather is way too distracting! I'll post on my rivet removal experience.
That post and screw are new from FOT, within the last 6 months (based on when we got our replacement latches). We looked for something similar last summer but nothing like at at HD or Lowe's. We don't recall if we tried Ace or not.
-M
I used a drill just slightly larger that the hole in the window latch to drill out the rivets. Once you get most of the back face off, you can use a pair of pliers to pull the remainder through the hole in the window. They're aluminum rivets so they drill and bend easily.
Added two to my FOT parts list.
Try here for window/door parts
RV Parts and Motorhome Parts Online Outlet (http://www.pellandent.com/default.aspx)
Promised an update on my install. I only had a dremel tool to use as a drill so it took a little extra time to drill out the old rivet. If you look at pic of the new latch/post/screw posted previously it looked like it would be a simple replacement. However, turns out I had to enlarge the original hole in the frame and the hole in the red latch slightly. But after that was accomplished all fit together well. Might have to add a drop of loctite if it starts to loosen. All-in-all it took about 15 minutes.