Window Latches

Topic: Window Latches (Read 1641 times) previous topic - next topic

Window Latches

December 04, 2011, 03:45:30 pm

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

Re: Window Latches

Reply #1 – December 04, 2011, 04:06:47 pm

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

Quote from: jor – December 04, 2011, 03:45:30 pm

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

Re: Window Latches

Reply #2 – December 04, 2011, 04:54:49 pm

Got them from Creation Windows:
Creation windows
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

Re: Window Latches

Reply #3 – December 04, 2011, 05:53:52 pm

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

Quote from: jor – December 04, 2011, 04:54:49 pm

Got them from Creation Windows:
Creation windows
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

Re: Window Latches

Reply #4 – December 04, 2011, 06:23:13 pm

The rivet has a hollow shaft.
jor

Re: Window Latches

Reply #5 – December 04, 2011, 07:44:50 pm

A regular pop rivet tool won't work?

Re: Window Latches

Reply #6 – December 04, 2011, 08:04:35 pm

The latches are available at FT.

Re: Window Latches

Reply #7 – December 04, 2011, 08:06:18 pm

try a pan head screw and self-locking nut. Gam

Re: Window Latches

Reply #8 – December 04, 2011, 08:52:30 pm

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

Re: Window Latches

Reply #9 – December 04, 2011, 09:05:43 pm

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?

Re: Window Latches

Reply #10 – December 04, 2011, 11:24:41 pm

See previous post.

Creation Window locks

No special tools needed.

George

Re: Window Latches

Reply #11 – December 04, 2011, 11:31:02 pm

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

Re: Window Latches

Reply #12 – December 05, 2011, 06:34:27 am

Hah! We used those in various lengths to assemble our tech manuals in my Tech Library on the Enterprise.

Re: Window Latches

Reply #13 – December 05, 2011, 06:44:43 am

Quote from: Dave Katsuki – December 04, 2011, 11:31:02 pm

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

Brilliant!

Re: Window Latches

Reply #14 – December 05, 2011, 06:49:59 am

Quote from: Dave Katsuki – December 04, 2011, 11:31:02 pm

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

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!

Re: Window Latches

Reply #15 – December 05, 2011, 10:18:53 am

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

Re: Window Latches

Reply #16 – December 05, 2011, 10:59:03 am

Dave!! Genius!! We should name a prize after you!!

Re: Window Latches

Reply #17 – December 05, 2011, 11:23:49 am

Might use a little of the semi-permanent Loctite on the threads so it doesn't loosen up.

Brett

Re: Window Latches

Reply #18 – December 05, 2011, 02:09:38 pm

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.

Which latch?

Reply #19 – December 30, 2011, 02:52:28 pm

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.

Re: Window Latches

Reply #20 – December 30, 2011, 03:09:32 pm

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

Re: Window Latches

Reply #21 – December 30, 2011, 03:45:16 pm

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.

Re: Window Latches

Reply #22 – January 18, 2012, 07:27:41 pm

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.

Re: Window Latches

Reply #23 – January 18, 2012, 08:28:30 pm

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.)

Re: Window Latches

Reply #24 – January 18, 2012, 08:47:21 pm

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.

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