Introduction

A fastener is an integral part of the window hardware. A fastener is actually a mechanical device that allows one to fasten a window. They are usually operated from one side of the window and are meant for fastening the window in a closed position. There are various types of fasteners meant for windows and selection of appropriate fastener for a particular window is very important.
A window closing in a clockwise direction would need a right handed casement fastener. On the other hand, a window closing in an anti-clockwise direction requires a left handed casement fastener.

Materials Used

Window fasteners need to be very strong and durable. Hence, they are mainly cast of metals like:

• Brass
• Aluminium
• Iron

As there are sash window and casement window, fasteners are also available as sash fastener and casement fastener. However, casement fasteners are more popular because of the variety in design and style available with them.


Styles of Casement Fastener

Casement fasteners are of various types like:

• Casement fastener with mortise strike: This type of casement latch is meant for a single out-swing sash. The fastener is reversible and can be installed on the left or right side of the window.
  
  
• Casement fastener with rim strike: This type of fastener with fits single in-swing sashes. It is also reversible and can be mounted on the left or right side of the window.
  
  
• Casement fastener with surface strike: The surface strike casement latches are used for a pair of in/out swing sashes. This type of latch is suitable for keeping cabinet and pantry doors closed.
  
  
• Casement fastener with loop: This type of fastener has a finger loop cast into its handle. It comes with a single strike for out-swing casement windows.

Types of Window Fastener

The various types of window fasteners are:

• Nails and Screws: They are also known as anchors and are meant for installation of a window to its frame. Nails and screws are mostly made of metals and come in various sizes and lengths. The length of these anchors depends on the depth of penetration required.
  
  
• Clamps: A clamp is a basically a fastening device meant for holding or securing window panes tightly together to prevent movement or separation through the application of inward pressure. Clamp provides additional security by clamping onto metal window track and securing window to prevent unauthorized entry.
  
  
• Nuts and Bolts: Nuts and bolts are fastening devices that come in pairs. Bolts are of various sizes and shapes. The head of the bolt can be round or square. The grooves along the length and the shape of the bolt head decides the type of the nut required to fasten with it. They are mostly metallic and are an integral part of window hardware.
  
  
• Grommets: Grommets are ring like structures made of metal, plastic or rubber. They are primarily used to reinforce holes to fix window to window frames. They are basically two piece structures having trim ring and removable slotted cover plate to offer maximum flexibility.