Introduction

Handles are essential for smooth and easy operation of windows. They allow a firm grip for opening and closing of window panes. These handles are available in various sizes and shapes. Usually curved or straight in style, window handles come in various finishes.

They are fixed in the centre of the window pane on the inner side with the help of screws. The length of handles vary and can be customized. Handles are provided with grab screws and locking keys.


Materials Used

Handles designed for windows are mostly cast of high quality metals. Some of the common materials used include:

• Stainless Steel
• Zinc
• Aluminium
• Brass

In order to make these handles rust proof and to prevent them from tarnishing, they are given excellent finishes and coatings. Polished nickel finish, satin finish, black paint finish and polished brass finish are very popular among window handles.


Salient Features

• Window crank handles come in various sizes and shapes.
• Zinc window handles are ideal for aluminium windows.
• There are some handles that come with long and short lock springs as per requirement.
• Handles are easy to install and are provided with necessary hardware tools.

One of the most popular window handles is crank handle that is used exclusively for casement window. Window crank handles come in various styles. T-shaped, long spline shaped, etc are some of the common styles available. The finishes in crank handles are varied. Bronze finish, white finish, bronze finish, black antique finish and aluminium finishes are some of the popular finishes that come with crank window handles.

Buyer's Guide Before buying a window handle, one should consider the strength and durability of the material used. Handles enhance the style of the window, hence design and finish of handles should match with it. The size of the handle should also match with the size of the window. Corrosion free materials should be selected for window handle. As metals lose their luster after sometime, it should be ensured that the material of the handle can be polished.

Types of Window Handles

Windows are various types and hence, handles used for different types of windows are different. Some of the window handle types include:

• Espag Handle: The word "espag" is the short form for the French word "espagnolette", which became very popular in the UK during the 1980's with the growth of PVC-U window frames.
  Espag handles facilitate window lock mechanisms and is identified by a square spindle extending out from the back of the handle. The spindle operates the lock and upon turning, locks or releases the window.
  
  
• Cockspur Handle: It is the simplest handle design available for a PVC-U window. Cockspur handle was the most commonly used window handle during the early days. The working principle of these handles is simple. In this, the handle nose moves across a wedge in a closing position in order to pull the sash of the window tight against the frame. It is a common practice to use two handles on the sash to ensure that the window is tightly closed or pulled against its seals.