How to adjust plastic windows and save money on the master

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

If you know which end to hold the screwdriver by, you can make the window close well.

Due to seasonal temperature changes or changes in the geometry of the frame (for example, if the house sags), the sash can sag or move. This means that it will touch the bottom or side of the window, will not be fixed in the ventilation position, or will not close tightly. There may also be problems with the handle: it will move tightly.

These are all easy to fix with proper adjustment and lubrication.

Window fittings allow you to move the sash relative to the frame in all three planes. To do this, you just need to screw or unscrew the corresponding fasteners.

• The upper hinge and the "scissors" tilt-and-turn mechanism are responsible for the horizontal displacement of the sash and for pressing the upper corner to the frame.
• The bottom hinge adjusts the vertical and horizontal movement of the sash.
• The eccentrics set the clamping force along the entire perimeter of the sash to the frame.

What you need to adjust

Craftsmen adjust metal-plastic windows with a special universal key. But with the same success it can be done with a simple set of tools. Everything you need is easy to find at home or buy in a construction or auto shop.

Here's what you need:

• hex key 4 mm;
• Torx T15 key (asterisk);
• open-end wrench 11 mm or pliers;
• flat screwdriver;
• knife;
• plastic linings;
• multipurpose grease or machine oil.

How to adjust plastic windows if the sash catches the frame from below

Method 1

Insert the hexagon into the adjustment hole of the top hinge pivot-tilt mechanism.

Make 1-2 turns clockwise to move the top of the sash towards the frame and thereby raise its lower part. With a little slack, this will be sufficient.

Method 2

If the previous method did not help, then the lower part of the window needs to be additionally raised.

Open the sash slightly and remove the plastic cap from the lower hinge. Insert the hexagon into the top hole.

Make one turn clockwise and check how the window closes until the sash stops clinging to the frame. Do not overdo it, otherwise it will jam at the top of the window!

Replace the protective cap.

Method 3

If the hinge adjustment stroke is not enough, the situation can be corrected by wedging the frame.

Remove all glazing beads by gently prying them off with a knife. First, long on the sides, then the bottom, and lastly the top.

Holding the glass unit with your hand, lift the edge of the sash and determine where gaps are formed around the glass perimeter.

Insert small pieces of plastic 2-3 mm thick into these slots. They will fill the gaps and prevent the sash from sagging under the weight of the glass unit.

While holding the glass, try to close the sash and make sure that it no longer clings to the frame.

Reinstall the glazing beads and press until they click. First the top, then the bottom, and then the long side ones.

How to adjust plastic windows if the sash catches the frame from the side

Open the window and insert the hexagon into the side hole of the lower hinge.

Make 1-2 turns clockwise to move the bottom of the sash towards the slope.

If that doesn't work, slide the top of the sash. Open the flap and insert the hexagon into the hole in the swing-out mechanism.

Turn 1-2 turns clockwise to move the sash towards the side of the slope.

Check how the window opens, and if necessary, rotate a couple more clockwise.

How to adjust plastic windows if blowing from the window

Using an Allen key, Torx T15 or a wrench, turn all clamping eccentrics around the sash.

Install the clamps in such a position that they are located as close to the seal as possible. Usually there is a mark on the eccentrics, and it must be moved from the 12 o'clock or 9 o'clock position to the 3 o'clock position.

After that, the sash will press closer to the frame and the drafts will disappear.

How to adjust plastic windows if the sash "falls out"

Open the window slightly and press the blocking tab at the end of the sash.

Move the top of the window towards the frame, without releasing the lock, and move the handle to a horizontal position.

Release the lock and close the window.

How to adjust plastic windows if the handle is tight

Open the window and clean up all accumulated dust around the sash and especially in the upper part.

Lubricate all moving parts of the hardware with silicone grease or machine oil.

The lubrication points are marked with an oiler symbol, but you can drip grease into all visible holes - there will be no harm from this.

Then close the window and turn the handle up and down several times so that the grease is dispersed through all mechanisms.