39-146 / 39-147 better design available?

Question

I have casement windows throughout my house. All but two are 32 years old and work fine. Two were installed when I did a remodel using Anderson Perma-Shield. Neither has been used much - easily fewer than 100 operations, but both operators broke for the same reason.

The Anderson design uses a flimsy metal bushing that is somewhat crimped to the pot-metal casting to retain the lead screw. When the bushing comes off, and it always will, the lead screw backs out and breaks the housing. Anderson has since changed this design, but won't admit it was simply a bad design to start with.

My question: Is there an operator that will work here that is made with a better design for capturing the lead screw? If not, is there a way to repair the operators?

Dave Sr. · Accepted Answer

Good afternoon and thank you for your patience.

Unfortunately there is no way to repair these operators. Once the housing ruptures, the worn gear comes out. My suggestion to you is to remove the operator completely and open and close the window manually. Check to see if the window is binding or catching on something and preventing it from operating smoothly. That could be casing the extra strain on the operator.