70-048 malleability

Home Owner from Mount Laurel, NJ

Apr 6, 2018 3:55 pm

I have to replace 7 windows' worth of of Malta screen latches. the old ones held up for maybe 20 years.

How durable are the 70-048s and are they malleable enough or is just personal preference? (Do they work or not? :) )

I don't want to replace them only to find out I'll have to do it again in 10 years. Which means I'm also looking at the 70-204. Seems like a bit more of a permanent solution. However, there's not much room on the Malta jambs for the ball screw. Any specific instructions on installing them? Also do they include screws for attaching to the screen?

Thanks!
Bill

4 Replies

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Tom from SWISCO

Apr 10, 2018 10:47 am

EXPERT

Hey, Bill. If your screen originally used the 70-048, we usually recommend sticking with that. It may be possible to install the 70-204 but if the screen wasn't made for it then there's no telling how well they'll hold up.

As for the 70-048, they are fairly flexible at the "neck." See the video below, you should get a good idea of how flexible they are here.

Home Owner from Mount Laurel

Apr 11, 2018 9:35 pm

Thanks Tom!

With the info you shared, I'll go with the 70-048's.

I'm also in need of balance hardware for the older Malta's (in correspondence with Manuela Andujar) - will order everything at once.

Regards,
Bill.

Tom from SWISCO

Apr 13, 2018 2:39 pm

EXPERT

Awesome, glad to hear it! We appreciate your business, Bill, it means a lot. Please let me know if you have any more questions.

Quick Learner from Connecticut

Apr 26, 2018 11:51 am

Here's a tip to get more mileage from your aging and brittle Malta window screen clips.

Don't throw out broken clips that have snapped off. Take out the broken part under the screen spline. Use duct tape and wrap around the remaining latch section to create an extension that will go under the spline.

See attached photo for comparison and explanation. From top to bottom:
1. Typical broken latch
2. Duct tape replacement latch
3. New latch