I am looking for what I believe is called a "finger latch". The lower sash of the window can be tilted in for cleaning by manually pulling in these latches at both upper corners of the sash. This releases the top of the sash from the tracks at the sides of the window.
The window is an 8500 Series double hung vinyl window by American Craftsman. American Craftsman windows are made by Silver Line Building Products (SLBP), a division of Andersen. I purchased the window through Home Depot in 2010. Its color is white.
Important note: the latches shown in these pictures are NOT the factory-installed ones. They are retrofit parts that were installed by a repair technician from SLBP to correct a manufacturing defect. The difference between these latches and the factory-original ones is that the trapezoidal component that protrudes beyond the side of the window to engage the track is thicker on the retrofit part. I am looking to match the retrofit part shown in these pictures.
I tried to obtain these from SLBP, but they said they no longer have any available. They suggested I try this website. Hopefully you can help me!
"Finger latch" assembly for top of tilt-in lower sash on American Craftsman 8500 Series window
Landlord from Gardiner, NY
Sep 19, 2013 1:27 am
6 Replies
Tom from SWISCO
Sep 19, 2013 10:08 am
These latches look a lot like our 26-408. Check them out and see if you agree.
Landlord from Gardiner, NY
Sep 19, 2013 2:52 pm
Hi Tom,
I agree, they do look very similar. In fact, your 26-408 appears to be a match for the factory-installed ones that I'm looking to replace.
The ones I need have the more blunt tip on the pointy part that engages the track on the side of the window frame. In every other respect I think they're identical to the 26-408.
Is that the closest you can get to it?
I agree, they do look very similar. In fact, your 26-408 appears to be a match for the factory-installed ones that I'm looking to replace.
The ones I need have the more blunt tip on the pointy part that engages the track on the side of the window frame. In every other respect I think they're identical to the 26-408.
Is that the closest you can get to it?
Tom from SWISCO
Sep 20, 2013 8:44 am
Yes, this appears to be the closest we've been able to find. I'm not sure if the pointed tooth will make much of a difference compared to your blunted tooth, but I've never used one like yours so I can't be sure.
Landlord from Gardiner, NY
Sep 20, 2013 2:24 pm
The blunt-tipped tooth is a little thicker in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the glass. This pushes the top of the sash out slightly, allowing it to properly engage with the upper sash when closed. It is a very small difference, probably 1/16" or so, but I know from experience with these windows that it works.
In any case, thank you very much for looking. Any suggestions on where I might find these parts?
In any case, thank you very much for looking. Any suggestions on where I might find these parts?
Tom from SWISCO
Sep 20, 2013 2:29 pm
I'm not sure where you can find them in your area, but you can purchase them directly from our site.
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