Tilt-Latch replacement - MW 1998 vinyl

Home Owner from Delaplane, VA

May 10, 2024 4:57 pm

MW 1998 Tilt-latch replacement question. I unfortunately purchased 26-393A for these and it was almost a fit. My latches have a base (internal) housing that is 9/16 wide by 2 9/16 long (measured from the end of the rounded internal end). The gap between the tiny catch on the bottom and the business end of the internal mechanism is 1/16. The thickness of the internal portion of the latch is 3/8 and the surface plate is about 1/16 thick. Not sure how long the broken catch tooth is but most any would work.

Do you have a suggested replacement for these? I do not think a surface mount would fit into the top of the window frame. Many thanks in advance.

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Bob from SWISCO

May 10, 2024 8:53 pm

EXPERT

Thanks for writing in. Sorry to hear that the 26-393A did not work out for you. These look more like a variation of the 26-243 and 26-244, a pair of surface-mount tilt latches that are very commonly seen. Review all the dimensions below, including of that tab on the underside of the latch. Let me know if these match up, or if anything differs in any way. The only other thing I can't verify here is whether the shape of your tilt latch's locking tooth is similar to what is shown below. Let me know what you think.

Alternate view of 26-243

Profile view of 26-243

Home Owner from Delaplane, VA

May 14, 2024 3:36 pm

Thank you for your prompt response. The clip on the underside is just 1/16 inch from the end whereas the 26-243 is 3/16. Also, the 26-243 seems to have an upper and under slide edge. I tried one similar to 26-243 from another MW window and it would not slide in but perhaps could if slots were cut on both sides of slide-in side of the window vinyl. But then I would have some concern that the retention clip on the bottom is 3/16 in rather than the original 1/16 inch distance as in the picture.

The dimensions on the 26-243 do not seem to provide the width of the inserted below-frame section, which is 9/16 inch on mine. The length of the top section on mine is 2 9/16, which is also different from the 2 5/8 of the 26-243 but is close enough. If 26-243 is the closest I am going to get, then I may have to try to retrofit with those. The locking tooth is exactly as the original.

Bob from SWISCO

May 15, 2024 10:00 am

EXPERT

Thanks for verifying your precise dimensions. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find anything that matches your specifications. At this time the 26-243 and 26-244 remains our best options. I do believe they will still work for you, even if some alterations are required.

The bottom locking tooth being in the wrong position, for instance, is rarely a problem in my experience. These usually have a tight fit as it is and once they're installed and the window is in the upright position, they will be braced against the side jamb of the window frame and therefore won't be able to slide out anyway.