Window Sash Tilt Latch
If they are not replaceable, is it possible to use a surface mount latch in it's place?
Hello there!
Thanks for reaching out to us. This type of latch can indeed be replaced. I'm just not sure if we'll have a match for yours. That would depend on the length and spacing of the "forks". Our selection of release levers can be found here.
To remove the old one, you can slide a putty knife under the lever to force it up and away from the internal tilt latch. If the window is old, you'll have to be extra careful to not break the lever for an accurate measurement.
I guess I am looking for the part that you called the "internal tilt latch"
The triangle tabs sticking out the sides of the window have broken off.
In this picture, the tilt latch and release lever are both intact. I have other windows where the tab sticking out the side of the window is broken off. I couldn't take a picture of a missing tab, as well, it's missing.
Thanks for clarifying! We'd be happy to ID the internal latch but we'll have to see it removed from the window. The video below will go over the replacement steps and how to remove the top cap of the sash.
The frame appears to be a welded unit? The bottom of the unit will not pop out of the track.
There are some cases with older and non-quality windows where the top cap is welded in and isn't designed to be removed, but from looking at these new photos, we don't think that's the case. It may just be very hard to remove or pry off. Another thought is that the internal tilt latch could be built into the top cap; we don't see that very often though.
If you aren't able to remove it, you may want to have a local professional come out to see if they can help.
If all else fails and you aren't able to remove the top cap, you might want to see if you could convert to a surface mount latch depending on the space you have. Take a look at the video below that will guide you through every step of this process. You'll then need to find a tilt latch that will fit the space available; we have detailed dimensions in each case that you can use as a reference.