NOTICE: SWISCO.com offices will be closed Monday, January 20th, reopening Tuesday, January 21st.

39-031 and 39-032 will not work in my window

Home Owner from Canton, Ohio
Original operators for Certainteed windows - 25 years old
part number is L30841 and 30842

I ordered your part 39-031 and 39-032 the measurements and picture seemed to be the same
Problem: we're have difficulty installing - window does not want to close all the way - we looked at two existing windows and tried to simulate position but it still doesn't work.

Thank you!
10 Replies
Dave Sr.
Dave Sr. from SWISCO
SWISCO
Expert
I tried to trace the numbers L30841 and 30842, but could not find them. Did you compare the dimensions of your old operators to the 39-031 and 39-032? If so, were the sizes identical, or did they differ in any way? Also make sure that there are no obstructions in the track.

If you want please send us a photo of your original operator next to the new one you purchased. Maybe that will help us identify the problem. You may also have our 39-155 and 39-156, which are similar but have a different sized link arm.
Home Owner from canton ohio
The 39-031 and 39-032 match the dimensions of the originals. The patent numbers on the back are identical if that matters.

We watched the video but that didn't help.

I guess we need to know what position the operator needs to be in as far as the two arms when we start to install since the smaller arm can pivot in several ways.

Thanks
Dave Sr.
Dave Sr. from SWISCO
SWISCO
Expert
We show the orientation of the arms during installation in our video. It doesn't really matter how they're positioned when you install it, anyway, since you can adjust them at any point to get them in the right position.

When you say the window won't close all the way, how extreme is the problem? Is it just the last few inches, or are we talking about a wide open window? If it's just a few inches, check to make sure there aren't any protruding screws or pieces of debris that might be interfering with the operation of the sash.

If it's more extreme, do you think the problem could be that you're using the operators on the wrong sides of the window? I know they look pretty similar so it can be confusing as to which side they need to be installed.
Home Owner from canton ohio
We did have it mixed up at first, but solved that.
When we close the window, it closes probably 2/3 of the way then the smaller arm pushes against the outside of the window and won't go any further.
These are vinyl replacement windows if that makes any difference.
Tom
Tom from SWISCO
SWISCO
Expert
That is strange. Can you take a few pictures of these new operators installed and show us exactly how it bumps against the outside of the window? Maybe then we can get to the bottom of this mystery!
Handy Person from USA
Hello,

The replacement arms are shaped slightly different as you should be able to see in the pictures. The window will not close all the way because the smaller arm hits against the bracket on the window. I'm not sure if this is the only problem, but the windows close about half-way and then bind on something and won't go any further.
User submitted photos of a window operator.
Dave Sr.
Dave Sr. from SWISCO
SWISCO
Expert
Ah, I see. The "down" bend on the 39-031 helps to keep the link arm on the stud bracket if the slide clip disengages. We find that it works better, and have never had any problems using it to replace one with an "up" bend. I find it peculiar that it's interfering with your window, but I'm not totally surprised. If it does cause a problem, you might be able to adjust your sash bracket a little to make up for it. Could that work?
Home Owner from canton ohio
Thanks for your reply. The brackets are mounted under the window frame on the part that closes against the outside frame. These are vinyl replacement windows (about 30 yrs old) and there is really no place to move the brackets.

Dave Sr.
Dave Sr. from SWISCO
SWISCO
Expert
Ah, I see. The only other thing that comes to mind is swapping the link arm between the old and new operator. You could reinstall the old link arm on the new operator with the 62-014 rivet.
Reply to Thread
Current Photos:
Related Products
Related Videos
Related Guides