Operator connected to a long crossbar, like a "T"

Quick Learner from living room window
looking for a replacement for this.
A customer submitted photo of a window operator.
8 Replies
Dave Sr.
Dave Sr. from SWISCO
SWISCO
Expert
Thanks for posting! This is a very unusual operator. I'm wondering if this is for what is known as a French Window, where you only need one operator to open both windows. Either way, do you think you can adapt our 39-021 Wood Window Crank to work with this setup?
Quick Learner
maybe these pics will help
A customer submitted photo of a window operator.
Dave Sr.
Dave Sr. from SWISCO
SWISCO
Expert
Thank you. That makes things a lot clearer! You have an old-style awning operator. You may have to use a newer style like our 39-015 Roto Gear Window Crank, or maybe our 39-083 or 39-140 dual arm cranks. You would have to look at their dimensions and determine what would fit best. Keep in mind that you may also have to install new hardware to accommodate the new operators.
Quick Learner from Atlanta
We have several older casement windows, which cannot be easily opened/closed because the teeth in the crank mechanism (4" wide square) have worn down. I found some markings on the crank: DET 4.235.01 (detroit)? There is a ~8" arm that extends to the track (~29" long). The arm is straight for 7", then bends and joins the crank mechanism. As far as I can tell, the entire assembly to fastened together, so I might need to remove the flashing and wood to remove the entire thing as it is screwed into the case below the sill.

The first picture shows the crank mechanism and the second shows the connection between the crank arm and the track.

Thanks for any help!
Tom
Tom from SWISCO
SWISCO
Expert
Thank you for posting. I've placed you into an existing discussion regarding this very same operator. Check out our posts above to see a couple ideas of what you can do.
Home Owner from Minneapolis, MN

Hello!

I've been looking to replace my awning window operators, they're original hardware from when the house was built in 1955. I have not been able to identify anything close to them until I came across this thread. I think I have the exact same style operator (see attached pictures).

Any idea what I could replace these with? thank you so much in advance!

- Maria

5 user uploaded images
Tom
Tom from SWISCO
SWISCO
Expert

I'm sorry to say that there are no confirmed replacements for your original operator style. These are just too old, and the modern design convention for this kind of window has moved very far away from how your window is intended to function. Because of that, there aren't really many modern replacements that function similarly. 

My colleague Dave suggested a possible alternative in his response above, back in 2012, but using these kind of parts on your window is no small task. It will require a lot of retrofitting to get your window working again with these components. You should strongly considering having a professional do the installation for you.

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