window lock replacement

Quick Learner from NJ

Mar 16, 2012 3:08 pm

Hi, here is another window I need to fix the lock on. There are several windows in my house that have these locks, the screws seem to be stripping the plastic and not staying in tight, which then doesn't let the window lock work. Is there a way to fix this? use bigger screws?
thank you

10 Replies

Tom from SWISCO

Mar 16, 2012 3:15 pm

Thank you for submitting your pictures to us.

Can you give us the distance between screw hole centers, on both your lock and keeper?

Quick Learner from NJ

Mar 16, 2012 4:11 pm

the distance between both screw hole centers is approx 1 3/4"

Paul from SWISCO

Mar 20, 2012 2:02 pm

Thank you for the information. Could you please confirm the distance between the screw hole centers? Judging by the style of the lock, I feel like it should be a bit wider than your 1-3/4". Can you also tell me the distance between the installation hole center and the back of the lock--that is, the side of the lock closest to the keeper?

Quick Learner from NJ

Mar 23, 2012 10:49 am

Hi Paul,
I took the lock off and measured, you are right, it's 2" from hole center to hole center on each part. it is 1/4" from hole center to back of the lock.

thanks, Joyce

Paul from SWISCO

Mar 23, 2012 12:49 pm

Thank you. Please take a look at our 90-161 White Window Lock and Keeper, which measures 2-1/16". Do you think this may work for you?

Quick Learner from NJ

Mar 23, 2012 3:37 pm

Do you think the 1/16th of an inch will fit the 2" holes? also, the locks work, it's just that the screws don't stay in tightly and then the lock becomes loose and doesn't hold. Do I need to replace the whole lock or just the screws?

thanks,

Paul from SWISCO

Mar 27, 2012 8:55 am

Aha! That makes things a bit more clear. If that is indeed the case, then replacing the lock would not solve your problem.

You have two ways to go about this. You could try replacing the screws by taking them to a local hardware store and getting the next size up. Or, you could move the lock over and drill new holes. However, I should warn you that drilling new holes does come with a risk of damaging your glass. I would contact a local professional to see if they can help you out.

Home Owner from ohio

May 25, 2013 4:07 pm

I have a lock very similar to the one above. The contour is a bit different and it sits down more in the window. You recommended the 90-161 but I'm not sure if it would work for my windows. It measures 2 1/16 from screw hole centers & 7/16 from screw hole to straight edge.

User submitted a photo of a window lock.

Tom from SWISCO

May 28, 2013 1:58 pm

It looks like our 90-161 could work. The dimensions are the same, at least. It's hard to say, though, since yours fits in a custom groove. You might have to contact the manufacturer directly, if our 90-161 doesn't fit.