ORDER BY 2 PM (MON–FRI) FOR SAME-DAY DESPATCH! NO DESPATCH ON WEEKENDS OR BANK HOLIDAYS
ORDER BY 2 PM (MON–FRI) FOR SAME-DAY DESPATCH! NO DESPATCH ON WEEKENDS OR BANK HOLIDAYS
Window handle snapped? Hinge seized? Won’t lock shut?
You’re in the right place. We stock friction hinges, handles, espag locks, restrictors, keeps and vents for uPVC, aluminium and timber windows — the parts that actually wear out and need replacing. Everything’s sized, measured and described in plain English so you can match what you’ve got.
Not sure what you need? Send us a photo on WhatsApp or email and we’ll identify it for you. Support hours Mon–Fri, 9am–3:30pm.
Window handles — the most commonly replaced part. We stock espag handles (the standard uPVC type with a square spindle that drives the lock), cockspur handles for older aluminium and timber windows, tilt & turn handles, and Cego Cadenza blade handles, predominantly used on metal windows. Brands include Yale, Fab & Fix, Mila, Hoppe, Avocet, GreenteQ, Schlosser, Securistyle, Troja,, Ultion, Versa, Winlock and ERA, with spindle lengths typically from 15mm to 55mm.
Friction stays and hinges — the scissor-like metal arms that hold your window open. If the window is sagging, dragging on the frame or won’t stay put, the friction hinge has worn out. We stock standard, slimline, egress (wider opening for fire escape), easy-clean and restricted versions from Yale, Mila and other trade brands, in sizes from 8″ to 24″.
Espag locks and shootbolts — the long metal strip with cams that runs inside the window frame and is driven by the handle. Available in inline, offset flat faceplate and offset U-rail formats, plus shootbolt variants. Match the backset (distance from edge of sash to centre of handle spindle) and the overall length carefully.
Keeps, restrictors and vents — window keeps are the metal strikers the cams lock into on the frame side. Restrictors limit how far the window can open (useful for child safety or upper floors). Trickle vents and rotary vents handle background ventilation and help with condensation.
Plus all the smaller bits — window casement stays, tilt before turn accessories, handle screw covers, spindles, and assorted window accessories to finish the job.
How do I measure a window handle for replacement?
Measure the spindle — that’s the square metal bar that sticks out the back of the handle and drives the lock. Common lengths are 15mm, 25mm, 30mm, 40mm and 55mm. Also note the screw centres (distance between the two fixing screw holes) and whether the handle is left-handed, right-handed or reversible.
Why has my window stopped closing properly?
Nine times out of ten it’s worn friction hinges — the sash drops slightly and the cams no longer line up with the keeps. Check whether the window is sagging when open, or if you have to lift it to close. Replacing both hinges (always do them in pairs) usually fixes it. If the hinges look fine, the espag lock itself may have failed.
How do I measure a friction hinge?
Measure the full length of the metal track when the hinge is closed flat — from one end to the other. Sizes are usually given in inches (8″, 10″, 12″, 16″, 20″, 24″). Also check whether you need standard, egress (wider opening), easy-clean (reverses for cleaning the outside) or slimline (narrower stack height for slim sashes).
What’s the difference between inline and offset espag locks?
Inline means the gearbox sits in the middle of the lock strip — common on most windows. Offset means the gearbox sits to one side (usually with a flat faceplate or U-rail), which is standard on many older uPVC windows. Look at your existing lock.
Are window handles left or right handed?
Some window handles are handed, while others are reversible. Cockspur handles are often handed. To identify the correct one, stand inside facing the window. If the handle points to the left, you usually need a left-hand handle. If the points to the right, you usually need a right-hand handle.
With espag handles, the style matters:
Inline espag handles are usually non-handed because the lever sits in the centre, so they can be used on either left- or right-handed windows.
Cranked espag handles are usually handed because the lever is offset to one side. This helps keep your knuckles clear of the frame when operating the handle, so you need to choose the correct left- or right-hand version.
So in general: cockspur and cranked handles are often handed, while inline espag handles are usually reversible or universal.
Will any window part fit any window?
No — uPVC, aluminium and timber windows each have their own hardware standards, and even within uPVC there are variations between profiles. The good news is most replacement parts are designed to cover the common sizes. If you’re not sure what fits, send us a photo and the measurements and we’ll check for you.
Need a hand?
WhatsApp us on 07918 241583 or email sales@jcphardware.co.uk. Support hours Mon–Fri, 9am–3:30pm.
Over 30 years doing this — there's very little we haven't seen.
