Window Latch

A super simple pair of window latches to firmly secure a hinged sash.

Inspired by the traditional Scandinavian window latches, they take the essence of these window latches using simple materials and metal working tools.

...all finished of with a window stay in the same aesthetic...lets create...

I wanted to recreate the type of window latch know as Fönsterhake in Sweden, these are often found on traditional houses + huts all over Scandinavia.

A simple little camming latch that snaps into place.

I have basic metal working tools and knowledge and so needed to make a stripped down version.

By using 4mm steel rod a simple finger pull can be bent and attached to a back plate...

...a wire nail acts as the retainer on the window frame.

The bent form of the finger pull acts a little like a spring holding the window firmly in place.

Super simple, elegant and works so well.

Finished off with clear lacquer to stop rust.

The dimensions given are approximate and will depend on finger hole size required and bender formers that you have to hand.

Materials for making x2 window latches + x1 window stay

4mm steel rod - approx 700mm long

2mm x 15mm steel plate - approx 275mm long

3no. 100mm wire nail

Fixing screws - 7no. 16mm x 2.5gauge

Clear coat lacquer

Tools

General metal working tools - hacksaw, files...

Metal bender

Welder

Metal grinder + flap discs

Drill + drill bits

Countersink

To form the parts to the latch will require the steel rod to be bent to shape.

The best way to achieve this is to use a metal bender.

First select a right angle former and bend a ninety degree bend...

...then using the smallest round former, bend the end around leaving enough space to fit the back plate loop.

Before bending the finger pull, grind a slight bevel into the other end...

...this will locate on the wire nail retainer and help keep the finger pull in place.

Select a former that will make the finger pull fit your finger nicely, a 25mm diameter one worked well for me...

...bend the end of the rod right around...

...finish off with a hammer so it sits right up against the rod.

The finger pull is ready for a fixing plate.

Now to make the fixing plate...

Mark off the length of 25mm onto the 15mm wide steel bar.

Punch marks for the loop rod positions...

...and punch mark the screw fixing holes.

Drill out the holes with the appropriate sized drill bits...

...and countersink the front screw fixing holes.

It is worth countersinking the loop holes from the rear ready for welding.

Select the smallest diameter former on the metal bender and bend some loops.

Cut off to length...

...and place into position on the fixing plate metal bar.

Weld the loops in position by welding the back side...this allows the front to be clean of weld.

Grind off nice and flat.

Cut to length and clean up...

...all ready...

Fit the finger pull to the fixing plate...

Slip the hook of the finger pull through the fixing plate loop and press together in a vice.

Position the two latches on the opening edge of the sash window...and screw into place.

Close the window and mark the position of the retaining nail on the window frame...

Drill a hole slightly thinner than the nail...

...cut the nail to length and hammer in leaving proud for the finger latch to snap over.

The head of the wire nail stops the window latch from slipping off sideways.

Simple and satisfying.

So easy to use!

A super simple window stay that reflects the aesthetic of the window latches.

Cut a length of the 2mm x 15mm flat bar to about 200mm long.

Mark out and drill three fixing holes, one at each end and one in the middle...and countersink.

Mark out at equal intervals a series of 5mm holes for the stay to latch into.

Countersink these holes just to take of the arris.

File and grind to a nice finish and spray with a coat of clear lacquer.

Make a stay in a similar way to the window latches, this time leaving the 'finger pull' part flat and long with a small right hand bend at the end...just enough to locate in the metal strip.

Screw the strip to the window frame...

Screw the stay to the window sash.

Drill out the latching holes to the strip with the 5mm drill to enable the stay to sit nicely.

Mark a hole for a retaining wire nail to hold the stay in place when not in use...drill a slightly smaller hole, cut a nail to length and hammer in.

Use + enjoy!

How about making some door furniture? Check out the video for barrel bolts!

I am entering this project into the Metal Competition and if you have enjoyed this project, I would really appreciate your vote...thank you so much.

This project is part of my YouTube channel where I try to make cool and interesting projects.

Please check out my channel if you want to see more of the projects, if not there will be more coming to Instructables soon.

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