Woodworkers / DIYers of MetaFilter - what's this basement window latch?

May 29, 2023 9:28 AM

I'm making some replacement screen windows for my basement, which has been a fun learning process. The one thing I'm hung up on is getting replacement window latches. They're like bowtie latches, but the right hand side of it is ~1/3 - 1/2" offset from the other to fit over the window frame.

I mean, I could probably cobble something out of wood and it would probably be good enough, it just holds the window in the frame, and mostly it just keeps the window from falling out of the frame, there isn't a whole lot of tension on the latch. Here's a picture of it in use.

I assume vintage or NOS etsy listings is about what it's going to require, but all I come up with is modern window latches and bowtie latches when I go searching. I assume I just haven't come across the proper name for these little devils, so that's why I'm not finding any online.

posted by Kyol to Home & Garden (4 answers total)

I am usually pretty good at tracking down things like this, and the closest I can find is a "insert screen clip", but they are not what you are looking for- they are mainly plastic. If you have all the pieces, and they are covered in paint, you can use the "crock-pot" method of removing all the old paint, and then oiling the metal. Most likely would be better than what you can buy nowadays (unless you get vintage.)
posted by momochan at 9:57 AM on May 29, 2023 [1 favorite]

Best answer: I think these might be what you are looking for? Might give some other keywords for searching.
posted by ceithern at 10:32 AM on May 29, 2023 [2 favorites]

Best answer: Wisco are pretty great for tracking down hardware like storm window clips.
posted by zenon at 2:20 PM on May 29, 2023 [2 favorites]

If you have all the catches, I would strip the layers of paint off, clean them up nicely and spray them with a rattle can.
posted by dg at 7:34 PM on May 29, 2023