How to find a specific kind of metal hook
September 23, 2020 1:46 PM   Subscribe

I am looking to replace a certain metal hook, that is part of our windows. Where can I find a similar piece?

I live in a building that has special snowflake windows which were originally made in the early 1900s. We are not allowed to replace the windows.

Some of these windows don't close, because they're missing a metal hook. Here is a photo of the metal hook, from one of the windows that works: https://imgur.com/lTosn83.

How can I get more of these hooks? Are there particular search terms to use? If it's not possible to buy something pre-made, whats the best way to get new ones custom-made?
posted by tinymegalo to Home & Garden (7 answers total)
 
These would be a piece of cake for a metal metal fab shop. You could save some $$ by painting them yourself. Good luck!
posted by i_mean_come_on_now at 2:09 PM on September 23, 2020


Got a community college with a cnc/tool & die/manufacturing program nearby? Take an example in, see if a student wants to make it in their downtime with appropriate scrap materials. I know someone who did this to replace the knob on an old slow cooker - it turned into a whole project for them.
posted by Caxton1476 at 2:15 PM on September 23, 2020


Best answer: I search for 'flat metal casement window latch' and found these.

there is no size indicated in the photo, but maybe those search terms will help.
posted by TDIpod at 2:17 PM on September 23, 2020 [1 favorite]


Best answer: The bit you are looking for is called a "keeper", there are a variety of them, and this website, Biltbest Window Parts, has a lot of options, and you can also send a photo of your keeper to them and they will help identify what you need. Info is here.
posted by momochan at 2:26 PM on September 23, 2020 [4 favorites]


Just about anyone with a drill press, a hack saw, and a bench grinder could probably make a new one (or ten). Got any handy friends?
posted by notsnot at 5:45 PM on September 23, 2020


Hippo Hardware in Portland Or. is one of my go-to places for early 20th century hardware. They have new reproductions and old salvaged items.
posted by Zedcaster at 4:23 PM on September 24, 2020


Yeah, this is the kind of part that even a beginning machinist could turn out by hand, but would also be easy to model up for CNC production. Great real-world project for a high school or community college shop class.
posted by xedrik at 9:39 PM on September 24, 2020


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