Interlocking Pivot Bar
Windows and sliding doors are some of the most essential components of any building, especially for those who live in areas with unique weather conditions. The durability, functionality, and longevity of these fixtures largely depend on their hardware parts, such as locks, handles, hinges, and pivot bars, among others. Among these components, interlocking pivot bars take a significant role in ensuring smooth and secure operation of windows and sliding doors.
Interlocking pivot bars are among the most crucial hardware parts of windows and sliding doors. Understanding what makes up this component, how to identify them, and their functionality, can have a significant impact on the overall maintenance and performance of windows and sliding doors. This guide provides an in-depth analysis of what interlocking pivot bars are, how to identify them, their functionality, common issues associated with them, and how to replace them when they malfunction.
What is an Interlocking Pivot Bar?
An interlocking pivot bar is a hardware part of a sliding window or door that securely holds the device in place. It provides stability, security and smooth operation to the window or sliding door. An interlocking pivot bar consists of two parts that interconnect — the pivot bar, and the interlock. The pivot bar is the base component that supports the window, while the interlock secures the window or sliding door together, providing a tight seal that prevents air or water from seeping through the cracks. These components work as a unit, providing the necessary stability and security desired for the window or sliding door.
Interlocking pivot bars have evolved over the years to keep up with the changes in window and sliding door designs. Different types of pivot bars serve various purposes, and builders have numerous options to choose from depending on their design preferences and functionality requirements for their products. The following sections provide a detailed analysis of the various types of interlocking pivot bars and their installation methods.
Types of Interlocking Pivot Bars
Interlocking pivot bars come in different types, and each serves a specific function. The two primary types of interlocking pivot bars include:
- Stainless Steel Interlocking Pivot Bar
The stainless steel interlocking pivot bar is a highly durable component that is designed for longevity. It is resistant to rust and damage, making it an ideal option for buildings located in coastal or high humidity areas. This option is popular among builders who focus on providing durable and long-lasting products to their customers.
- Nylon Interlocking Pivot Bar
The nylon interlocking pivot bar is a less durable option compared to the stainless steel interlocking pivot bar. It is designed to provide customers with a functional and cost-effective option that does not compromise the stability and security of windows and sliding doors. This option is popular among builders who want to offer budget-friendly products to their customers.
- Installation of Interlocking Pivot Bars
The installation of interlocking pivot bars varies depending on the type of pivot bar you choose. The following are the two installation methods:
- Screw-In Installation
The screw-in installation method is commonly used when installing stainless steel interlocking pivot bars. Builders drill a small hole on the pivot bar and screw in the bar to the window frame. This installation method is easy, secure, and provides a permanent solution to mechanical stability issues.
- Snap-In Installation
The snap-in installation method is commonly used when installing nylon interlocking pivot bars. Builders snap the pivot bar into the window frame, providing a secure fit. Though snap-in installation is easy and does not require any drilling, it doesn’t provide a permanent mechanical solution to stability issues.
Identifying Interlocking Pivot Bars
Identifying an interlocking pivot bar can be a daunting task, especially for people who do not have any hardware experience. However, it is crucial to identify an interlocking pivot bar to ensure a suitable replacement when the pivot bar malfunctions.
The following characteristics can help identify an interlocking pivot bar:
- Appearance
Interlocking pivot bars vary in shape, size, and appearance. Builders who have installed specific brands and types of pivot bars can identify their characteristics based on their appearance easily. For people who do not have any prior experience, examining the pivot bar’s shape, size, and build materials can help them identify the pivot bar.
- Brand Label
Most interlocking pivot bars have brand labels that provide information about their type, material, and functionality. Examining the brand label can help get the necessary information concerning the pivot bar, making it easy to purchase a replacement pivot bar that aligns with the original pivot bar’s characteristics.
- Measurements
The pivot bar’s measurements are one of the most crucial aspects of identifying an interlocking pivot bar. Examining the shape and size of the pivot bar plays an essential role in ensuring that the replacement pivot bar exactly fits the original. These measurements require precision measurement tools that can help identify the dimensions of the pivot bar.
Functions of an Interlocking Pivot Bar
An interlocking pivot bar holds the window or sliding door securely in its position. It provides a smooth and easy-to-move operation for the window or sliding door. Here are some of the functionalities that interlocking pivot bars have:
- Support
Interlocking pivot bars support the window or sliding door, holding them tightly in place. They provide stability and strength, ensuring that the window or sliding door does not move or wobble, even in strong weather conditions.
- Tightness
An interlocking pivot bar provides the necessary tightness to the window or sliding door, ensuring that no air or water comes through the window or sliding door. The tightness feature is especially critical for doors that get opened and closed frequently, as they need to be secure and sealed correctly to maintain their function efficiently.
- Safety
Interlocking pivot bars provide a level of security to windows and sliding doors. When interlocked correctly with the other components of the window or sliding door, it lowers the chances of any intrusion possibilities.
Common issues associated with Interlocking Pivot Bars
Interlocking pivot bars are susceptible to wear and tear over time. They can break, develop cracks, loosen, or completely detach from the window or sliding door.
Here are some of the common issues associated with interlocking pivot bar:
- Misaligned Interlock
The interlock might not align correctly or adequately, leading to a loose window or sliding door or frequent air leakage.
- Corrosion
Stainless steel interlocking pivot bars are less susceptible to corrosion compared to nylon interlocking pivot bars. Exposure to humidity, salty air, and water can lead to rust and corrosion on the pivot bar, leading to weakened pivot bars that can break easily.
- Wear and Tear
Usage over time, exposure to harsh weather conditions, and frequent use can lead to the wearing down of nylon interlocking pivot bars. This weakening can lead to cracks, looseness, or complete detachment from the window frame.
Replacing an Interlocking Pivot Bar
When an interlocking pivot bar malfunctions, it might be necessary to replace it. It is essential always to replace the pivot bar with one that matches the original pivot bar’s characteristics. A replacement interlocking pivot bar that doesn’t have the same shape and size, or build materials, can lead to mechanical stability issues.
Here is a guide on how to replace an interlocking pivot bar:
Tools required:
– Flat-head Screwdriver
– Phillips-Head Screwdriver
– Pliers
– Pivot Bar
Steps:
1. Open the window to access the interlocking pivot bar.
2. Locate the screws holding the pivot bar in place and use a screwdriver to remove them.
3. Using a pair of pliers, pull out the pivot bar from the window frame
4. Match the old pivot bar’s characteristics to the new pivot bar before installation.
5. Once satisfied with the matching characteristics, install the new pivot bar into the window frame.
6. Screw in the new pivot bar using the screws you removed in step 2
7. Test the window or sliding door’s operation to ensure that the new interlocking pivot bar has solved the issues you previously had.
It is crucial to note that pivot bar replacement requires careful attention to detail and patience. Rushing the process can lead to further damage to the window or sliding door’s hardware components.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Interlocking Pivot Bars
1. Is an interlocking pivot bar necessary for a window or sliding door?
– Yes, as it provides stability, tightness, and safety for windows and sliding doors.
2. How do I replace an interlocking pivot bar?
– Follow the steps outlined in the “Replacing an Interlocking Pivot Bar” section of this article.
3. Are stainless steel interlocking pivot bars better than nylon interlocking pivot bars?
– Yes, stainless steel interlocking pivot bars have higher durability and are resistant to rust and corrosion.
4. What happens if I replace an interlocking pivot bar with a different type of pivot bar?
– It can lead to mechanical and stability issues for the window or sliding door.
5. How do I identify an interlocking pivot bar?
– Examination of the appearance, brand label, and measurements can help identify an interlocking pivot bar.
Interlocking pivot bars are an essential component for the stability, tightness, and safety of windows and sliding doors. It is crucial to understand the types of pivot bars, how to install them, their functionalities, how to identify them, common issues associated with them, and how to replace them. With the information provided in this article, builders, homeowners, and anyone who loves DIY can maintain and improve their windows and sliding doors’ functionality and longevity.