Handing Guide For Window Fasteners

Author: Carl Benson

Carl is the founder of Suffolk Latch Company, with a background in engineering and over 20 years’ experience in home hardware. He works closely with suppliers and designers alike to develop quality ironmongery that stands the test of time. Read my full bio.

How to Choose a Left- or Right-Handed Window Fastener

Window fastener handing describes whether a casement fastener is designed for a window hinged on the left or the right. Some fasteners are supplied in separate left- and right-handed versions, while others are reversible and can be fitted to either arrangement.

For current Suffolk Latch Company handed fasteners, identify the window while standing inside the room and looking out. A window hinged on the left requires a left-handed fastener; a window hinged on the right requires a right-handed fastener.

Always check the exact product page before ordering, because different variants within the same design family may use different handing rules. Browse the full Window Fasteners Collection.

Table of Contents

What Does “Handed” Mean on a Window Fastener?

A handed fastener is made to operate in one particular orientation. Separate left- and right-handed versions are therefore required.

For a conventional side-hung casement, the fastener is normally fitted on the closing edge opposite the hinges. The hand of the Suffolk Latch Company fastener refers to the hinge side, not the side on which the fastener itself is positioned.

This means a left-handed fastener will normally appear on the right-hand closing edge of a window hinged on the left. A right-handed fastener will normally appear on the left-hand closing edge of a window hinged on the right.

Other manufacturers may describe handing differently, so follow the guidance supplied with the product you are buying.

Espag Window Handles with Armor-Coat Left Hand

Espag Window Handles with Armor-Coat Right Hand

How to Identify Your Window Handing

Use the following method for current Suffolk Latch Company handed casement fasteners:

1. Stand inside the room.
2. Look out through the closed window.
3. Identify which side carries the hinges.
4. If the hinges are on the left, choose a left-handed fastener.
5. If the hinges are on the right, choose a right-handed fastener.

Do not judge handing from the direction in which the handle points. Handle position can vary between products and may have been altered during an earlier installation.

Left-Handed Window Fastener

Choose a left-handed fastener when the window is hinged on the left as viewed from inside the room.

On a conventional side-hung casement, the fastener will normally be fitted to the right-hand closing edge, opposite the hinges. Its keeper is fitted to the corresponding part of the fixed frame or mullion.

Right-Handed Window Fastener

Choose a right-handed fastener when the window is hinged on the right as viewed from inside the room.

On a conventional side-hung casement, the fastener will normally be fitted to the left-hand closing edge, opposite the hinges. Check that the handle has sufficient clearance to move without contacting the frame or nearby hardware.

Regency Espagnolette Pewter Left Hand

Regency Espagnolette Pewter Right Hand

Handed vs Reversible Window Fasteners

Do not assume that a fastener is reversible because its shape appears symmetrical. The pivot, spring, locking feature or keeper arrangement may still make it handed.

Locking and handing are also separate characteristics. A fastener may be locking and reversible, locking and handed, or non-locking and reversible.

Why the Exact Product Variant Matters

At the time of this review, the following exact products are described as reversible:

Other locking, night-vent or material variants within these design families may be handed. Do not assume that every product called Monkeytail, Peardrop or Shepherd’s Crook uses the same arrangement.

The exact product title, code and current product description should be treated as the final authority when ordering.

Check the Keeper and Window Profile

Handing is only one part of compatibility. The fastener must also work with the way the opening casement meets the fixed frame.

A mortice plate is recessed into the window frame. A hook plate is commonly used on a flush-fitting arrangement, including suitable windows without a central mullion. Some fasteners include both options, while others include only one or require an alternative plate to be purchased separately.

Before ordering, check:

• Whether the existing window is flush or recessed
• The type and position of the current keeper
• The fastener and keeper fixing-plate dimensions
• The available timber around the fixing points
• Whether the handle clears the frame when operated

The correct hand will not compensate for an unsuitable keeper or poor alignment.

Unlacquered Brass Ball End Espagnolette Left

Unlacquered Brass Ball End Espagnolette Right

What to Check Before Ordering

Photograph the window from inside before removing the existing fitting. Include:

• The complete window showing the hinge side
• The fastener in its open and closed positions
• The keeper and the way the casement meets the frame
• The fixing plates and existing screw holes
• Any product code or manufacturer’s mark

Record the fixing centres, plate sizes and available clearance. If the old fastener worked correctly, keep it until the replacement has been fitted and tested.

Common Window Fastener Handing Mistakes

Naming the fastener by its fitting position

Under the Suffolk convention, the hand follows the hinge side. A fastener fitted on the right-hand closing edge may therefore be left-handed.

Checking from outside

For the current Suffolk handed products, stand inside and look out. Viewing the window from outside reverses the apparent left and right sides.

Assuming a design family has one rule

A standard product may be reversible while a locking or night-vent version in the same family is handed. Check the exact variant.

Turning a handed fastener upside down

Do not rotate or invert a handed product unless the instructions specifically allow it. This can affect the handle movement, spring or keeper alignment.

Ignoring the keeper

A correctly handed fastener can still fail to close if its keeper is wrong for the window profile or positioned incorrectly.

Reeded Espagnolette Aged Bronze Left

Reeded Espagnolette Aged Bronze Right

Replacing an Existing Window Fastener

When replacing an old fastener, identify the hand, keeper type and fixing dimensions before removal. Do not pull the replacement out of alignment simply to reuse old screw holes.

Close the casement and hold the fastener and keeper in their proposed positions before drilling. The handle should engage cleanly without excessive force or sideways movement.

For a wider replacement checklist, read How to Replace Window Hardware.

Related Reading

These supporting guides cover related Window Hardware decisions:

• Window Furniture Explained
• How to Replace Window Hardware
• Window Inspiration

Conclusion

For Suffolk Latch Company handed fasteners, stand inside and identify the hinge side: hinges on the left require a left-handed fastener, while hinges on the right require a right-handed fastener.

Before ordering, confirm whether the exact product is handed or reversible and check the keeper, plate dimensions and window profile. Do not rely on the product family name or handle position alone.

To compare current handed and reversible options, visit our Window Fasteners Collection.

Hinton Espagnolette Polished Brass Left

Hinton Espagnolette Polished Brass Right

FAQ

How do I know whether I need a left- or right-handed window fastener?

For current Suffolk Latch Company handed fasteners, stand inside and look out. If the window is hinged on the left, choose a left-handed fastener. If it is hinged on the right, choose a right-handed fastener.

Is a left-handed fastener fitted on the left side of the window?

Not normally on a conventional side-hung casement. A left-handed fastener is selected for a window hinged on the left, so the fastener itself will usually be fitted on the opposite, right-hand closing edge.

What is a reversible window fastener?

A reversible fastener can be configured or fitted to suit either a left- or right-hinged casement. Check the product description because not every symmetrical-looking fastener is reversible.

Are all Monkeytail, Peardrop and Shepherd’s Crook fasteners reversible?

No. Some exact products are reversible, while other locking, night-vent or material variants may be handed. Check the complete product title, code and current handing information.

Does the keeper type affect whether a fastener is left- or right-handed?

The keeper does not normally determine the product hand, but it must suit the window profile and align with the fastener. A correctly handed fastener will not work properly with an unsuitable or misplaced keeper.

Can I fit a right-handed fastener to a left-hinged window?

Only if the exact product is described as reversible or universal. A genuinely handed right-hand fastener should not be used on a left-hinged window.