STS Spindle Latch for Hinged Caravan Windows, Grey - 4-Piece Set with Angle Bracket, Screw Plate and Rubber Pad

The STS spindle latch closes hinged windows in caravans and motorhomes, the windows that open outwards and rest on stays when they are open. The latch consists of a hinged threaded spindle with a knob on a base and an angle bracket with a fork. When you close the window, you swing the spindle into the fork and tighten the knob. The window is pressed shut and stays closed while you drive. The set has 4 pieces, is made of grey plastic and weighs 28 g. It is most often used in older caravans as a replacement for a cracked or worn latch.

What is in the set

• latch: hinged spindle with knob on a base with two holes
• angle bracket with a fork that takes the spindle
• screw plate
• rubber pad with two holes

All plastic parts are grey, the pad is black. Mounting screws are not included, choose them to suit the wall and window frame material.

How the spindle latch works

The principle is simple and has been used in caravans for many years. One part carries a spindle mounted on a hinge in its base, so you can swing it. The other part is an angle bracket with a fork-shaped cut-out. With the window closed, you swing the spindle up, slide it into the fork and turn the knob. The knob bears against the bracket and presses the window against its seal. To open the window, you loosen the knob, swing the spindle out and lift the window. You need no key and no tools.

Which windows it fits

The latch is made for hinged windows in caravans and motorhomes. This type of latch was fitted at the factory in many older caravans, so the set is a common replacement when windows are refurbished. The manufacturer states a mounting dimension of 30 mm. Before you order, compare the shape of your old latch with the photo and measure the spacing of its mounting holes. In some older windows the holes need a little adjustment.

How to check that it replaces your old latch

• compare the shape of the base, spindle and angle bracket with the product photo
• measure the hole spacing in the base of the old latch and compare it with the 30 mm dimension
• check that the spindle reaches the fork of the angle bracket with the window closed
• look at the old bracket: if it is intact and fits the new spindle, you can leave it in place
• if a window has several latches, count them, because the set contains the parts for one closing point

Installation step by step

• Close the window and unscrew the old latch and bracket. Note how they were positioned.
• Clean the mounting area of old sealant and dirt.
• Place the rubber pad under the latch base to even out the surface and reduce vibration.
• Position the latch and angle bracket so that the spindle enters the fork without strain and the knob presses the window evenly.
• Fix the parts with screws suited to the thickness and material of the wall and window frame. Do not overtighten them, as the plastic can crack.
• Check the function: close the window, tighten the knob and make sure the seal touches all the way round.

Everyday use

• tighten the knob on every hinged window before you drive
• tighten by hand with feeling, the window only has to sit against the seal
• before opening the window, loosen the knob first and swing the spindle out of the fork
• when parked with the window open, swing the spindle so that it does not catch on the frame

Care and storage

• clean the latch with water and a mild cleaner, without solvents
• check from time to time that the screws are tight and the base does not move
• replace a worn or hardened rubber pad together with the latch
• before winter storage close the windows and tighten the knobs so the seals sit well

Other window security products

• WOMO-Sicherheit window safety clamping rod 240 mm - extra lock for a window with a handle
• WOMO-Sicherheit window safety clamping rod 340 mm - longer version of the clamping rod

Technical data

Manufacturer

STS Oberholz GmbH & Co. KG, Oststraße 15, 42551 Velbert, Germany.