Tilt latches hold a tilt-window sash upright inside the jamb while allowing it to tilt inward for cleaning or maintenance. A broken, loose, or sticking latch may allow the sash to tilt unexpectedly or prevent it from locking securely into the frame.

Before You Start

Keep the sash upright and supported while replacing the latches. Do not allow it to tilt inward while one or both latches are removed.

Tools and materials you may need:

• Correct replacement tilt latch or latch set
• Phillips or flat-head screwdriver
• Tape measure or ruler
• Small container for the screws
• Soft brush or clean cloth
• Phone or camera for reference photos
• Safety glasses

Important: Do not order a replacement based only on appearance or overall length. Hole spacing, nose length, width, handing, and mounting style may determine whether the latch fits and engages the jamb correctly.

Keep the original latch until the replacement has been installed and tested.

Look at the top rail of the sash before removing anything.

• Surface-mounted latch: The latch sits on top of the sash and normally has one or two visible screws.
• Slide-in latch: The latch slides into a track or pocket and may not use visible mounting screws.
• Internal latch: Most of the mechanism is concealed inside the sash, with only a button or actuator visible.

The steps below are intended for surface-mounted latches. Do not pry an internal latch out through the top of the sash.

Take clear photos of the latch before removing it. Include the top, side, nose, mounting screws, and its installed orientation on the sash.

Record whether the latch is:

• Installed on the left or right side
• Sold as a handed part or reversible design
• Mounted with one screw or two
• Spring-loaded and returning normally
• Broken at the nose, button, housing, or screw opening

If replacing both sides, label the original latches left and right so their orientation remains clear.

Accurate measurements help distinguish between tilt latches that may look nearly identical.

Measure and record:

• The length of the latch housing, excluding the projecting nose
• The width of the housing
• The center-to-center distance between the mounting holes
• The length of the projecting nose or tip
• The overall height or thickness, when relevant
• The screw-head style and approximate screw size
• The color and material

1. Unlock the window.
2. Raise the sash several inches to create a comfortable working position.
3. Keep the sash upright inside the jamb.
4. Support it so it cannot tilt or drop unexpectedly.

Do not retract the opposite latch while the first latch is removed. The remaining latch should not be treated as the only support for an unsecured sash.

1. Place the correct screwdriver securely in the first mounting screw.
2. Remove the screws while holding the latch in place.
3. Store the screws in a small container.
4. Lift the latch straight away from the sash.
5. Inspect the underside for additional tabs, locating pins, or spring components.

If the latch does not lift away after the screws are removed, check for paint, sealant, locating tabs, or a portion of the housing that extends into the sash.

Do not strike the latch or pry aggressively against the glass or vinyl sash.

Clean loose dirt and broken plastic from the top rail before installing the replacement.

Inspect for:

• Cracked or enlarged screw holes
• Broken pieces of the original latch
• Damage around the latch pocket or mounting surface
• Loose sash corners
• Paint or debris preventing the latch from sitting flat
• Damage to the jamb where the latch nose engages

Place the old and new latches beside each other before installation.

Confirm that the replacement has:

• Matching housing length and width
• Matching center-to-center mounting-hole spacing
• The correct nose length and shape
• The correct left- or right-hand orientation
• The same mounting style
• Enough clearance for the button to move freely
• A nose that will reach and engage the jamb

1. Position the latch in the same orientation as the original.
2. Make sure the nose points outward toward the jamb.
3. Align the latch with the existing mounting holes.
4. Start both screws by hand before tightening either one fully.
5. Tighten the screws evenly until the latch sits securely against the sash.
6. Operate the button and confirm that the nose retracts and returns freely.

Repeat the process on the opposite side when installing a latch set or replacing both sides.

Replacing only the failed latch may be appropriate when the opposite latch is undamaged and matches the replacement.

Replacing both may be helpful when the latches are the same age, show similar wear, or are sold only as a matching left-and-right set.

1. Keep the sash upright and move it slowly within the jamb.
2. Confirm that both latch noses engage the jamb.
3. Press each latch button separately and verify smooth retraction.
4. Retract both latches and tilt the sash inward slightly.
5. Return the sash to the upright position.
6. Confirm that both noses extend and lock into the jamb.
7. Raise, lower, close, and lock the window.

The repair is complete when:

• The latch buttons move without binding
• Both noses spring outward completely
• The sash remains securely upright
• The sash tilts only when both latches are retracted
• The window closes and locks normally

Stop and compare the replacement with the original if the latch will not sit flat, align with the holes, move freely, or engage the jamb.

Possible causes include:

• Incorrect center-to-center hole spacing
• Housing that is too wide or too long
• Nose that is too short or shaped differently
• Incorrect left- or right-hand latch
• Internal latch mistaken for a surface-mounted design
• Damaged screw holes or sash material
• Misalignment or damage in the window jamb

• Ordering a replacement based only on appearance
• Including the nose when measuring the latch housing
• Measuring mounting holes from edge to edge
• Installing the wrong handed latch
• Removing both latches without supporting the sash
• Allowing the sash to tilt unexpectedly
• Forcing a latch that does not align with the existing holes
• Overtightening the mounting screws
• Ignoring damaged screw holes or sash material
• Discarding the original latch before testing the replacement
• Failing to test both the tilt and upright positions

Replacing a surface-mounted tilt latch is usually a straightforward repair when the sash is supported and the replacement is matched carefully.

Record the housing dimensions, mounting-hole spacing, nose length, handing, and original orientation before ordering. After installation, confirm that both latches retract, return, and engage the jamb correctly.