This article will help to determine if your hinges are adjustable, and provide step-by-step instructions and a video to assist you with the adjustments.
A 400 Series casement window sash that is dragging or rubbing on the frame may require a hinge adjustment to operate smoothly. A properly adjusted casement window sash will have an even reveal, the gap between the window sash and frame, when the window is opened one inch (1").
Are Hinges Adjustable?
Only 400 Series casement windows manufactured from 1998 - Present with a split-arm operator have adjustable hinges. The hinges are not adjustable on 400 Series casement windows manufactured prior to 1998, or casement windows with straight-arm operators. The black plastic insert adjusts the casement window up to 1/16".
Check for Black Hinge Insert
Inspect both the head (top) and sill (bottom) hinges for the black plastic insert. Depending on the vintage of your window it may be used in the head or sill hinges. Based on the location of the black plastic insert(s), follow the instructions below to adjust your hinge(s).
400 and 200 Series casement windows manufactured between 1998 and November 2006 have a black plastic insert in both the head and sill hinges. For this vintage, we recommend adjusting the sill hinge. After adjusting the hinge, be sure to check the reveal to determine if further adjustments are needed.
400 and 200 Series casement windows manufactured November 2006 - Present has a black plastic insert in the sill hinge only.
Adjust the Hinge Insert on 400 Series and 200 Series Casement Windows
To adjust the hinges on your casement window, follow the instructions provided in the YouTube® video and written instructions below. To identify the various components of the hinge used with a split-arm operator, see image below.
Open the window sash to a 45° degree angle from the wall. Identify the stopper screw. If a stopper screw is not present on your installed hinge, then the stopper screw must be replaced before disconnecting the hinge arm.
Stopper Screw in Orange
Disconnect the hinge arm from the sill hinge track. At the end of the hinge arm there is a clip; disengage the clip by sliding it off the pin.
From the bottom of the hinge, push the black oval-shaped hinge insert out, noting the position of the dimple within the hinge. You may need a small screwdriver to push the black hinge insert out of the hinge arm.
File down the dimple on the end of the black hinge insert using a file.
Flip the hinge insert and install it back into the hinge.
Reattach the hinge arm to the hinge track.
For windows manufactured prior to November 2006, if the reveal is still uneven after adjusting the sill hinge, repeat steps 1 - 6 for the head hinge.
