Truth Hardware Encore Awning Window Operator Each

Why I Replaced My Awning Operator and What I Chose Instead

A few weeks ago, the awning window in my bay set started fighting me. The crank had developed a dead spot where the sash wouldn’t budge, then lurched open with a grind. That’s textbook operator failure. Rather than forcing it and risking a bent arm or stripped gears, I pulled the trim, checked the hardware stampings, and swapped in the Encore operator. It’s a straightforward part—an awning window crank mechanism designed to replace the common Truth-style setup used by many North American window makers. What impressed me wasn’t flashy design or gimmicks; it was how uneventfully it did everything I needed.

First Impressions and What’s Included

Out of the box, the Encore operator feels purposeful: a compact gearbox, a stout arm with a sliding shoe, and a mounting base with pre-drilled holes. The machining on the pivot points is tidy and there’s no slop in the arm out of the gate. Depending on the seller, you may or may not get a decorative cover and folding handle; mine did not include those, so I reused the existing set. That’s common in replacements and not a problem as long as your existing handle mates properly.

Before installing, I checked the arm length and hole pattern against the old unit. Everything matched. If you’re replacing an existing Truth-style operator, you should still verify the hand (left/right), arm geometry, and shoe style. Those details decide whether the sash will track correctly and seal when closed.

Installation: What It Actually Took

This is a job most DIYers can knock out in under an hour with basic tools. My steps:

1. Open the awning slightly to relieve pressure on the operator and hinges.
2. Remove the interior sill cover/trim to expose the operator screws. On vinyl windows, a putty knife helps lift the snap-in cover; on wood, you’ll likely have a few finish nails to ease out.
3. Disconnect the operator arm from the sash bracket. On my setup, the arm’s sliding shoe rides in a track; I slid it to the notch and lifted it free. Some setups use a clip on a stud—keep a magnet handy so the clip doesn’t vanish into the void.
4. Back out the mounting screws and pull the old operator.
5. Dry-fit the Encore operator to confirm the hole pattern and arm alignment.
6. Reinstall with new or cleaned screws. Don’t over-torque into vinyl or you’ll strip the substrate; in wood, a drop of wood glue and a toothpick snug up tired holes.
7. Reconnect the arm to the sash track and run the operator through its full travel. Look for any binding at the extremes and ensure the sash pulls tight to the weatherstrip when you crank it closed.

From removal to reassembly, mine took about 25 minutes. The mounting holes lined up perfectly, which saved me from drilling new pilots or shifting the operator to compensate.

Fit and Compatibility Notes

The Encore operator is widely used, but “widely used” isn’t the same as universal. A few tips before you order:

• Confirm awning vs. casement. They look similar at a glance and are not interchangeable.
• Check the hand. Some awning operators are non-handed; others are dedicated left or right.
• Measure the arm length center-to-center and match the shoe style (track vs. stud).
• Note the mounting hole pattern; a quick paper template of your old operator helps.
• If you have low-profile blinds or a tight stool/sill, make sure your cover and handle will fold and clear.

If you’re unsure, look for part numbers stamped on the old arm or gearbox; Truth commonly stamps identifiers that map to the correct replacement.

Day-to-Day Performance

After installing the Encore operator, the change was immediate. Crank effort dropped—no more sticking through the first quarter turn—and the motion feels linear across the travel. The arm tracks the sash smoothly, and when I crank it shut, it seats firmly into the weatherstrip without needing the extra “two-finger push” that tired operators sometimes force you to do. There’s no perceptible backlash in the handle either, which makes micro-adjustments for airflow easy.

I’m a fan of folding handles on awning windows that sit behind shades, and the Encore-compatible handle folds neatly out of the way. With the cover in place, it presents a clean profile that doesn’t snag cords or bump blinds. If you’re reusing an older handle, check that it seats fully and doesn’t rub the cover; a mis-seated handle can make a smooth operator feel gritty.

Build Quality and Durability

Time will be the final judge, but the Encore operator feels solid. The gearbox rotation is tight without being stiff, the pivots are free of play, and the arm doesn’t flex under load. Out of the box, the joints had a light, even lubricant. Because awning windows put the operative arm close to the weather (especially in damp climates), I like to give the shoe and track a clean and a touch of silicone-based lube during seasonal maintenance. The operator body itself lives indoors under the sill cover, so corrosion exposure is modest if your window is sealed properly.

One point worth mentioning: many operator failures trace to dry or dirty hinge tracks rather than the operator itself. If your window still feels heavy after replacement, clean the side hinges and hinge channels and treat them with a silicone spray. The Encore operator can’t overcome a bent hinge or a swollen sash.

Installation Pitfalls to Avoid

• Don’t remove the operator with the sash fully open. Closing it slightly relieves torque on the arm and makes detaching safer.
• Protect the finish. Lay painter’s tape along the sill while you slide the shoe out of its track.
• Watch the clip. If your setup uses a retaining clip, keep track of it; replacements are tiny and easy to lose.
• Align before you tighten. Snug the screws, test full travel, then commit. A slight shift can eliminate binding.
• Don’t crank past resistance. If you hit a hard stop, stop. Forcing it can strip the gearbox in any operator.

Who This Is For

• Homeowners with older awning windows that are slow, popping, or not sealing well.
• Property managers who need a repeatable, compatible replacement for a building that uses Truth-pattern hardware.
• DIYers comfortable removing interior trim and working carefully around finished surfaces.

If you’ve never replaced a window operator, this is a forgiving place to start—provided you match the right part.

Pros and Cons

Pros:
- Direct fit on Truth-style awning setups; hole alignment was spot on in my case
- Smooth, consistent crank effort with precise sash control
- Clean, low-profile look when paired with a folding handle
- DIY-friendly install with basic tools

Cons:
- You may need to source or reuse a cover and handle separately
- Not a cure-all for bent hinges or misaligned sashes; those will still need attention
- Compatibility must be verified; “almost right” will behave poorly

Maintenance Tips to Extend Life

• Twice a year, clean the sash track and hinges; apply a silicone-based lubricant.
• Keep weep holes clear so water doesn’t collect near the arm hardware.
• Periodically check mounting screws for snugness, especially in softwoods.
• If you notice increasing effort, address it early rather than muscling through.

Final Thoughts and Recommendation

The Encore operator did exactly what I needed: it restored smooth function to a stubborn awning window without drama. Installation was straightforward, the fit was precise, and day-to-day operation is quiet and controlled. I appreciate that it disappears into the window’s profile—no bulky hardware, no handle jutting out where it can catch blinds.

I recommend the Encore operator for anyone replacing a worn awning mechanism on a Truth-style window. It hits the right notes on fit, function, and ease of installation. Just take the time to confirm the hand, arm geometry, and handle compatibility before you order, and pair the swap with basic hinge maintenance. Do that, and you’ll likely get the same result I did: a window that opens smoothly, seals tightly, and stays out of your way.