Andersen Corporation Andersen Casement Window - 200/400 Series - Hardware Pack - Folding Traditional - Black

Why I chose this hardware pack

I’ve been slowly standardizing the look of my casement windows, and a few aging handles were starting to wobble and scuff the frames. Switching to the Andersen casement hardware pack in black let me tackle two jobs at once: refresh the function and tighten up the aesthetic. I installed it across a mix of 200 and 400 Series Perma-Shield casements (all post-1999) and used the kit to replace both the operator handle and the lock components where needed. The short version: it’s an uncomplicated upgrade that looks sharp, operates smoothly, and generally installs without surprises.

What’s included and what it fits

The pack is straightforward: a lock bezel, lock handle, the folding operator handle, and a cover. That combination covers the visible hardware most homeowners want to update or replace in one go. The black finish is a true, deep black—not graphite or oil-rubbed bronze—and it reads modern without feeling out of place on more traditional trim.

Compatibility-wise, this is designed for Perma-Shield casement windows manufactured from 1999 to today in the 200 and 400 Series. If your windows predate that era, don’t assume it will line up. Before ordering, I confirmed model and manufacture dates from the window labels and double-checked that I was dealing with Perma-Shield casements, not awnings or older wood units.

Installation: easy, with a couple of useful tricks

Swapping everything over was fast on most units, with each window taking about 10–15 minutes at an easy pace. A few tips from my experience:

• Keep the sash closed while you replace the lock components. Closing the window maintains alignment between the lock handle and the keeper, so the new parts index naturally without fuss.
• Take a quick photo before removing the old lock bezel and handle. If you’re updating multiple windows, those photos are handy if you need to confirm orientation or the way the cover sits.
• Test-fit the folding operator handle before tightening fully. The orientation of the handle on the operator spline determines how neatly it tucks in. A small rotational tweak can be the difference between a perfectly nested handle and one that sits slightly proud.
• Don’t overtighten into the sash or frame. A snug, firm feel is enough. Over-torquing on vinyl-clad components is asking for stripped holes or distortion.

The new cover snapped on cleanly and did a nice job hiding the fasteners, which upgrades the look more than you might expect. The lock handle engages with a positive, crisp feel, and I didn’t have to chase alignment on any of the windows. On one unit, the existing keeper was slightly out of square, but the new lock still pulled the sash tight without binding.

Folding handle design and day-to-day use

The folding operator handle is the headline feature for me. Folding handles are particularly useful with shades and blinds—mine no longer snag on an extended crank—and they simply look cleaner at rest. With the sash closed, the handle folds back toward the jamb and sits low enough that it doesn’t compete with trim lines.

Operation is smooth and predictable. The handle length provides good leverage without a lot of throw, and the fold joint has a definite detent that keeps it from flopping open or rattling. On the majority of windows, the handle tucked in neatly and sat close to the cover; on one or two, it didn’t nest quite as flush as the others, sitting a few millimeters proud. That didn’t affect function, and a slight re-indexing on the spline improved it, but it’s worth noting there can be small variances window to window.

If your operator is dry or stiff, a light lubrication at the gear (with the cover off) will make the whole mechanism feel substantially better. The handle’s feel is only as good as the operator underneath it, and even a new handle won’t mask a neglected crank.

Fit, finish, and feel

The black finish is even and consistent across the parts in my packs. It reads matte to low-sheen in natural light, which helps it blend with both painted and stained trim. I didn’t see any casting marks or rough edges on the visible surfaces, and the cover sits flush with no corner lift. The handle feels solid in the hand with no flex at the fold. After a few weeks of daily use, I haven’t seen any chipping or discoloration, and fingerprints wipe away easily with a damp cloth.

The lock action is satisfyingly firm without requiring a hard pull. It’s a small thing, but the tactile feedback matters when you’re reaching to secure a sash. Compared to the tired original hardware I removed, the difference in engagement is immediately noticeable.

What stood out—good and not-so-good

Pros:
- Clean, unified upgrade in one pack: lock bezel, lock handle, folding operator handle, and cover.
- OEM fit on post-1999 Perma-Shield casements, with no drilling or improvisation.
- Folding handle solves interference with shades and looks tidy at rest.
- Black finish is consistent, modern-classic, and easy to keep clean.
- Installation is accessible for a careful DIYer; short learning curve across multiple windows.

Cons:
- The folding handle doesn’t always sit perfectly flush on every window. Orientation tweaks help, but tolerances vary slightly.
- If your underlying operator is worn, the new handle will feel better but won’t fix internal gear issues—you may need to service or replace the operator for best results.
- This is a single-window kit. Upgrading a whole house adds up quickly, though the outcome is cohesive.

Who it suits best

• Homeowners with 200/400 Series Perma-Shield casement windows manufactured from 1999 onward who want an aesthetic refresh without changing operators.
• Anyone dealing with blinds or shade interference: the folding handle makes a real difference.
• Those consolidating mismatched hardware after repairs or rentals; the single-pack approach brings everything back to a consistent look.

If your windows fall outside the stated compatibility or you’re running into crank slippage, confirm the operator model before ordering. This pack dresses up what you have and improves feel, but it’s not a cure-all for mechanical wear.

Value and alternatives

There are cheaper, generic handles and piecemeal parts out there, but the reason I chose this pack—and would again—is the predictable fit and coherent look. The cover and lock parts align with Andersen’s design language, and the black finish matches across components. While you can sometimes save a few dollars mixing third-party pieces, the visual mismatches and occasional fit quirks tend to erase the savings in time and frustration.

For a single-window refresh, the cost buys an immediate improvement in both function and appearance. For a whole-house update, it’s an investment—but one that pays off every time you walk past a window and everything matches, works smoothly, and stays out of the way.

Final thoughts and recommendation

After installing and living with the Andersen casement hardware pack, I’m impressed by how much polish you can add with a relatively simple swap. The folding handle delivers practical benefits, the lock feels precise, and the black finish brings a cohesive, contemporary look to older and newer Perma-Shield casements alike. Installation is approachable with basic care, and the parts play nicely with existing operators when those are in reasonable shape.

I recommend this hardware pack for anyone with compatible Andersen casement windows who wants a quick, clean upgrade. The fit is reliable, the daily experience is better, and the folding handle is genuinely useful. The only caveat is that slight variation in how tightly the handle tucks on some windows; it’s not a dealbreaker, and careful indexing addresses most of it. For the balance of ease, appearance, and function, this pack earns a spot on my short list of worthwhile window hardware upgrades.