PRIME-LINE F 2642 Vinyl Spring-Loaded Replacement Window Tilt Latch Pair, 1-11/16” Hole Center, White

Why I reached for these latches

A sagging tilt window turns a simple cleaning job into a two-handed wrestling match. One of my aluminum double-hung sashes had started to wobble and occasionally slip off its tracks because the original tilt latches had crumbled. I wanted a quick, unobtrusive fix that would restore the tilt function without replacing the sash. The Prime-Line tilt latch pair fit the bill on paper: a spring-loaded, wrap-around design meant for aluminum single- and double-hung windows that tilt inward, with a right- and left-hand latch and included screws. The key spec is the 1-11/16-inch top mounting hole center, and that matched my existing sash.

After a few weeks of use—and one minor tweak during installation—I’m pleased with the performance.

Build and design

The latches are molded from white vinyl plastic with a spring-loaded catch. Each latch wraps around the sash corner, securing at the top rail and along the side stile. That wrap-around geometry is a smart choice for older aluminum sashes: it spreads load across two planes and keeps the latch from prying off under torsion when you tilt the window in. The handles are low-profile and sit flush, and the catch engagement feels positive with a reassuring click as you pull the sash back into the tracks.

The dimensions matter here:
- Top mounting hole center: 1-11/16 inch
- Overall latch body: about 2-1/4 inches wide and 3/4 inch deep

You get a left and right latch with fasteners. On my window, the provided top screw was perfect; the side screw worked, but I ultimately reused the original for a slightly better bite in the thin aluminum stile.

Vinyl has trade-offs. It won’t corrode, it blends visually with most white sashes, and it’s lightweight. It also demands a lighter touch on installation—over-torquing can strip holes or stress the plastic. The springs inside both latches felt strong and consistent out of the box.

Installation: quick, with one caveat

Installing these latches is straightforward if you’ve worked with tilt windows before. My process took about 15 minutes per sash:

1. Unlock and raise the sash 2–3 inches.
2. Retract the old latch handles and tilt the sash inward from the top. Keep a steady grip—most tilt sashes are spring-balanced, and you don’t want the panel snapping against the frame.
3. Remove the top screw and the side screw, then slide off the old latches.
4. Position the new latch so the flat face of the catch points toward the room and the beveled face toward the exterior. This orientation matters for smooth re-engagement.
5. Fasten the top screw first, then the side screw. Don’t crank down—snug is enough.
6. Pull the new latch handles to retract the catches and guide the sash back into the side tracks, then release to lock.

The caveat: on my older aluminum sash, the side stile of the new latch had a small molded tab that prevented the latch from sitting perfectly flush and lining up with the existing side hole. A few careful passes with a sharp utility knife shaved the tab down, and the latch seated squarely. This was a quick modification, but you’ll want to test-fit before driving screws.

While you’re in there, clean the tracks and guides. A thorough scrub and a small shot of silicone spray on the balances and tracks made my sash feel new again. Avoid petroleum lubricants on vinyl.

Fit and compatibility

This latch pair is designed for aluminum single- and double-hung sashes that tilt inward. It’s not a universal solution for every window brand. Before buying, measure your existing latch’s top hole center-to-center and compare to 1-11/16 inch. Also check the overall body size to ensure the handle won’t collide with the meeting rail or weatherstripping.

A few fit notes from my install:
- The top mounting hole lined up perfectly with my 1-11/16-inch spacing.
- The side stile screw hole required a small trim of that molded tab to align with the original hole.
- The white color blended well; if your sashes are off-white or almond, the contrast may be noticeable but not distracting.

If your windows are vinyl with integrated latches or a different hole spacing, you’ll need a different model. For wood sashes, this style is rarely the right choice.

Performance in use

The improvement was immediate. The sash now locks solidly into the side tracks, tilt-in-and-out is smooth, and there’s no rattle. The spring tension retracts the catches crisply, and the handles are easy to grip without digging into fingers. Re-engaging the sash takes a gentle push until you hear and feel that positive click.

I tested both latches repeatedly over a few weeks—tilting in to clean, opening and closing the sash daily—and the action remained consistent. The wrap-around design adds confidence when bearing the sash’s weight during the tilt, and there’s none of the spongy feel you sometimes get with flimsier latch bodies.

Durability considerations

Vinyl latches aren’t bulletproof, but they’re appropriate for this application. The stress points are:
- The handle pivot where the spring acts
- The side stile corner, which takes some torsion during tilt
- The screw holes, which can crack if over-tightened

To give them the best chance at a long life, don’t overtighten, keep the tracks clean so you’re not forcing the sash, and avoid slamming the sash back into the channels. If your windows see heavy, daily tilt use (e.g., frequent cleaning in a kitchen), you may want to keep a spare pair on hand given how specific the fitment is.

So far, mine show no signs of stress or whitening at the corners. The springs remain snappy.

Small quirks and tips

• Orientation matters. Flat face of the catch toward the room, bevel toward the exterior.
• Keep a firm hold on the sash when tilted; spring balances can surprise you.
• Test-fit both latches before drilling or enlarging any holes. A light trim of the side tab (if yours has one) can solve alignment issues without altering the sash.
• Use a hand screwdriver rather than a driver drill to avoid stripping.
• If the side stile is thin aluminum, consider reusing the original side screw if it bites better than the provided one.

Who will get the most from these

• Owners of older aluminum double-hung windows whose tilt latches have crumbled or lost spring tension
• DIYers comfortable with basic window maintenance and measurements
• Anyone wanting to restore tilt-in cleaning functionality without replacing sashes

Who should look elsewhere:
- Vinyl or wood windows with integrated or differently spaced latches
- Users seeking metal-bodied latches for extreme-duty environments (check compatibility carefully if you go that route)

The bottom line

The Prime-Line tilt latch pair is a practical, well-thought-out replacement for aluminum tilt sashes. The wrap-around design adds stability, the spring action is positive, and installation is quick for anyone with a screwdriver and a bit of patience. The key is verifying that 1-11/16-inch top mounting hole center measurement and being prepared for a minor trim on the side piece if your sash geometry demands it.

Recommendation: I recommend these latches for aluminum tilt-in single- and double-hung windows that match the listed dimensions. They restored my sash’s stability and tilt function with minimal fuss, the fit is clean, and the operation feels secure. While vinyl construction means you should install gently and maintain the window to reduce stress, the overall value and performance make this a smart, straightforward fix for tired latches.