Hardware

In window construction, hardware refers to the components that enable the window to be opened and closed. It therefore comprises the locking mechanism on the opening side of the window sash and the corresponding keeps in the frame, as well as the hinges on the opposite side of the window sash. All of the mechanics that allow a window sash to be opened, and in the case of a tilt-and-turn window to be turned or tilted, are also part of the hardware. In professional terminology, the window handle used to operate the hardware is not counted as part of the hardware itself, but is often also "meant" when hardware is spoken of.