The short answer
A cockspur handle is the lever-style handle on older uPVC and aluminium windows. Its nose (the spur) hooks behind a wedge on the frame and pulls the window shut when you turn it 90 degrees. Cockspurs come in left and right hand versions, so check the hand and the spur height (backset) before you buy.
There are several types of window handles that you will find in and around your home. Spindle type handles found on uPVC windows are called espagnolette, or ‘espag’ for short. These are button operated and will be found on newer uPVC window compositions.
If your windows use older aluminium or uPVC frames, you may come across the classic cockspur-type handle — a simple but effective latch mechanism that engages with a wedge or catch to pull the window firmly shut. Before replacing one, it’s essential to check the “step height” or nose height, the fixing-centre spacing, and whether your window is left- or right-handed so that your new handle fits properly and restores both security and draught-proofing.
Tilt and turn type window handles are for windows that open inwards into a property. To operate a tilt and turn window you need to pull the window down towards you. The handles on this type of window will operate at 360 degrees.
If you have slightly older windows such as aluminium or older type uPVC windows then cockspurs are the handle for these compositions. The cockspur window handle is a simple latch mechanism that is simple to use and has a key locking function. These type of double glazing window handles come in left and right options and operate by turning them 90 degrees.
Measurements
Firstly, replacement cockspur window handles come in left and right hand options. As these are often fitted onto older uPVC and aluminium windows the sizing can be different on each window. The measurement you need to be familiar with is the backset. This is taken from the spur height to the base of the handle.
Typical sizes on a replacement cockspur backset can be anything from 9mm to 20mm – sometimes more.
What If I Can’t Find The Correct Size?
As cockspur handles are retrofitted to older windows the sizing can often be a major issue. However, regardless of what size backset you buy you can always adjust the size of the handle to fit the window type.
Window wedges, or cockspur wedges are an easy fix when installing your window handles. They are attached to the actual frame of the window and help ensure that the Cockspur handle pulls the window firmly into the closed position. They come in different sizes: see our cockspur wedges.
Can't measure the backset because the old handle is broken or missing? The VERSA cockspur repair handle comes with a 9mm backset plus 4mm and 8mm packers, so it can be set to 9mm, 13mm, 17mm or 21mm. It comes in left and right hand versions.
Next Steps
- Not sure which handle you have? See how to identify your uPVC window handle.
- Ready to swap it? See how to replace a uPVC window handle.
- Browse all cockspur window handles.
