When ordering a plastic window, buyers pay attention to its functional and operational features - thermal insulation and sound insulation qualities, external data. Buyers are extremely rarely interested in the quality of window fittings.
Window fittings for a plastic window ensure the tightness of the window structure and reliable protection against burglary. Fittings account for about 15% of the cost of the structure itself, therefore the choice of such elements should be taken seriously.
Modern window fittings are a complex set of mechanisms and elements. The assembled structure must be wear-resistant, durable and reliable (it is allowed that only decorative elements are made of plastic, all other parts must be made of high-strength material).
What kind of fittings are there and what are their basic elements?
All the fittings that are installed in modern plastic windows are called perimeter.
Depending on the type of opening, various product kits are offered.
Perimeter fittings in the fitting groove along the perimeter of the sash. It can also be mounted in a window frame slot.
Window pins(adaptation of fittings) when closing windows, press the sash against the window frame in several places around the perimeter.
Important elements of the fittings are:
Locks are movable devices with built-in locking pins.
Hinges are connecting elements that ensure the closing and opening of windows - they connect the sash to the frame.
Handles and levers are elements that also serve to close and open the window frame.
Protective elements. These include: tilt blocker, opening limiter, sash rotation blocker. The slot ventilator is also of great importance - it is capable of holding the sash and allows you to create a gap 5 mm wide.
Read about triple glazing for plastic windows.
To find out how to improve sound insulation in an apartment, follow the link.
The variety of kitchen countertops is so great that choosing a countertop turns into real torture. is as important as its functionality: after all, it must fit into the overall interior of the kitchen.
Window fittings differ in the opening direction, opening method and application to sashes that have different weights.
According to opening methods, fittings are divided into:
- rotary with horizontal placement of hinges;
- rotary with vertical placement of hinges;
- tilt and turn.
Anti-burglary fittings
This is a security element that will make it difficult for thieves to enter the apartment through the windows. Such fittings are equipped with special mushroom-shaped pins.
The trunnions cling to the anti-burglary strips and prevent the sash from being pressed out and lifted.
The basic set of anti-burglary fittings includes three steel pins.
Fittings for metal-plastic windows: overview of offers on the market
Below we will present brief characteristics of the most famous and widespread fittings on the domestic market.
Roto – Germany
The fittings for Roto plastic windows are reliable and durable. The German company is currently the only one who provides a ten year guarantee quality for its products. It also differs from analogues on the market in that it has a flat locking tongue.
Advantages of the Roto product:
- when locking the window, much effort is not required due to reduced friction of the locking tongue;
- the force on the locking parts is distributed over the entire contact surface.
Maco – Austria
The company produces hidden fittings for tilt-and-turn and rotary openings. Fittings for plastic Mako windows can improve the appearance of the window. It can also be used for external opening.
The range includes anti-burglary fittings, which provide greater protection against burglary when using additional pins. They perform two functions: locking and burglary protection.
Depending on the number of locking elements, the fittings has 6 degrees of protection.
Aubi – Germany
This company offers customers high-quality and reliable fittings for windows made of PVC, aluminum and wood.
The most important distinguishing feature of the company’s fittings is the use of a rolling roller with adjustment in three directions. This means that The device can be adjusted not only left or right, but also pulled up.
This mechanism does not require additional gaskets.
One of the company's leading developments was the sash lifting device. The fixing tenons are also patented, which secure the fittings in the fitting cutout before fastening with self-tapping screws.
Siegenia – Germany
Siegenia has been on the market since 1914, its products are distributed in different countries around the world. This is a universal product that can be installed on a wide variety of structures - from wooden windows to PVC windows.
It is also possible to install fittings on left- and right-hand windows. The company's assortment includes fittings for windows of non-standard design.
Winkhaus – Germany
Founded more than a hundred years ago (in 1854). Today, the products of the famous company are distributed in 40 countries around the world. The main difference between the company’s fittings is the ease of adjustment. This is achieved thanks to the special design of the rollers, which are located on the elements of the product.
It is possible to order tilt-and-slide structures of various types of opening.
Fittings can be used for a wide variety of designs, differing in size and configuration.
The presented products are of excellent quality. The buyer remains to make his choice.
When choosing and purchasing PVC windows, the modern consumer first of all pays attention to functional features and performance qualities - this is the level of heat and sound insulation, appearance. But the buyer is least interested in the quality of fittings for plastic windows, and, as practice suggests, this is in vain.
Professionals involved in plastic window systems are confident that 50% of how a window will work depends entirely on the fittings. It is the fittings that determine whether the window structure will be sealed, reliable and burglar-proof. It is known that components account for about 15% of the price of the entire window, which means you need to know what the best fittings for plastic windows are, how to choose a reliable manufacturer and how not to buy what the manager is trying so hard to sell.
What is meant by fittings for PVC window systems?
Window fittings are a set of components that support the frame and make it possible to open or close the window. Also, with the help of fittings, a tighter fit of the frame to the profile is ensured.
In general, fittings include various handles, sealing elements, locks, latches and much more. People who are far from everything related to window solutions also include ventilation parts, mosquito nets, and sometimes window sills as accessories. Naturally, these parts are not accessories. However, when purchasing windows, you also need to pay attention to them.
Types of fittings for plastic windows
Depending on how the window sashes open, there are several types of fittings. Thus, we can distinguish rotary systems, as well as tilt-and-turn systems - such solutions are most often used in conjunction with windows and balcony doors, which can be opened using the usual swing method or by tilting. There are also parallel-sliding fittings - they are used only on sliding window-door structures.
Some are sure that there are separate window fittings for windows made of wood, plastic or aluminum. In fact, this is not true and dividing the components in this way is not entirely correct.
PVC window handles
There are many options for these parts. They vary in colors and materials. However, first of all, these components are divided among themselves according to functionality.
A standard window handle is the most common and affordable part. These components do not contain any additional features. With this handle you can open the window frame only using the swing or tilt-and-turn method.
These simplest components for plastic windows consist of a screw, which is attached to a plastic frame through a decorative overlay, under which the fastening elements - self-tapping screws - are hidden, as well as a handle.
These parts can be made from various materials and colors. The most affordable are plastic handles. Then there are aluminum ones. The most expensive products that are offered with luxury windows are made of brass, copper or wood.
There are also special anti-burglary handles. In appearance, they are no different from ordinary ones, but structurally they are made in such a way that they do not allow attackers to open the window from the street side. Using a special mechanism, any hacking attempts are blocked.
Removable handles are purchased in cases where there are small children in the family. There are many known cases of children falling out of windows. These components for plastic windows will help avoid these tragic situations. These solutions are also relevant if the window will not be opened very often. This part has a simple design. First, a special socket is fixed, and a handle is already inserted into it. The socket is permanently located on the frame, but the handle should only be used when you need to open the window.
Window handles with a lock are also a relevant solution for families with children. In order to open the frame completely, you first need to remove the handle lock - for this there is a lock on the body. To tilt the sash, you do not need a key - here the handle simply turns and then you need to pull it a little, as in any window.
Handles with burglar-proof buttons are also anti-burglary fittings for plastic windows. To open a window equipped with such a system, you must first press the button. These solutions seem convenient because there is no key to lose. But on the other hand, this is unsafe - a child can easily press a button that is interesting to him.
The curved handle is perfect for those windows that will only open outward. It differs from the ordinary one only in a higher level of comfort. When opening the window, the edge of the handle will not touch
There is also a balcony hook - this part is installed on the door block from the balcony side, and an ordinary handle is installed inside.
Window seals
These parts are also fittings and they perform very important functions in the design. It depends on them whether the window will close hermetically and whether the room will be warm. These products differ in materials.
Foam seals are used only with wooden windows. The foam itself is very fragile and also perfectly absorbs moisture. That is why, in our climate, such a seal will last less than a year. These materials are produced in varying thicknesses - from 2-3 mm to several centimeters.
Polyethylene seals, like foam seals, are used primarily with wooden windows. They are made in the form of self-adhesive products or without an adhesive layer. These seals are slightly better than foam rubber ones - they do not absorb moisture and also retain their shape much better. Such products will last much longer.
Brush sealing products are a special base that is mounted on a profile, as well as from a brush. Most often, most manufacturers use fabric materials as a base. To make the fabric tough and durable, it is covered with a polypropylene layer. The brush is lint. In order to increase moisture resistance, they are coated with silicone. Such parts vary in color - black, white, gray and other colors are widely available.
PVC seals are made of plastic. The quality of this product is very low. In summer, the material becomes soft. In winter, on the contrary, it becomes very fragile. These products do not differ in service life.
The most popular This will be confirmed by managers; just visit any hardware store for plastic windows and doors. Among the advantages of rubber-based products are high strength and heat resistance. In addition, rubber seals are very elastic and flexible - due to this, any deformation is completely eliminated.
There are several types of rubber seals. Products made from silicone are the best in their class. They are made of environmentally friendly material and are not afraid of moisture or exposure to aggressive environments. Available in white or grey. Thermoplastic elastomer products are significantly inferior to silicone ones. Products made from ethylene propylene have a long service life.
Window hinges
These fittings vary according to the type of installation. All types of hinges are applicable for all types of window structures.
So, an overhead or standard hinge is suitable for both wooden, metal and PVC windows. The product consists of two metal cards. There are detachable and one-piece hinges, rotating or rotating with the possibility of tilting the design for a plastic window. Often, after installation, the loop is covered with a decorative trim.
Screwed directly to the frame with special threaded pins. In this case, one loop can have up to 6 pins. The more there are, the more reliable the design will be. Previously, such screw-in hinges were used exclusively with wooden window structures. Today they are also made for PVC window products.
Used for structures of any type. But hinges for wooden and plastic windows are radically different. Among the advantages of these products is not only their hidden installation. These solutions have a long service life and allow you to open the frame to a larger angle. In addition, these hinges make it difficult for an attacker to gain access to the room through a window. And one more advantage - no draft penetrates into these loops.
The anti-burglary loop is 100% secure. The kit includes special anti-burglary plates that prevent entry if the window is closed.
Locks are most often supplied complete with a handle. There are single-point and multi-point locks. Depending on the closing method, a multi-point lock can be bolted or without a bolt.
This is a slight constipation that looks like a fungus. This is one part of the locking mechanism. Under the action of the locking mechanism, the trunnions can rotate and catch other parts. They contribute to a tighter closure of the sash.
Plank
Those who have never dealt professionally with plastic windows do not know what kind of fittings there are for plastic windows other than standard well-known elements. But there are many more different parts in the kit.
The bar allows the sash to fit more tightly to the profile. Often the bar can also provide additional security against burglary. Most manufacturers often use only two strips per window, however, the more of these parts, the better.
For those who do not know what the best fittings for plastic windows are, there are counters that are responsible for burglary protection, as well as tilt-and-turn ones. In addition to its main tasks, the bar is also the fulcrum for the swing-out sash.
Corner switches
These elements drive the locking mechanism of the window system through the corner. Structurally, it is a set of plates made of elastic steel grades that all work together. These parts can also be burglar-resistant.
Scissors
These elements are used for tilt-and-turn structures. They are designed to fix the sash in the open position. In addition, scissors make the locking mechanism easier to operate.
Constipation
These components of window fittings are designed to open, close, and tilt the window sash. The mechanism is activated by rotating the handle, which moves a special lever. Already from this lever the entire locking system is activated. There are basic constipation, as well as additional and secondary.
Middle locks can be found at the bottom of the window profile and at the side on the side where the hinges are located. Its main function is to press the frame against the profile. The part can be connected to tilt-and-turn locks, scissors and other mechanisms.
Additional locks are called locks, and the main locks come in various designs. Thus, a distinction is made between tilt-and-turn constipations, rotary or pin-type.
The best manufacturers of window fittings
People who are inexperienced in choosing plastic windows often ask the same question on various forums and on social networks - what is the best hardware for plastic windows? Consulting managers praise what they sell, but very often buyers are faced with frankly low-quality components. Let's try to figure out which products are considered the best and which manufacturers can be trusted.
If you need high-quality fittings for plastic windows, reviews can tell you about the quality. For example, judging by the analysis of opinions, it is not recommended to buy a window with domestic or Turkish or Chinese fittings.
Roto - products with true German quality
Products from this manufacturer meet all necessary standards and also have a high level of reliability and durability. In addition, Roto is the only company on the market that guarantees the quality of window components for 10 years. The product differs from existing analogues in the flat tongue of the locking mechanism.
This fittings have some advantages - during the closing process, almost no effort is required, and the force itself on the parts of the locking mechanism is distributed over the entire surface.
All parts are made of high-quality materials and have a simply enormous service life without the need for adjustments.
Maco
Mako fittings for plastic windows are produced in Austria. The products of this brand also have the highest level of quality and are considered the best on the market. The company is known for producing hidden mechanisms for tilt-and-turn and tilt-and-turn window designs. In addition, the company's products significantly improve the appearance of the window structure. The company's catalogs contain elements that can be used for external opening.
The range includes anti-burglary fittings "Mako" for plastic windows. It reliably protects against break-ins and penetrations with additional trunnions that improve locking. Available with six security elements.
G.U.
This is also a German manufacturer that supplies the market with high-quality window fittings, manufactured using high-precision equipment using the most modern technologies.
GU fittings for plastic windows are multifunctional solutions for tilt-and-turn sliding, folding, lift-and-slide and any other types of windows. The manufacturer provides a factory warranty of up to 10 years for the entire product line. This is a reliable choice for any windows with true German quality. All accessories are easy to use and install.
Resume
The rating of accessories for plastic windows shows that German brands are in first place. When managers try to sell a window with domestic fittings and promise high quality, you shouldn’t believe them - literally in six months such a window will need to be adjusted. Don't trust consultants. Now it’s clear what the best fittings for plastic windows are and no one will deceive the average buyer anymore.
When buying or ordering kitchen furniture, you should pay attention to every detail, especially the fittings. These details are not visible from the outside, but it is important for users that the cabinet, shelves and other items stand well or stay on the wall and can be opened without problems.
According to experts, kitchen furniture determines the quality of the set, its ease of use and durability. These elements, although they seem to be a trifle, make the housewife’s work easier and will not create problems. They will allow you to preserve the beautiful appearance of furniture, household appliances, and food.
Please keep in mind that all accessories are selected individually for the ordered set:
- loops;
- pens;
- shock absorbers;
- retractable mechanisms, etc.
Pens
Furniture handles influence the look of the kitchen. It is interesting that there are quite expensive pieces that increase the price of furniture, especially since you need more than one of them.
There are three types:
- bracket;
- handle - railing;
- button.
And they are classified according to the following parameters:
Manufacturer;
material;
size;
form;
color.
Stylish handles transform furniture, while low-quality handles will break with a simple touch. Poor fastenings will oxidize and destroy the façade material. The coating of the handles is important - it must be of high quality.
Loops
The main task of these elements is to open and close the doors. To make the right choice, you can wander around the showrooms and check the operation of different hinges by opening and closing doors on exhibition samples.
There are several types of loops:
- invoices:
- semi-overhead;
- loose-leaf;
- transformers;
- corner.
This is not all, but the rest are just subtypes of the above.
Retractable mechanisms
It is absolutely impossible to do without drawers in the kitchen and it is very unpleasant when they jam. Therefore, the mechanisms that help perform this operation should also be selected carefully.
They are:
- roller, easy to install and inexpensive;
- ball or telescopic, easy to use, able to withstand heavy loads and very durable;
- tandem box – a metal box that extends completely, operates silently and lasts a long time;
- metal boxing – can withstand heavy loads - up to thirty kilograms;
- cargo.
Legs
The customer himself chooses whether his kitchen will stand on legs or a plinth. The latter option prevents dirt from getting under the furniture, but mechanical impacts will negatively affect its appearance quite quickly. With legs, the kitchen is more elegant and will last longer.
HideWhat are the principles for choosing fittings for plastic windows?
In our analysis we will proceed from the following premises:
1. In reality, fittings from the most prestigious and reputable brands differ in cost from fittings from “second-tier” brands (Turkish, Chinese and German brand names, etc.) by 300-400 rubles. This is the cost of that bottle of vodka, which you will have to give to a master every six months so that he can “correct” your windows.Moreover, this difference is constantly decreasing. The cost of labor in Asian countries is growing; in terms of energy consumption and hardware and administrative costs, they are already ahead of the West.
Conclusion: saving on accessories is stupid. As the British say, “...we are not rich enough to buy cheap things.” We put the price criterion in last place in importance.
Window fittings production line in Turkey
2. You should be at least a little familiar with the production culture of certain companies. It is no secret that many Western companies in the 90s, in pursuit of profit, began to move their production to other countries, incl. to Russia.Despite the assurances that the branches will be certified at the parent enterprises, and that Western specialists will control the technical processes, this is hard to believe.
Please note: accessories from well-known brands that reach domestic consumers are, in fact, produced in domestic sources, and the quality is even worse than Turkish or Chinese products. Moreover, based on documents, price or appearance, it is quite difficult to distinguish it from one made in Germany or Austria. The difference is revealed later, during the operation stage.
Conclusion: you need to buy accessories from those manufacturers about whom it is known for certain that they did not export their production to other countries. Or at least those who were actually able to establish quality control of their products in Russia, China, etc.
3. It is naive to assume that hardware products from leading German and Austrian manufacturers differ greatly in quality from each other. It cannot be that two enterprises operate in neighboring cities, sell their products in the same market and at the same time do not exchange experience or copy what a competitor offers.Conclusion: The consumer’s choice can only be influenced by nuances determined by the traditions of the hardware manufacturer, its experience in a particular market, and other seemingly minor points.
The basis is a full set of functions expected from a tilt-and-turn window, beautiful appearance, durability, ease of adjustment and operation - this is inherent in the products of all leading manufacturers.
It is these nuances that we will pay attention to.
Accessories for Rublyovka
Fittings made in Germany Siegenia-Aubi
The Russian luxury buyer rarely lives in an apartment building. As a rule - in a cottage. Experts recommend for arranging windows in a prestigious house.
The main argument: the high flexibility of this system: it can be equipped with a window of the most complex shape: triangular, oval, etc. It’s no secret that cottages are often built according to individual and sometimes very bizarre designs.
Other advantages of this fittings: it is produced exclusively in Germany; its quality is impeccable. It is durable, although it requires service (lubrication) approximately every six months. But I think this is not a problem for the owner of the cottage.
Many parts for the left and right wings are interchangeable - it will be more difficult for installers to blame their problems on the fact that “now there is no such thing in the warehouse, we will come and change it later, but for now we will put this one in.” Yes, and planned repairs will be painless.
Siegenia-Aubi fittings are ideal for luxury developments
For those who are concerned about security, Siegenia-Aubi is among the most difficult fittings to crack: its “defensive” elements can withstand a record load of 1.5 tons (usually this figure does not exceed 600 kg).
And for those who are afraid of drafts, we can inform you that the design has seven points of pressure between the sash and the frame instead of the standard five.
In terms of price, Siegenia-Aubi is in the higher segment, but, let's say, this is not the most expensive fittings on the Russian market. There are also more expensive ones, and in domestic prices, quality and price exist as if in different dimensions, without touching each other.
Resume: Siegenia-Aubi is No. 1 for wealthy Russians who want to equip the windows of their cottage with good fittings.
For the normal elite
Austrian fittings MACO INVISIBLE
But our wealthy compatriot spends the second half of his day in his prestigious office. And he can live not in a cottage, but in an elite high-rise building - a settlement, as they now say.
Without at all detracting from the merits of Siegenia-Aubi, experts often recommend for such options (prestigious office, settlement).
Cause: a wide range of different options that will ensure a comfortable stay in a room with windows equipped with such fittings.
Its advantages:
- Easy close function
- Up to six degrees of burglary protection
- Final wax coating of parts providing increased anti-corrosion resistance
- Presentable appearance
- All kinds of limiters, protection against impact on the jamb, micro-lifting of the sash when closing, multi-position designs for ventilation
Experts point out only one major drawback of MACO fittings: some difficulty in self-adjustment compared to German models. But, obviously, for an office, the durability of equipment is more important than if everyone who is not too lazy to climb on any occasion to “debug” a complex design that is very sensitive to inept intervention.
All MACO fittings are produced at two factories in Austria.
Resume: MASO fittings - No. 1 for office premises and prestigious apartment buildings. In terms of price characteristics, it occupies one of the first positions. But she's worth it!
For the middle class
Winkhaus fittings - German brand
What should an average city dweller, let’s say, a skilled worker with a good salary, a small entrepreneur, a manager who is valued at work, an official, do, if he wants to install a window with reliable, but not too expensive fittings in his apartment?
Answer: . The oldest hardware company produces products for every taste and budget - from very prestigious to quite budget ones. What speaks in its favor is that, according to expert estimates, it is the only one that was able to establish production in Russia, but according to German standards.
There are modifications Winkhaus proPilot, which are cheaper in price than Turkish models, but higher in quality and functionality. When analyzing the market, we found enterprises that are ready to supply Winkhaus fittings in bulk for 600 rubles. It is clear that these are some basic configurations with a minimum set of options, but this is one and a half times cheaper than Turkish fittings!
Not to mention durability. There are testimonies of people who operated Winkhaus for ten years without service. And they would have used it longer if the window had not broken.
Perhaps Winkhaus is inferior to Siegenia-Aubi in terms of elasticity and MASO - in terms of softness and number of options. But installing a plastic window and forgetting about it for 10 years means a lot in domestic conditions!
Resume: WinkHaus is No. 1 for a person with average capabilities. Moreover, if these capabilities continue to grow, then a person will simply need to switch from one Winkhaus model to another: from proPilot to autoPilot, and then, as ultra-modern modifications of ActivPilot are introduced into the domestic market, one can safely switch to them.
From a marketing point of view, full coverage of the entire price range is the most important advantage of Winkhaus, making it the No. 1 brand on the Russian market. He builds a consumer pipeline; scores goals all over the place.
For those who don't have to choose
Turkish fittings Kale
But not everyone in Russia enjoys the right to choose.
What happens if, say, the authorities of a large city decide to resettle pensioners from a depressed central area somewhere on the outskirts, and open shopping and entertainment complexes in the center? And he transfers the order for the construction of a new microdistrict “for grandmothers and grandchildren” to some Turkish construction company? And she, in turn, orders accessories from someone who is closer, who is related?
In most cases, it turns out to be “closer and dearer”. Or simply Kale, as it is already commonly called in the vast expanses of 1/6 of the land. Its fittings are simple and reliable. Cheap. It is easy to install. And it was done quite conscientiously. It may not have a multi-position micro-ventilation option, but it won’t draft like a chimney on blizzard February evenings.
Resume: Kale is #1 for those who don't have to choose. It goes not only to new buildings. Currently, we are capturing the widest market, cooperating with many companies producing profiles and installing them throughout Russia.
And don't be afraid of this! If you are a modest Soviet pensioner and are not afraid that your diamond necklace with pearl pendants will be taken from your home, then you do not need fittings with six degrees of protection. And Kale has everything else!
Market outsiders
ROTO fittings - for domestic consumers, produced in Russia
Obviously, the famous company overdid it, opening a dozen factories in all parts of the world in pursuit of profitability. Including in China and Russia. And having failed to establish control over the quality of products produced in the branches.
As a result, it is impossible to buy a real ROTO in the Russian Federation, and there are such reviews about Chinese and domestic crafts that it is embarrassing to even remember.
In addition, when the author of these lines tried to find out the price of the company’s products, the remaining unknown manager quoted an amount 1.5 times greater than the cost of a purebred German Siegenia. Perhaps many copywriters suffer from excessive suspiciousness, but still, it seems that this is not entirely the case. This is more like a case where they are trying to take the consumer for a sucker.
“Personnel decides everything!” - Grandfather Stalin used to say. And he was right. One such response from one such manager can cost the company its place in the market.
Date added: 2015-01-20
- Find out
- what brands of furniture fittings are worthy of attention
- a little history of famous companies
- is there a Russian analogue of Blum?
Over the years, several large manufacturers of furniture fittings have established themselves in the global market. The name of these companies alone is associated with quality and reliability. Assembling imported furniture, as well as most domestic furniture, requires knowledge of these manufacturers' systems.
Blum/Blum, Austria
The company was founded in 1952 by blacksmith Julius Blum. The company began with the production of anti-slip nails for horseshoes. Today it is the world's largest manufacturer of furniture fittings. Has many subsidiaries; in 1996, Blum's representative office was opened in Russia.
Bloom engineers have developed many ready-made solutions.
The most famous of them:
functional AVENTOS lifting mechanisms, BLUMOTION sliding systems (special technology allows drawers and doors to close silently), ORGALINE organizers that help organize the internal space, etc. CLIP hinge, which does not require tools for installation, METABOX drawers, hidden TANDEM guides. In total, more than 70,000 types of accessories are produced. By the way, IKEA uses BLUM fittings in its products, but not the most modern ones, which allows them to maintain quality while reducing the cost of production.
Hettich/Hettich, Germany
Bloom's main competitor. The founder, Karl Hettich, produced and improved the production of parts for cuckoo clocks from 1888, then made piano hinges.
Blum and Hettich have been competing in the Western market for many years - like the Nikon and Canon brands among cameras. Both brands are high quality, both have been on the market for many years, both have their followers. Both are quite expensive.
The most famous solutions of Hettich engineers:
Quadro drawer guides based on the ball bearing principle.
The first steel side panel for drawers and the first double side system for ProfiTech drawers.
InnoTech - drawers with a distinctive feature: double sidewall.
ComfortLine - drawer systems.
Silent System is an innovative sliding mechanism for drawers that can suppress vibrations.
Hafele/Hefele, Germany
The company was founded in 1923. It sold hardware products. Now it is also one of the largest suppliers of high-quality furniture and construction accessories. The catalogs include more than 30,000 items.
Produces literally all types of front and non-face fittings. The most famous proprietary developments: Minifix, Maxifix, Rafix, Onefix ties. Four-hinge furniture hinges Duomatic, Metallamat, Metalla with different opening angles. Lifting mechanisms Senso, Verso and Strato under the common brand Lift and Turn. Both mechanical and electrical, with remote control. SLIDO sliding door system.
GRASS, Germany
The group of companies, the founders - the Mepla-Werke company, which has been producing furniture fittings since 1929, and Grass itself, founded in 1947 and also developing in this market.
The merger of several companies took place in 2007. Several companies from other countries also joined the group. The products of this company are distinguished by innovative technologies, futuristic design, and quality.
The most famous offers:
Lifting mechanisms of various configurations KINVARO for facades without handles. Nova Pro extension systems with double-walled drawers (analogous to tandemboxes), which make the walls extremely stable and the movement of the drawer synchronous and silent. Verbinder fastening hardware.
Harn/Harn, Austria
The company stands apart among the big names in the furniture industry, as it was founded only twenty years ago, in 1994. It initially dealt with furniture fittings and managed to receive prestigious certificates of conformity.
After a short time, the company gained a strong position in the market.
Harn has a wide selection of all kinds of retractable systems, as well as guide systems. For example, TrioMax is an analogue of tandemboxes from BLUM, Basic, Impaz, Triowood. The systems are designed for different load capacities and are used not only in kitchen furniture, but also in office furniture.
Impaz is a full extension side panel, it comes with special Clip-On mounts.
Also widely known is ImpazOffice, a storage system for offices.
One of the company's latest products is Trio sidewalls. This is the world's first system in which it is possible to compensate for errors in cutting boxes using a built-in stabilizer.
In our country alternative to import suppliers can be considered
BOYARD/Boyard is a Russian company representing accessories made in China. The fittings are produced in a factory manner.
On the market since the beginning of the 21st century, since 2004, the majority of Russian furniture is now equipped with Boyard. This is quite high-quality economy-class fittings for economy-class furniture. Such fittings are included in mass-market furniture.
Boyard products have a very acceptable price/quality ratio. The most famous systems: AERO lifting mechanisms, SWIMBOX guide mechanisms, Slide-on four-hinge systems. Sold in online construction stores.
Which brand should you prefer? This question worries many buyers. There are no universal recommendations. For example, which is better, Blum or Hettich, we compare
