Window handle swap: metal vs plastic, what's better?

I've replaced a fair share of window handles over the years, and honestly, metal ones usually hold up better in the long run. Had a client once who opted for plastic to save a few bucks, and within two years, I was back swapping them out again—sunlight and temperature changes made them brittle. Metal handles might cost more upfront, but they're less likely to snap or wear out quickly. Curious though, are your windows exposed to direct sunlight often? That can make a big difference in durability...

Totally agree about metal handles lasting longer. My kitchen window gets direct sun most of the day, and the plastic handle turned yellow and cracked after just a year or so. Switched to metal—no issues since, plus they feel sturdier too. Worth the extra cost imo.

Had a similar experience with plastic handles myself. I initially went for plastic because they were cheaper and seemed fine at first, but after about two years, they started feeling loose and brittle. Didn't even have direct sunlight issues like you mentioned, just regular wear and tear. Switched to metal handles when I renovated the kitchen last summer, and the difference is noticeable. They feel solid, no flexing or cracking, and honestly, they look better too—more premium, I guess.

One thing I'd add though, metal handles can get pretty hot if they're in direct sunlight all day, especially darker finishes. Not a huge deal, but something to keep in mind if your window gets a lot of sun exposure. Still, overall I'd say metal is definitely the way to go if you're looking for durability and longevity.

Good points about the heat issue with metal handles, hadn't really considered that. I've had plastic handles in my previous place, and they did okay for a while, but eventually the screws stripped out and the handles got wobbly. Switched to metal ones about three years ago, and they've held up nicely—no looseness or cracking yet. I'd say metal's probably worth the extra cost if you're planning to stay put for a while.

Had the same issue with plastic handles at our old house—they got annoyingly loose after a couple years. Metal's been solid here too, but anyone notice if certain finishes hold up better long-term? Our brushed nickel ones seem fine so far...

We swapped ours out for metal handles about three years ago, went with oil-rubbed bronze finish. They've held up pretty well overall, but I've noticed the ones on south-facing windows faded a bit from sun exposure. Nothing major, just something to keep in mind if your windows get a lot of direct sunlight. Brushed nickel might fare better there...anyone else notice fading issues with other finishes?

I've installed plenty of brushed nickel handles over the years, and honestly, they seem to handle sun exposure better than most darker finishes. Oil-rubbed bronze looks great at first, but yeah, I've seen it fade too—especially on windows that bake in the sun all day. Nickel might be your best bet there.

"Oil-rubbed bronze looks great at first, but yeah, I've seen it fade too—especially on windows that bake in the sun all day."

Yeah, gotta agree with you there. Oil-rubbed bronze is nice aesthetically, but it's a bit overrated when it comes to durability. I've had nickel handles on south-facing windows for years now, and they've held up surprisingly well. Plastic might save you a few bucks initially, but honestly, metal just feels sturdier and ages better overall. Nickel's probably your safest bet if you're looking for something that'll last.

"Nickel's probably your safest bet if you're looking for something that'll last."

Yeah, nickel's solid, but honestly, I've had brushed aluminum handles on my kitchen windows forever and they're still going strong. Wonder if aluminum holds up better than nickel in direct sun...?