Fitting & advice
Locking-strip tools and fitting materials
With the right locking-strip tool, fitting cord and lubricant, you can fit window seals with locking strip quickly and without damage. Below are the tools and a step-by-step guide.
A locking-strip tool is a hand tool that presses the strip into the groove of the window seal in a controlled way, without damaging the rubber or pane. To fit the pane with its rubber, use the cord method (a fitting cord) and lubricant (soapy water). This draws the rubber lip neatly inwards over the edge of the rebate.
What is a locking-strip tool?
With a locking-strip tool, you feed the strip through an eye or guide in the tool. Moving it along the groove pushes the strip into the groove in a controlled way and presses it straight into place. There are simple hand models with a fixed eye and more comprehensive fitting kits with interchangeable hooks and eyes, for vintage cars and custom builds, for example.
Fitting cord, lubricant and spatulas
- Fitting cord / pull-in cord: a thin, strong cord laid in the rubber groove; you use it to pull the rubber lip over the edge of the rebate (the cord method).
- Lubricant / soapy water: makes the glass, rubber and strip slide easily; soapy water or washing-up liquid is common. Rubber is also sometimes placed in warm water to make it more flexible.
- Plastic spatulas: to push the rubber over the edge of the rebate without scratching; do not use sharp tools.
- Sleeve / finishing clip: neatly closes the two ends of the strip, especially on trims.
Fitting a window seal with locking strip: step by step
- Remove the old rubber (take out the strip first, as the rubber then comes away more easily) and clean the rebate.
- Place the pane in the glass groove of the window seal using lubricant.
- Lay the pull-in cord all the way round in the rebate groove of the rubber and let both ends hang at the bottom.
- Position the assembly on the opening, start at the bottom and push the rubber into place with plastic spatulas.
- Carefully pull the ends of the cord inwards so that the rubber lip is drawn fully over the edge of the rebate.
- Use the locking-strip tool to press the (filler) strip into the groove, starting at the bottom centre and working evenly round.
- Finish with the sleeve around the ends of the strip and check the seal, for example by running water along the edge.
Advice and materials tailored to you
We supply custom window seals with locking strip and are happy to advise you on the right strip and fitting method for your profile, including for vehicles, boats and vintage cars. Get in touch or request a quote.
Frequently asked questions
What is a locking-strip tool for?
To press the strip into the groove of the window seal in a controlled way without damaging the rubber or pane, and much faster than by hand.
Can I fit it without a locking-strip tool?
It can be done with effort, but a locking-strip tool prevents damage and is much faster. For the pane itself, use the cord method.
Which lubricant should I use?
Soapy water or washing-up liquid is common. Avoid prolonged use of aggressive or oily products on EPDM.
What is the fitting cord for?
To pull the rubber lip inwards over the edge of the rebate when fitting rubber with glass (the cord method).
How many people does this take?
Larger panes are best fitted by two people: one pushes and uses the spatula, the other pulls the cord.
Why remove the strip first when dismantling?
Without the strip, the rubber is no longer under tension, so the glass and rebate come away more easily.
Does a locking-strip tool also work for chrome trims?
For plastic decorative filler strips, yes. Metal trims sometimes require a different technique or other tools.
More about window seals
See also our other pages about custom window seals:
Need help with the right window seal or fitting?
We can advise you on the profile, the strip and the fitting method. Send us your question or a sample.
