| Looking for Shutters Dogs, Tie-backs and Hold-backs? Here is where you can find and order all of the different styles of Shutter Dogs offered at Kestrel Shutters. We offer the largest selection available on the web and off. Don't see what you are looking for? Let us know and we will find it or have it custom made for you. |
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| So that you can make an informed choice we have placed pictures of all of the various shutter dogs on this page. As a result this page will take about 50 seconds to load with a 56k modem. |
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prices are per pair in US$
Do
you have Questions about Shutter Dogs?
Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions.
Do
I really need shutter dogs if my shutters are only for decoration?
Do
my shutter dogs need to match what is on the other houses in my
neighborhood?
What
if I do not see the style of shutter dog that I am looking for?
What
are the differences between Shutter Dogs, Tie-backs and Hold-backs?
1. Do I really need shutter dogs if my shutters are only for decoration?
Shutter Dogs work hand in hand with your shutters for that finished look that distinguishes your home and shows it at it's best. With the proper hardware, your house will have the appearance of true working shutters! Think of it this way; a door without a door knob just doesn't look right. Back to Questions / Top of Page
2. Which style of shutter dog is right for me?
That depends on what you are looking for.
If you wish to be historically correct we suggest you take a look at some of the older homes in your area. Hardware was made locally years back so you will usually find that homes within a certain area all had the same style shutter dogs.
However, this is not always the case. If you were to take a stroll through the historical sections of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania you would find that the shutter dogs would often change from one neighborhood to the next. It often depended on what was available at the time and what the homeowner wanted.
Check with your local Historical Society. Often times local historical societies will have photographs of the older homes in your area. Sometimes of even your own home. This is probably the best way to find out what was on your house originally. Back to Questions / Top of Page
3. Do my shutter dogs need to match what is on the other houses in my neighborhood?
If you do not plan to match your shutter dogs with other homes in your area then this is what we suggest; Go with whichever you like the most. Remember, your shutters and the hardware on them, will not only help to protect your home, they will also distinguish your home as yours and make it picture perfect! Back to Questions / Top of Page
4. What if I do not see the style of shutter dog that I am looking for?
Do you Shutter Dogs shaped like your company logo? Or perhaps you would like to match something you already have. If it's an old style, chances are we can find it for you. If it's something new, we work directly with a number of foundries that will custom make hardware to your specifications. Just let us know what you would like to have. Back to Questions / Top of Page
5. What are the differences between Shutter Dogs, Tie-backs and Hold-backs?
They are all the same. For most intent and purpose these are really just different names for the same thing. Back to Questions / Top of Page
6. What are Shutter Dogs and how do they work?
Shutter dogs are functional, metal ornaments used to hold your shutters open against the face of your house. All shutter dogs are weighted to have one end heavier then the other. This way the shutter dogs always remains vertical with the top portion overlapping the shutter. To close the shutter into your window you would just turn the shutter dog sideways. The shutter will then be able to pass by the shutter dog. Back to Questions / Top of Page
7. What are Side Mounted Shutter Dogs?
Shutter dogs typically mount to the face of your house below the shutter. Side mounted shutter dogs mount to the side of the shutter. Traditionally these are required when holding back door shutters or shutters were you there is no where to mount below the shutter. However, it is not uncommon for side mounted shutter dogs to be used for the simple reason that people like the look they provide. Some shutter dogs, like our Dolphins, can be mounted either to the side or the bottom of the shutter. Back to Questions / Top of Page
8. Where do I mount the Shutter Dogs?
Shutter dogs are meant to partially overlap the shutter when in the vertical position. If your shutter dog mounts below your shutters here is what you should do:
Turn your shutter dog sideways so that the weighted, heavier end, is pointing to the right.
Place the shutter dog so that it is butted up against the bottom of the shutter with the mounting hole about 3" to 4" in from the corner of the shutter farthest from the window.
Drop the shutter dog down about 1/4".
Let the shutter dog fall into it's upright position so that the weighted, heavier end, is pointing straight down. At this point the shutter dog should overlap the shutter. If the shutter dog does not cover the shutter, simply raise the shutter dog up slightly. However, make sure that the shutter can still pass over the shutter dog when it is turned sideways.
This is where you should mount your shutter dog. Back to Questions / Top of Page
If you have a side mounted shutter dog here is what you should do:
Let the shutter dog fall so that the weighted, heavier end, is pointed straight down.
Place the shutter dog along the vertical edge of the shutter that is farthest from the window. The
Slide the shutter dog up or down till you have the shutter dog at a height that visually pleases you. Typically they are placed about 1/3 of the way up from the bottom or halfway up. This can be a matter of personal preference.
Butt the shutter dog up against the edge of the shutter so that shutter dog is touching the shutter in 2 places.
Move the shutter dog out and away from the shutter about 1/4".
Let the shutter dog fall into it's upright position so that the weighted, heavier end, is pointing straight down. At this point the shutter dog should overlap the shutter. If the shutter dog does not cover the shutter, simply move the shutter dog slightly closer to the shutter. However, make sure that the shutter can still pass over the shutter dog when it is turned sideways. Back to Questions / Top of Page
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Kestrel Manufacturing, #9 East Race Street, Stowe, Pennsylvania 19464 USA
800.494.4321 or 610.326.6679 FAX 610.326.6779
sales @ diyshutters.com
Copyright 1989 to 2008 Kestrel Shutters & Doors ALL RIGHTS RESERVED