# Manual Zip Screen Source: https://www.fenetresystems.com/en/manual-zip-screen/ # Manual Zip Screen Manual zip screen. A crank handle works the mechanism that locks the fabric into zipped side channels — it needs no power line or motor. [Request a Quote](https://www.fenetresystems.com/en/contact/) [Send Measurements](https://www.fenetresystems.com/en/whatsapp/) [Image: Manual Zip Screen] - Edge Lock The zipped edge holds inside the channel. - Power-Free Operation Crank handle — no cable run. - Light Control A choice of filtering or blackout fabric. ## Who Is the Manual Zip Screen For? - Terrace - Balcony - Veranda - No Power Line - Garden No motor or electrical connection needed — an economical zip solution on medium-size openings. ## Manual Zip Screen - Stock Code: FS-ZIP-01 - Availability: Produced to Order - Brand: FENETRE - Category: Zip Screens The zipped channel and fabric are made to measure. It arrives with the handle fitted — no electricity needed. Suited to [terrace](https://www.fenetresystems.com/en/terrace-zip-screen/), [balcony](https://www.fenetresystems.com/en/balcony-zip-screen/) and veranda applications on small and medium openings that want wind protection without the cost of a motor. ### Technical Specifications Manual Zip Screen technical production data Material - Cassette Box profile winding the fabric: Aluminium Box - Fabric Fabric woven for outdoor use: Screen / Blackout - Side Channel Edge zip seats inside the channel: Zip Locked Use - Mechanism No electrical connection needed: Crank Handle Mounting - Mounting Screwed from the bearing surface: Screwed — Outdoor Compatibility - Compatibility Medium-size openings: Terrace · Balcony The cassette and side channels are screwed to the mounting surface; the crank handle is then attached. Brush strips inside the channels hold the fabric in the channel against wind. - The width and height of the opening to be closed are measured (cm). - The fixing surface is stated: under-ceiling, wall face or a freestanding frame. - The crank handle position is noted — an accessible edge is chosen. On high openings where the handle cannot be reached, the motorised version is considered. ## The zip rail and the fabric lock The zip screen takes its name from the fabric edge working locked inside the side channel. A zip-like profile on the fabric edge slides inside the rail and the fabric is held on both sides — wind cannot pull it out of the rail. The side-channel lock keeps the fabric taut. Because the descending fabric is held at the edges, it does not flap and produces no wind noise — on balconies and exterior facades this lock is the system’s technical core. Manual control works through the crank handle. The handle movement is passed to a gear on the tube axis and the fabric rises as it winds; the fabric holds its position wherever the handle is released. ## Use area and limits The manual zip is ideal for closing balconies and terraces — the fabric series is chosen screen or clear for outdoor use and the side channels lock it against wind. As the width grows, the physical limit of manual control grows too. Indoors the manual zip works on narrow and medium openings. On large surfaces the fabric weight strains the handle pull — at those sizes the motorised version is considered. The limit is the product’s physical reality. The fabric’s outward face is UV-resistant in the outdoor series — on a facade under constant sun the colour and texture last longer. The indoor series does not need that resistance and is chosen from a different range. ## Crank handle control The crank handle seats into the gear socket at the cassette end. Turning the handle spins the fabric tube — the fabric winds up or releases down. When the handle stops, the gear layout locks the fabric in place; no sudden drop or snap-open. Handle length and position are set to the mounting height — it sits at an accessible point on the edge; on high installations an extendable handle is used. Where there is no access, manual control is not practical and the motorised version is considered. Handle torque depends on fabric weight — a heavy outdoor fabric tires the handle on wide openings. A geared reduction ratio lowers the turning force; above the physical limit a motor upgrade is recommended. There is no hanging cord or chain — the single moving part is the handle, which carries no chain-loop risk around children. With the handle removed the system stays closed to outside tampering. ## Mounting layout and maintenance The bottom profile weighs the fabric down — the weight bar in the fabric’s lower profile tensions the fabric and keeps it inside the side channels, preventing it from bouncing or leaving the guide. Mounting is done outside the recess — the side guides screw to the wall or the frame face; no inside-recess fitting and no depth requirement. Yearly maintenance is limited to a mechanical check — the gear layout and the channel brush strips are inspected. With no electrical parts, failure points are few; fabric cleaning and channel checks keep it working. ## Production steps after the order The fabric series and openness factor are written on the order — screen, blackout or PVC-coated fabric is chosen for the use purpose, and a sample card is sent. The gear ratio is matched to the fabric weight in production — the handle torque is pre-set for a light or heavy fabric; no extra adjustment is needed on site. The mounting type is chosen for the surface condition — the bracket and screw set for wall, ceiling or frame fitting ships with the unit. The guide channel length is derived from the opening measurement — the side channels are produced to the opening height and the corner joints are finished. ## Pre-order checklist Where a power line cannot be run, the manual zip is the only option — on a balcony edge, a pergola column or a garden wall it needs no wiring. On medium and small openings the crank handle is enough — a few turns a day keeps it practical and trouble-free; on very wide, heavy fabric you move to a motor. The fabric series is chosen by outdoor or indoor conditions — PVC-coated fabric outside, screen or blackout inside. The place of use makes the decision. ## Questions About Manual Zip Screen Does a manual zip struggle on wide openings? The crank handle is comfortable at medium sizes — on very wide or tall openings the motorised version is recommended. Does the zipped channel really stop wind? The fabric edge locks inside the channel — under wind pressure it neither bursts out nor flaps. ## Other Zip Screens Models Manual Zip Screen is built around edge lock, power-free operation, light control. The remaining 5 models in the Zip Screens range are listed. [All Zip Screens →](https://www.fenetresystems.com/en/zip-screens/) [Ceiling Zip Screen](https://www.fenetresystems.com/en/ceiling-zip-screen/) [Transparent Zip Screen](https://www.fenetresystems.com/en/transparent-zip-screen/) [Interior Zip Screen](https://www.fenetresystems.com/en/interior-zip-screen/) [Outdoor Zip Screen](https://www.fenetresystems.com/en/outdoor-zip-screen/) [Motorised Zip Screen](https://www.fenetresystems.com/en/motorised-zip-screen/) ## Manual Zip Screen — Ask for a Price Send the opening width-height and the surface type to receive the manual zip price. [Request a Quote](https://www.fenetresystems.com/en/contact/) [WhatsApp](https://www.fenetresystems.com/en/whatsapp/)