How to repair a window crank

How to repair a damaged window crank without having to go and buy a new one.

[@brykoehn2544]

This is exactly what I needed. Thank you so much for this! Not crude at all - it's fixing an otherwise perfectly functioning piece of equipment! And saving it from the landfill. Thanks again!

[@terryo4352]

I had hammered mine a few months back and it seemed to tighten the gears up. That fix didn't last too long. The drilling hole and making your own 2nd set screw worked! Even found a groove on the crank shaft for a set screw to squeeze right into, should be good! Thanks for the tip!

[@BASK1120]

I love how you did this, not fancy, and I don't care. Give me fresh air and a window that opens and closes. Thank you for this!!

[@-GetGoTv]

No problem I'm glad you enjoyed it

[@puppy_pause]

Nice! I kept trying to blow the dust out when you were hammering, lol.

[@sherrieh8754]

Saved us the day! We couldn’t even find the replacement parts at local hardware store. Thanks!

[@kalvinroberto1614]

This video was extremely helpful! I have a three-season cabin that has about a zillion of these crank windows, and almost half of them were broken. You've allowed me to breathe new life into a house that I thought would need massive repairs to get some natural air flow again.

[@deanpiacente8819]

I have a 30 year old home I recently bought that have BiltBest manufactured window cranks everywhere. I believe I found an easy fix. About a half dozen were broke with the crank mechanism coming out as it turns like this video. $55 per unit to replace and need to be careful replacing the window casement. The grooved ring will not hold the crank mechanism in place. So I punched it back in with a socket like this video but instead of drilling a hole and using a set screw to hold it I “crimped” the edges of the opening closed a little with vice grips. So far it works terrific. Again this is on a BiltBest mechanism which may work differently than this operator mechanism in this video.

[@iammusic1950]

I'm in the same situation, I hope this works for my 1950 windows.

[@TheNarrowPath84]

I know this is 2 years old, but how did it work out? Any updates? Thanks in advance if you see this.

[@AfricanFlightStar]

@@TheNarrowPath84 the process worked perfectly for me, but I didn’t put in a set screw, I just tapped around the edges to curl the metal over to stop the bushing coming out. Like he shows in the video. But I used the end of a flat file to gently hammer the lip over, instead of just hammering directly on the metal.

[@TheNarrowPath84]

@@AfricanFlightStar Thanks my friend. I have some windows in my house I need to work on so thank you for the info. 🙏

[@bobtopper7867]

Thanks my friend great immediate fix. The mechanism is broke to begin with so you can’t hurt it anymore (all the negative comments about being a hammer mechanic). Only thing I did differently is I used a 1/16 roll pin and put it on top. Totally out of sight and won’t work out. No damage to casing at all. Put handle back on.

[@hijinks21]

love when the fix calls for smashing stuff.

[@halifaxredemption]

haha, agreed!

[@codeblocks4067]

Great video, wish you gave the measurements on that little insert piece so I could 3d print it though! Missing in the window I'm working on.
EDIT: That little press fitting is 17.2mm diameter, 8.7mm inner diameter and 5.9mm deep. Printed the spacer, followed his steps except drilled on the side instead of the top. Works perfectly, thanks. Can't even tell it's drilled with the set screw on the side.

[@Patrick-db6sk]

THANKS SO MUCH OUR WINDOW WAS NOT CLOSING WITHOUT HELP BY A HAND. YOUR VIDEO FIXED THE WINDOW SO WE CAN NOW USE IT. EXCELLENT ADVICE THANK YOU AGAIN!

[@brianhall5294]

Thanks, been having trouble for years with my window cranks. Will give it a try.

[@ourladyssoldiers]

Thanks for the solution. I did not use the drilled screw suggestion. So I just went ahead with banging the casing with a hammer and that held so that I could crank the window back shut. So maybe try the hammer first then if you need to drill a screw then use that method as a plan B. Much thanks for the solution my windows are 50 years old and replacements probably would have been impossible to find. One other tip if you have to use alot of force to open up your window best to hit it with some grease. Forcing it to open only breaks the mechanism.

[@5373Rachel]

This is awesome. Just what I needed. Thank you! It's not crude, it's resourceful!

[@-GetGoTv]

Thank you I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for calling and resourceful and not off crude. Good luck with repairing your cranks. If you have any questions feel free to ask me in the comment section. Thanks again Bobby

[@rogergodin6443]

Great video , I previously tried set screws, but I put them into the worm gear so it just backed out, after watching your video , I drilled and eight hole under the crank pin through both sides , from 4 o’clock to 8 o’clock and put a 2 inch stainless bolt and nut to hold the screw from coming out ,thank you

[@ronski50]

Thank you for the video. I like the fact you are pinning the screw gear in. I only crimped the lip and eventually the screw gear would pop out again.

[@larrygavette1429]

had to drill into the brass fitting a bit on its own, but once aligned with the drilled base screw hole this fix was an absolute perfect use of available parts and ingenuity. i thank you and commend you on your sharing.

[@AfricanFlightStar]

Thank you Sir, you just helped me solve a very frustrating problem, plus I got to earn some brownie points with the missus, excellent job, cheers from Florida! 🎉💪🏼👍🏼💥👏🏼😄

[@AfricanFlightStar]

Thanks my man, you saved the day for me again, cheers! 👍🏼💪🏼👏🏼🙏🏻

[@omffgusernames]

The trick is to drill the hole without having a heart attack and losing your mind. The damn bit kept skipping all over the place. Eventually I was able to tap a hole for the bit to take, all that is required is a truck load of F-bombs. Worked for me. Thanks for the vid!

[@jimflys2]

Get an Allen screw and use an Allen driver to install on that crank. No slippage. Keep the slotted screw for the handle.

[@minivanmaster]

Thanks for this video. I was so worried my window was broken. It took a few minutes of hammering to get mine shut. Never using that damn window again!

[@-GetGoTv]

I agree these windows are tricky

[@paulrogers8266]

Totally AWESOME fix! Worked like a charm!
Thank You!

[@super8guy]

OK so this is not elegant or refined, however it worked for me. I didn't do the hammer in part, but was able to finesse in that part that keeps popping out. The vital part of this fix was drilling a small hole, then screwing in the set screw. I used a small machine screw which served to keep that outer collar in place. I did not need to use a hammer to bend in the perimeter. It worked, and I saved myself $77 which is what the entire operator costs and is sold by Blaine Window Hardware. Just after fixing this my stoves' automatic pilot light stopped working. I am a slave to my possessions.

[@-GetGoTv]

I'm glad this worked out for you and became a success. I am also happy to hear when people tell me they have saved money but doing a project thanks for being part of GetGo TV

[@ourladyssoldiers]

I know the feeling. When I fixed the broken window I went to close the venitian blinds and they did not close. So I had to fix them. Lol.

[@1brookful]

Wow! You guys are the greatest!

[@utilautila3233]

Thank you very much this worked amazingly you are the best .

[@jimsl7851]

I would get a new mechanism but the one I have is no longer available, I ended up doing something like this but didn't crimp the housing with a hammer. I took the knurled ring out and drilled through the housing and tapped a thread, de greased (cleaned) the seating surfaces of the housing and knurled ring, re assembled driving the ring back in with a bit of JB Weld applied around the ring, then threaded in a new set screw. These are made with a "press fit" and eventually get loose and come apart, but this should last for years now. Just make sure you lube the mechanism once in a while.

[@redheelerdog]

Good fix for my broken crank window - thanks

[@-GetGoTv]

Hope it helps

[@JayZoop]

Thanks for the great video. Would it be better to buy a new set screw so you can still use the other one where intended?

[@JasonShah100]

The set screw method alone didn't work for me. The threaded collar/cylinder would just pop out, as the set screw wasn't biting into it strongly enough. I tried three different placements for the set screw (so, there are three different holes, hehe).
What did work for me: mark where the set screw would hit the threaded collar. Then, take it out, clamp it down, and drill a groove into it where the set screw could bite it. After that, the set screw had a nice place to turn into, and it held it firmly in place.

[@marleyorange]

Not bad- just a suggestion- was thinking maybe lubricate all pivot points of linkage- may have been a factor in the original breakage. I think there is a little circlip in there originally. Thanks for video. I sure don't want to get into cutting out that wood for a replacement

[@jimhalleran6239]

Pretty ingenious. I have never really figured out how/why that worm gear keeps backing out. I’ll try this but I will drill and tap the hole for the set screw.
Question: can the hole be drilled too deep? If so, how deep to drill?
Thanks

[@-GetGoTv]

Only need to drill the hole deep enough so that the screw will prevent the shaft from backing out

[@rameoparmon1222]

Hello sir, can you please tell which part of the window this small ring is? I can't find the name of this part anywhere!

[@user-by6yc8yl7v]

Take it a step further and thread tap your hole before you add the set screw.

[@craigvelardi7420]

I have an old style cover around 1974-1979 with no screws and cannot find any information on how to take the cover off. I believe it is Casement Operator Cover part #0532608. Spoke to two Andersen reps, both of which said it should pull right off and one of them said the casing may be holding it on. I stated it rocks left and right and there is no paint holding it in. Seems like the center is held in somehow causing not to slip off the shaft. Tried pulling it off by hand, using a screw driver, clamp to get a good grip and small pry bar. It's not coming off. Any suggestions?

[@iangershgorn2552]

What does the screw on the side do? How do you know where to put it?

[@TheNarrowPath84]

What not use a smaller self tapper instead of the set screw?

[@MistyWoman4]

Gosh I wish my husband was handy like this! LoL We have old 1972 mobile home windows and I can’t find a video that shows our particular crank.

[@RoyalKennedy601]

any ideas how to make a stripped crank stay on the operator stem thats also stripped ? I was thinking maybe drilling a hole thru both and putting a small threaded bolt or rivit thru the both of them

[@danlivni2097]

I got the same problem with my window

[@sonjalewis3047]

@@danlivni2097 I think this might be my problem, too. I'm going to see if a thin layer of caulk on the stem might make the window a little more usable.

[@monsieurcobourg]

Will this work on mobile trailer window?

[@jeffnelson2930]

Question, does it matter where you drill the hole to put the set screw in? Does it have to be over (in front) of the ring you hammered back in or does it matter? Also, after you hammered back in the ring, could you have simply crimped (dented) the aluminum in front of the ring opposed to drilling a hole and putting the set screw in to prevent the piece from backing out? Thanks for your video.

[@TheNarrowPath84]

Did you ever figure it out? I was thinking of just using a smaller self tapper. You can get them at the hardware store instead of having to drill a hole and use the set screw. You could still use the set screw in the appropriate spot. Let me know how you ended up doing it? Also, I don’t think it matters where you put screw. (I think a self tapper would look nicer. Just my opinion tho)

[@billie6528]

Man I hate having these types of windows! They’re like prison windows when they break! You can’t open them!

[@-GetGoTv]

I agree this design definitely sucks

[@sonjalewis3047]

My '72 mobile home's crank & knob does not have a set screw--the crank slips on that knob's ridges--I think the ridges are too worn for the crank to catch on them. Whole thing's too old to find replacement parts for? I'm thinking of applying a thin layer of semi-hard builder's caulk to the ridges, to see if that provides enough for the crank to grab onto. Has anybody tried anything similar?!

[@tomloss8337]

I laughed all the way through this. You'd never come to my house to fix anything. LOL

[@michaelwalker718]

If you look close at the actual crank, you will see that is exactly how it was assembled at the factory. The cowling is a press fit over the part that turns and it just wears out so much that it gives way. I have done this exact fix on 4 of them already.

[@zmarvelous664]

May I use this epoxy? Rustoleum appliance epoxy?

[@lesterross1]

You could use a hand screwdriver, or just keep scratching the finish off the mechanism. LOL

[@glencoughlan2209]

Ex space shuttle engineer no doubt !

[@27sferra]

Looks a little clumsy but worked for me!

[@curiosity2314]

Very good!

[@baldevjugday2138]

Hello sir I have same window crankcase and lock ...can u tell me i need new magnesium and crankcase set pls
Adress?

[@davidcohen9706]

Amazing!

[@islandgaming3230]

friggin sweet! thanks man

[@-GetGoTv]

+Island Gaming no problem glad you like the video

[@NavDDG54]

I have one of these windows, the crank works just fine until closing the window, it closes 98% of the way but won't close all the way, we have to take the screen off and pull it the last little bit. How do I fix that?

[@eighteenin78]

The rubber weather sealant gasket around the outside frame of the window has swelled with age and moisture and no longer allows the window to fit tightly in the casement. If you were to remove the weather sealant gasket and replace it with a new one, the window would close until that gasket started to disintegrate five years from now. At the end of the season, I go outside and push all the windows closed for the winter. Between spring and fall, those windows are never closed properly. If you have a twin window set where two open next to each other from the center out, never open on of those windows except to help close the other one. That saves that window from deteriorating with the weather. These windows are not all they promised when they were new.

[@arushibajaj8756]

Hi! I have a weird issue - the arm thing that pushes out the window keeps detaching from under the wood and doesn't pull it in. What can I do to fix this? Thank you!

[@-GetGoTv]

If it is the arm with the wheel on the end that goes under the window that opens and closes and it pops out of the track that goes Under the window part that opens and closes you can bend it upward and then place it back in the track This will keep tension on it so that it doesn't pop out

[@arushibajaj8756]

@@-GetGoTv thank you so much!

[@wegottafishdude]

Pull it out like he did cake some JB Weld around it in Tampa back down in the hole and it’ll be fixed

[@Mariekr49]

Hi q so we are having problems turning the handles can you please please tell us how to fix this we cant even close our windows,just bought this house seems rusted

[@-GetGoTv]

Are the locks on the Windows disengaged? If so and they are unlock the windows might be stuck this happens a lot. I use a 5 in 1 tool insert it in the crack on the opening side of the window and move it back and forth while gently pushing the window to get it unstuck. Then push the window while cranking

[@mimimaliar7057]

Hi. Do you replace screw from where you took it from? We have windows like this and what bothers me that handle is not permanently attached. I like your way. Functional repair.

[@-GetGoTv]

No I don't replace the screws from the handle. A lot of people leave those off anyway because they have Colonial blinds and the handles have to easily be removed to be able to close the blinds

[@sallylewa5675]

What if you lost the window crank...

[@abbeyp8834]

How would u fix the part that connects to the window. I'm having trouble with it. Thanks

[@-GetGoTv]

Email me a picture of what the problem is with your window the email addresses [e-mail] I will look at that picture and tell you what I think

[@barbz6423]

Power to the people

[@jz2981]

Good video mate. Ta!

[@jasons6318]

if you are trying to lock that nut into place (the one that keeps the worm drive from coming out) how about before you tap it in, put some jb weld on it or epoxy instead of drilling?

[@-GetGoTv]

+Jason Schade jb weld cracks

[@-GetGoTv]

+Jason Schade. Epoxy would work I'm pretty sure. But what I was showing in the video was had to fix the operator without any material for what was there

[@zmarvelous664]

@@-GetGoTv So I can put some epoxy on the end of the worm drive and stick it in instead of drilling?

[@zanerichter3806]

I could do this at home just to get it working again, but how do you fix it at a client's apartment without buying new parts lol

[@-GetGoTv]

this video was taken at a client's house . I have done this at dozens of homes in a gated community and everyone was pleased with the repairs

[@ChildofGodforevr]

My window is different, the big plastic part broke. Shitty ass plastic always brakes before anything else. I really hate plastic, plastic soda bottles and any plastic that food is stored in are worst, the plastic seeps into your water and then you drink it and women especially can and do get serious health problems like Endometriosis. Sorry for rant, I figured women may wanna know this lil bit of info.

[@-GetGoTv]

+NYC Babydoll7 You are exactly right this is a very good point.BPA is said to mimic the structure and function of the hormone estrogen (2).
Due to its estrogen-like shape, BPA can bind to estrogen receptors and influence bodily processes, such as growth, cell repair, fetal development, energy levels and reproduction.
In addition, BPA may also have the ability to interact with other hormone receptors, such as thyroid hormone receptors, thus altering their function (8).
Your body is sensitive to changes in hormone levels, which is the reason why BPA's ability to mimic estrogen is believed to affect your health.

[@barney6888]

Decades of heat seeping out of my bedroom and I'm not in the mood to fix it.
More like execute the manufacturer.

[@eddiekross2130]

how many times are you gonna let that screwdriver bit fall of that screw and mar the finish on the that trim?

[@-GetGoTv]

You should try watching the video in slow motion and count how many times it slipped out and then you will know

[@momnado3389]

Oh yes let's just damage the crank so the window doesn't close all the way, versus replacing the crank, which costs about 20 dollars, which will pay for itself in the end cause you won't be losing hot or cold air depending on the season, out a window that doesn't close completely, which can be seen in the video, when he sticks his fingers in the gap between the window and the frame after he says the window is 'closed'.

[@-GetGoTv]

Actually the window does close completely the same as any other windows that has a functioning operating crank. There was a crack in the window because the window was not crank completely closed in the video and the locks were not engaged. The cost of a window crank operator is $55 but I have done this repair on Windows that have passed home inspections on a real estate transaction eight years ago and the window still functions and closes tightly. Also before the repair the crank did not function at all on the closing side. I have done at least 30 windows like this and all function perfectly. Perhaps you should try working on Windows and window cranks before you make a judgment and comment

[@neilgoldsmith3516]

Classic JerryRIGing!

[@-GetGoTv]

Actually a solution to a big problem more like classic problem solving . I don't Gerrit rig anything

[@lwing77]

Hammers everyone’s favorite tool

[@amusicunlimited]

Why take the screw from the Handle and repurpose the screw rather than using a different screw after drilling? Now you will need a replacement screw for the Handle.

[@-GetGoTv]

The screw that holds the handle on is insignificant. The handle will not come off unless it is pulled off. A lot of people pull the handles off and place them in the windowsill because they have Colonial shutters that will not close with that handles on the window. A lot of people just take them off. The screw that's a perfect kind of screw for this. To use a different screw more than likely you would not have the type of screw necessary and would have to go to a hardware store. Therefore is it sensible and practical to repurpose the screw that isn't necessary because the handle stays on by itself without falling off unless you pull it off

[@katiestewart9322]

I have 2 handles to fix today. This looks easy enough, here's hoping considering I have 0 repair skills

[@-GetGoTv]

+Katie Stewart let me know if you have any questions I'll be glad to answer them

[@groovystevo]

Brutal

[@-GetGoTv]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video please subscribe to the channel thank you Bobby

[@joepacheco7979]

For your own home, maybe, but for a client, that’s too much damage. Get a new one, or do it with less… hack.

[@-GetGoTv]

Not true. the only thing you see is a little screw head. I have done this for dozens of clients, and they were all happy. The repais lasts and is a lot less expensive. This particular window was discontinued and the new operators have to be ordered and installed by a person approved by marvin

[@wandayonder9772]

There aren't many things that a good belt with a hammer won't fix.

[@jeep2liberty]

Sorry, not for me. I will figure another way. Crude at best...

[@nicholasbrown6481]

Should have just bought a new crank. That's what I'll do

[@fergusof]

The crank is not the problem. The axle guide (for want of a better term) is coming out. He drove it back in, drilled a hole and put a set screw in to stop it as well as peened the edges. Looks like it works fine. Ingenious.

[@michaelwalker718]

You may be surprised, but this exactly how this crank is assembled. It is a bad design. I've fixed about 5 around my house with the same fix. The crank is a piece of crap.

[@jeangriffin6247]

Love it

[@virbone7141]

good

[@garyfraiman5880]

i can open windows but can not close it

[@Rankin103]

I have a Martin window as well. The handle keeps turning and turning, can't open or close the window. I took the handle off very easily and the pin keeps turning by hand. I have ZERO handy skills but I just watched your video like 50 times, I'm going to try though. I'm having an anxiety attack atm thinking I'm going to smash my window because it's like -29C here ..............Wish me luck!!

[@-GetGoTv]

Glenn I'm wishing you all the luck. . Step back from it for a minute. Take a deep breath A couple of times and let that anxiety go away. Also Check your weather stripping around your window. And make sure that the Window is not stuck Which could make it even worse. Check to make sure that it's not painted shut. Once you get the crank fixed Push the window with your hand the first few times. Help it open. And pull it To help it close. To get it used to opening And closing again. If you have any questions. Just leave it. In the comments section and I will return an answer to help you through this. You got it, man. I know you do.

[@Rankin103]

@@-GetGoTv Thanks so much for the reply,,,,it worked like a charm:):) Thanks so much and I didn't even smash the glass which I was afraid of because it's so cold here in eastern Canada. You made it look so easy and I'm so proud of myself. I'm so happy I googled and found you. Thanks again so much, I truly appreciate your skills!!!! Happy Sunday:) Best subscribe ever!!!!!!

[@jeffmwoods]

great, thanks

[@-GetGoTv]

+Jeff Woods I hope this was helpful

[@jeffmwoods]

it was thanks...I didnt do the bending over with the hammer bit, but i used the screw from the crank. i am always looking for ways to keep impressing my wife...Im a hero again now.

[@pmvoice88]

MacGyver'd it.

[@z4u68]

But ! Your still having to push in on the handle when you crank it, Pushing in on the handle is what you was doing in the first place. You screwed in the first piece and then hammered it down, You screwed in the pin then you hammered on it. I will stop there, it just dont make sense. what about leaving the screw in that holds the handle down, take the handle off , put washers in there to take up the space , they will constantly push that thing that rises up back down, put the handle on with the retainer screw, you got me? the handle is in place it cant come up and the washers hold the other piece from coming up. on the outside nothing is beat on and looks normal. Just saying

[@-GetGoTv]

When you turn the crank to the right the window works perfectly the problem is though that when you turn the handle back to the left the inside of the operator that has the threads on it backs out of the crank. You do not have to push the handle in when turning it to the right. Pushing it in when turning it to the left will not stop the threads from backing out of the hole. The housing on the operator is made of aluminum. When you tap the edge of the operator it cramps it over the edge to prevent it from backing out however this step alone is not enough as it will eventually back out anyway. that is the purpose of the set screw. I have tried washes and many other things over a course of several years on 32 town houses that have these windows Marvin Windows and some are credco windows. After the repair in this video there is no need to push the handle in when cranking either right or left and I have Windows that I did this repair on 8 years ago that are still functioning properly. The second option would be to replace the operator which runs around $45. I have no problem replacing it as it doesn't take that long to do however some people don't want to wait or spend the money so we came up with this hack for the crank that works perfectly also there's nothing to hold washes in if you put them there the handle with a set screw will not hold the washer is down because the handle is hooked to the shaft that has the threads on it so when the threaded piece with the shaft backs out the handle comes back with it. This leaves only has the option of a set screw which would probably be enough. The only reason I crimp the edges over is for a little extra insurance

[@onewaymichael12]

I think the title should be a little different....But im going to try it anyways..

[@-GetGoTv]

What would you make the title? Hope your project turns out well

[@lawman1love]

This video did nothing for me at all.

[@sonerila6987]

Then you're left with a window crank that looks like it should be in a warehouse. Not going to do this in my home.

[@-GetGoTv]

Warehouses usually don't have Windows unless they're new ones in boxes to be shipped . The repair shown in the video does not make the crank look bad.

[@MMGJ10]

You can buy replacements if you want. They cost at least $45 and up.
Me? I'd rather do what this guy did and save my money. So glad I found this as I just bought a house with about 10 of them that need repaired

[@MMGJ10]

@@-GetGoTv Thanks for this video!

[@Mrjimmybuckets24]

Not pretty, but its functional!

[@-GetGoTv]

That's right they really work well

[@tjs7937]

LMAO

[@matthewweott]

This is a rig job lol

[@-GetGoTv]

+matthewweott you're right it is and it works really well too

[@jamestan4425]

Thats not easy

[@lwing77]

This is called Half assing it don’t do this

[@-GetGoTv]

Might be what you call it but it works great. Perhaps you should share some of your Genius ideas

[@Hellowakeup]

Hahaha 😂

[@robertmarini6834]

looks shitty,wife won,t buy it

[@jimpeerless665]

And the next thing ya gonna do, is go to home depot and buy a new window...

[@-GetGoTv]

Definitely can't buy a Marvin casemaster window at home depot. They don't make them any more . This repair is permanent and was done years ago and still works perfectly today. You should know what you are talking about before you make a ignorant coment