Hi I am a handyman and potential customers window won't open. The handle turns but I'm guessing one of the 3 locking points is not releasing. Any suggestions please?
Paddy you are The MAN. Several of my windows have sealed themselves shut, 5 in all. Had a quote from some joker who wanted £1500 to sort the problem. SO glad I came across your video. I shall be raising a glass in your honour.
Mate you just saved my life 😅 I haven't been able to open my bedroom window for months now, and it gets super hot as all my rooms face the setting sun. We're expecting another heatwave in the coming week and I was contemplating swapping my bedroom and living room just so that it's a little cooler at night. Just watched your tutorial and I was able to fix the window lock in 5 minutes. The spindle had detached from the handle. Thanks so much!
Just wanted to say thank you because 2 of the windows upstairs wouldn't open i managed to open them with a screw driver, pliers and Allan keys from someone else's video but my bedroom window handle snapped in my hand and your video has shown me what I need to do. I'll keep you posted if I get time to do it or I end up paying someone. You've been a massive help
Managed to get my window open, thanks for taking the time to upload this video. Now to work out how to replace the locking mechanism as the handle is working fine.
I have waited a long time for this video, just fixed two windows with this method amazing. Just have to replace the locks and seals job done. Thanks Paddy.
cheers paddy, followed your advice and it worked a treat took me a few minutes to realise mine was a double locking system went for the top of the two sliders and succeeded top man, much appreciated video
This worked for me! Afterwards I needed to temporarily unscrew the female part of the locks on the bottom half that was faulty. I could then lock the window with the top half without the problem happening again. Very much appreciated
Paddy, Paddy, Paddy!! My window has been stuck for over 10 years! Your little hack right at the very end, it feckin opened! B jesus! Thank you very much
Cheers mate undone the mystery of the broken window lock for me. Much appreciated. Clear instructions, no questions left unanswered, to the point, good pace of explanation.
Thank you so much this has saved me a call out fee and the price of replacing my window lock. Got me a new lock for £6.50 and about a hour of my time in total.
Thanks Paddy, Just fixed our bedroom window that's been broken for years, one very happy wife, although she said if it was that easy why didn't I do it before, lol!
Oh dear, Senator Windows have this Problem. Thanks, for this how to. Fixed one, 6 to go. Hopefully they still have replacements locks, for this 20-year-old windows.
Took me a few attempts to successfully do this. From my experience of it, make sure you know which end of the locking mechanism is jambed and which direction the lock works. I have one of the windows that has an integrated seal (the latter design is this video) I also struggled to find an allen key that was thin enough and long enough to engage with the locking rollers. I ended up using a tent peg. Finally got it done, so many thanks for the upload and advice! The window was jambed for the best part of a year and was beginning to cause a bit of mold on the ceiling. So glad its sorted now.
Hey, thank you so very much! Your clear explanation really helped me to open a very stiff window with three locking points. I had to go at each point a few times, but it eventually opened. Knowing that this was the correct approach gave me the persistence to keep trying. Thanks!
Paddy you are the Don. Ive just managed to free the mechanism on me sons window which has been jammed shut for about 5 years. Wasn't so bad when he was a nipper, but he's a teenager now and the heady mix of lynx and hormones, in hot weather, things weren't good. Breezy like a spring meadow now. Thanks.
Guys, read this, very important, don't bother wasting your time if you do not remove the handle. But he never says the reason why. It's because when you push the roller lock with allen key it will slightly move the handle in the open direction so your handle can't go further on open. Also, I used a metal hanger end because allen key not long enough and easy to drop inside the frame. I finally opened the window after 3 weeks of trying. Lol
Hi, I find Allen key is too short as well!! But a hanger would be too bulky to go inside the tight space and turn? How did you do it? The handle of the window is stuck even with screws out.
Very good trick. I had trouble with the allen key though, so improvised using a flattened (ish) L shaped wall bracket from Billy bookcases. Worked a charm 1st go. Thanks so much for the idea though and your clear, easy to follow instructions!
Thank you so much for this beautifully presented piece. Our window handle is in the locked position and it cannot be moved. So do one remove the handle firstly and then to have access to opening the window.
So glad I came across this video. I've got a broken lock to repair in a student house and this has helped a lot. Thank you for posting. Watched some of you other videos and quickly hit the subscribe button to keep up with new posts.
Thanks, really helpful. Got the handle off our widow then tried pulling rubber strip out as shown. Was struggling to get any purchase on rubber strip without damaging window frame. I then put screwdriver in hole where the barrel on the latch mechanism goes and turned. After a few goes the window opened! We now have fresh air coming in our bathroom in the current hot spell - it’s been like an oven in there recently!
Thanks for this informative video, I've just managed to fix 5 windows in a property I've just bought, thought I was going to have to get them all replaced so I've saved a ton of cash there (Just some new gearboxes), 4 popped easily with a yank on the Allen key but the fifth was a pain and was about to give up after 30 mins of trying as i was starting to damage the frame a little then it gave in at the last minute, the gearbox mech was split in half and the others all had something broken on the gearbox.
If you have a central lock in the espg and the handle wont open it properly,try spraying some silicone lubricant into the lock first and gently move handle back and forth. May not work for you but it did for me and I managed to open the window. Mechanism was still broke though and needed to be replaced though!
Thank you so much for this video. Thought I needed the whole window replacing because the gear mechanism was broken. Allen key wouldn’t reach but I managed to fashion a tool from a steel tent peg which did the trick 👍
Genius thanks. I have literally just tried this in the bathroom. Ripped the draught excluder out the frame and my Allen key wouldn't reach, which I've verified against one of my kitchen windows which still open. I will order a tent peg right now!
Great video I have been quoted £250 to fit and replace the lock gearbox mechanism in my bottom opening window, now if I can get window open, I can do it myself for £20. I will try this in the morning thanks
I used a small hook as didn't have a allen key small enough but worked! finally I have a looked window again I was pulling my hair out as the wind keeped blowing it open and my living room was freezing so thankyou very much
Thank you Paddy. We had no key to our 15 month old conservatory and so couldn't open them.... Until I saw your method of gaining entry....... So thank you. (as a footnote, the key was found in a cavity within the opened window..... Quite how we were supposed to unlock it without the key remains a mystery....)
Great video! I took the seal out, and saw, with the aid of a torch, the plate which the lock engages virtually touching the bottom of the frame, so there was no gap for the Allen key/wire to go.... I'm just having a coffee break and giving it one last go! 🙄
@@PaddysDiy Hi, much appreciate the reply on a 7 yo post! I've no problem getting the Allen key in the gap between the frame and the window itself, there's no gap at all where the locking mechanism meets. I tried levering up the frame to get a gap, but the upvc frame just flexes. It's a council house, so we'll probably have to get them to sort it! Thought I could do it myself, alas not!
This is incredibly helpful. One thing to add - from the windows in my house, the allen key is not long enough because the mechanism is positioned in the middle of the frame, so I'll have to find a different tool.
Great video, my window is almost identical only at the side I had bolts that push out of the window frame, the one on the right is not releasing, the one of the left is. As they push in/out rather than slide up and down, I can't use a key to slide them anywhere. I'm not sure how I can get it open.
This is a tough one. The shootbolt locks can be a bit of a nightmare. The easiest option would be to remove the double glazing and using a nice wide paint scraper or chisel, push out on the side that is free, and at the same time pry the side thats jammed away from the side of the frame. With the glass out, the sash should be a lot more flexible
since the expert hasn't had a chance to help yet Chris....go to an identical window in the house that is working and check how to modify the technique so you know what you are aiming for in your particular case. I think this is what they teach each other in prison..
Great help, thanks . I'm having real problems getting the seal off. It clings and I only achieve a small section at a time, so am having to move a few centimetres along bit by bit. One attempt broke off. Any tips really welcome.
great vid, thank you, have the window open for the frist time in a long ting time. the lock mechanism seems to work but not with the handle. Should I just replace the handle or would I be better off replacing the lot?. Thanks again.
I had to grind down a tent peg in order to slide under the window, got it down to around "paper-thin". Even that was too thick. What do you advise doing when the allen key needs to be paper-thin or less and therefore a lot weaker? Do I need to remove the whole window?
Spindle has broken away from Handle and is deep into its fitting, so much so i cannot get it out. Will the allen key work now? Or will i have to figure a way to get it out first?
Great video and technique - except my allen keys were too short to grip with the grippers, so ordered extra long ones only to find the reach on the short section is too short by about 5mm. Still locked!
Found a tent peg that I could bend to shape and got the pins moved. Only to find there are side bolts that also are broken in place and wont move. And cant be moved with this technique.
![[37] * UPDATED * How to open a locked or broken window handle](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/5YQ-vqgk4Qs/mqdefault.jpg)
Hey lovely people! Why not buy me a cup of coffee or a beer to say thanks. Click on the THANKS button above 👍☕🍺
Hi I am a handyman and potential customers window won't open. The handle turns but I'm guessing one of the 3 locking points is not releasing. Any suggestions please?
@@Leo-gt1bx You’re not that bright are you mate, he’s literally just given you the answer in this video!!!
@@zacsayer1818 He probably meant one of the bolts is not moving and stopping the technique in this video from working. Mine too, unfortunately.
Hi. What would be next if this doesn’t work? I can feel when the Allen key comes up against the roller lock, but it’s too stiff to nudge. Thanks.
You Sir are a valuable member of the UA-cam community. Thank you!
Glad it helped
Paddy you are The MAN. Several of my windows have sealed themselves shut, 5 in all. Had a quote from some joker who wanted £1500 to sort the problem. SO glad I came across your video. I shall be raising a glass in your honour.
Hi Chris, I'm glad to hear the video helped you :) £1500 is crazy money, you would have 5 new windows installed for that.
Mate you just saved my life 😅 I haven't been able to open my bedroom window for months now, and it gets super hot as all my rooms face the setting sun. We're expecting another heatwave in the coming week and I was contemplating swapping my bedroom and living room just so that it's a little cooler at night. Just watched your tutorial and I was able to fix the window lock in 5 minutes. The spindle had detached from the handle. Thanks so much!
Excellent 👍
Just wanted to say thank you because 2 of the windows upstairs wouldn't open i managed to open them with a screw driver, pliers and Allan keys from someone else's video but my bedroom window handle snapped in my hand and your video has shown me what I need to do. I'll keep you posted if I get time to do it or I end up paying someone. You've been a massive help
Glad it helped 👍
Cheers Paddy, Loose spindle on the bathroom window, lock, 2 minute job, saved me a fortune. Many thanks John T
Thanks for this! A pair of pliers and a bit of metal from a coat hanger did the trick for me.
This video helped me to fix my bathroom window - I couldn't get it to open, but now it's working fine. Thank you!
Excellent
Managed to get my window open, thanks for taking the time to upload this video. Now to work out how to replace the locking mechanism as the handle is working fine.
I have waited a long time for this video, just fixed two windows with this method amazing. Just have to replace the locks and seals job done. Thanks Paddy.
Glad it helped :)
This is just what I was looking for to fix our bathroom window. Your video is great and really clear. Thank you, you've saved me loads of money!
James Slinger hi brother
cheers paddy, followed your advice and it worked a treat
took me a few minutes to realise mine was a double locking system
went for the top of the two sliders and succeeded
top man, much appreciated video
Good to hear Joshua. Glad it helped :)
This worked for me! Afterwards I needed to temporarily unscrew the female part of the locks on the bottom half that was faulty. I could then lock the window with the top half without the problem happening again. Very much appreciated
Paddy, Paddy, Paddy!! My window has been stuck for over 10 years! Your little hack right at the very end, it feckin opened! B jesus! Thank you very much
Music to my ears 👍
Cheers mate undone the mystery of the broken window lock for me. Much appreciated.
Clear instructions, no questions left unanswered, to the point, good pace of explanation.
Glad it helped 👍
What a guy! Thank you so much, I've finally managed to get my window open and diagnose the gear had broke, new gear on order! Cheers
Best tip I've seen in ages saved me 100s of euros in callout and fix and replacement pRt thnks a million
You sir are a literal godsend. Thank you
Thank you so much this has saved me a call out fee and the price of replacing my window lock. Got me a new lock for £6.50 and about a hour of my time in total.
Your very welcome. Glad it helped :)
You are a genius. Opened a stuck window in 3 seconds. Thank you so much xx
Glad it helped 👍
Thanks Paddy, Just fixed our bedroom window that's been broken for years, one very happy wife, although she said if it was that easy why didn't I do it before, lol!
Happy days 👍
I am a professional window installer and even I found this useful, thanks
Good to hear 👍
Great tutorial. Managed to open my closed, locked and broken window handle!! I feel really pleased that I did it ☺
Well done. Glad it helped
Brilliant mate it worked for me. Took me a while but I got it in the end. Had sleepless night thinking about it last night. Thanks
Glad it helped 👍
Great video, easy fix and certainly stopped me paying a call out charge. Thanks
Hi Paul, glad the video helped :)
Amazing video, life saver, appreciated the time you took to show us the different camera angles till it made sense to someone like me, God bless
Thanks for your comment 👍 glad it helped
Oh dear, Senator Windows have this Problem. Thanks, for this how to. Fixed one, 6 to go. Hopefully they still have replacements locks, for this 20-year-old windows.
No window manufacturer is immune to it I'm afraid. Glad it helped 👍
Took me a few attempts to successfully do this. From my experience of it, make sure you know which end of the locking mechanism is jambed and which direction the lock works. I have one of the windows that has an integrated seal (the latter design is this video)
I also struggled to find an allen key that was thin enough and long enough to engage with the locking rollers. I ended up using a tent peg. Finally got it done, so many thanks for the upload and advice! The window was jambed for the best part of a year and was beginning to cause a bit of mold on the ceiling. So glad its sorted now.
Good to hear. Glad it helped :)
Thank you so so much. You have literally saved me my tenancy deposit next month when I move home. Thank you.
That's not down to you anyway. The landlord should be responsible for maintenance. Gearboxes fail because no one oils them. Twice a year minimum .
Hey, thank you so very much! Your clear explanation really helped me to open a very stiff window with three locking points. I had to go at each point a few times, but it eventually opened. Knowing that this was the correct approach gave me the persistence to keep trying. Thanks!
Excellent 👍
Bubu hbbbj
Paddy you are the Don. Ive just managed to free the mechanism on me sons window which has been jammed shut for about 5 years. Wasn't so bad when he was a nipper, but he's a teenager now and the heady mix of lynx and hormones, in hot weather, things weren't good. Breezy like a spring meadow now. Thanks.
Good to hear Swagnus :)
Thank you! Your help was just the thing to open a uPVC window. Very practical.
Glad it helped 👍
Works a treat. Couldn't open one of our windows.I used a slim kitchen knife and took extra care. Worked instantly 👍
Excellent
Thanks mate. Got a stuck window at the moment. Will give this a go.
Thanks so much for this, I've been searching for a technique to open my bedroom window....Cheers 👍🏼
Thanks, Paddy, worked for me. Ordered a replacement part from your site immediately too. It was very quick and easy. Good job.
Hi Clemviking, glad you got it sorted :)
Thanks a lot, this video actually saved me from having a wet bathroom in the middle of the lockdown. You are a decent person.
Glad to hear it helped
Thanks you so much, I would have been waiting weeks if not months for the council to sort out mine
Glad it helped 👍
Excellent film,especially the demonstration on how it works on the lower frame
My Windows have another lock on the top and bottom. After using a 4mm allen and alot of patience i got it open. Thanks for the video.
Glad it helped :)
Many thanks for your video Paddy! It saved me a lot of hassle!
Great to hear!
Many thanks for the excellent tips on how to fix jammed espag locks!
Excellent explanation and clear demonstration. Thank you. Keep sharing.
Thank you
Thanks it helped me may God bless us both
well done paddy as usual a great detailed and clearly explained video
Thank you very much for this information, now I know how to repair my daughters windows, regards Doc Cox.
Doc Cox hi
Had the opposite problem trying to get a broken upvc window locked, cheers Paddy worked a charm👌
Happy days 🤣
Thanks for the video! Do you have a video on how to replace the locking mechanism once the window is open?
Oh my days! This was the perfect video, so simple yet effective. Thank you!
Guys, read this, very important, don't bother wasting your time if you do not remove the handle. But he never says the reason why. It's because when you push the roller lock with allen key it will slightly move the handle in the open direction so your handle can't go further on open. Also, I used a metal hanger end because allen key not long enough and easy to drop inside the frame. I finally opened the window after 3 weeks of trying. Lol
Hi, I find Allen key is too short as well!! But a hanger would be too bulky to go inside the tight space and turn? How did you do it?
The handle of the window is stuck even with screws out.
Cheers mate, saw your video and I thought this is effort so I called a handy man and quoted me £169, I hung up and sorted it myself
Great video, clear comprehensive uncluttered instructions. Many thanks :)
Very good trick. I had trouble with the allen key though, so improvised using a flattened (ish) L shaped wall bracket from Billy bookcases. Worked a charm 1st go. Thanks so much for the idea though and your clear, easy to follow instructions!
Happy days. Whatever works.
Thank you so much for this beautifully presented piece. Our window handle is in the locked position and it cannot be moved. So do one remove the handle firstly and then to have access to opening the window.
Hi Hassan, Your window handle could be locked. That could be the reason it's not moving.
did this today worked a treat--------window shut for years----------top-lad
Glad it helped :)
Great video , and love the hack with Allen key. Managed to get window open and turned out gearbox had failed , replaced and all good .
Excellent. Glad it helped
Very useful and helpful. It is what we need in UA-cam.
You absolute star. This was exactly what was wrong with my window. Now to find a replacement part.
So glad I came across this video. I've got a broken lock to repair in a student house and this has helped a lot. Thank you for posting. Watched some of you other videos and quickly hit the subscribe button to keep up with new posts.
Thanks David. Glad it helped :)
Thanks, really helpful. Got the handle off our widow then tried pulling rubber strip out as shown. Was struggling to get any purchase on rubber strip without damaging window frame. I then put screwdriver in hole where the barrel on the latch mechanism goes and turned. After a few goes the window opened! We now have fresh air coming in our bathroom in the current hot spell - it’s been like an oven in there recently!
Check out the handle and espag to see which one is broken
OK great, thanks - will do 👍
Thanks for this informative video, I've just managed to fix 5 windows in a property I've just bought, thought I was going to have to get them all replaced so I've saved a ton of cash there (Just some new gearboxes), 4 popped easily with a yank on the Allen key but the fifth was a pain and was about to give up after 30 mins of trying as i was starting to damage the frame a little then it gave in at the last minute, the gearbox mech was split in half and the others all had something broken on the gearbox.
This was extremely helpful! Thank you! Now I can air out my room again!
Amazing I just managed to fix my window after two years - thank you
Excellent. Glad it helped 👍
Thanks pad,very informative I did not have a clue how to fix my child's window. 😊😊👍
If you have a central lock in the espg and the handle wont open it properly,try spraying some silicone lubricant into the lock first and gently move handle back and forth. May not work for you but it did for me and I managed to open the window. Mechanism was still broke though and needed to be replaced though!
Brilliant explanation, thank you. My window mega stuck at the bottom, very awkward but luckily I had those tools and eventually managed it.
Excellent. Well Done
Thank you so much for this video. Thought I needed the whole window replacing because the gear mechanism was broken. Allen key wouldn’t reach but I managed to fashion a tool from a steel tent peg which did the trick 👍
Well done
Genius thanks. I have literally just tried this in the bathroom. Ripped the draught excluder out the frame and my Allen key wouldn't reach, which I've verified against one of my kitchen windows which still open.
I will order a tent peg right now!
Great video
I have been quoted £250 to fit and replace the lock gearbox mechanism in my bottom opening window, now if I can get window open, I can do it myself for £20.
I will try this in the morning thanks
Glad it helped :)
Thanks for taking the time to make this video - you got me out of a crisis!
Glad it helped :) thanks for the comment
I used a small hook as didn't have a allen key small enough but worked! finally I have a looked window again I was pulling my hair out as the wind keeped blowing it open and my living room was freezing so thankyou very much
Brilliant! Did it and it worked. Window better , me jubilant! Thank you very much.
Glad it helped 👍
Thank you so much for this video, just had my kitchen window lock go and this method worked perfectly.
Glad it helped :)
Woman of advanced years here with upvc window handle wouldn’t open. Does now! Thanks 🤗
Music to my ears 👍
Thanks!
Thank you kindly 😊
Thank you Paddy. We had no key to our 15 month old conservatory and so couldn't open them.... Until I saw your method of gaining entry....... So thank you. (as a footnote, the key was found in a cavity within the opened window..... Quite how we were supposed to unlock it without the key remains a mystery....)
Not the first time I've seen that
Good video. Clear, concise...and it works. Thanks for posting.
Thanks Leon. Glad it helped :)
Great video!
I took the seal out, and saw, with the aid of a torch, the plate which the lock engages virtually touching the bottom of the frame, so there was no gap for the Allen key/wire to go....
I'm just having a coffee break and giving it one last go! 🙄
Hate it when they're like that. Get a nice wide paint scraper, and pry the sash. You should get enough space to get the allen key in
@@PaddysDiy Hi, much appreciate the reply on a 7 yo post!
I've no problem getting the Allen key in the gap between the frame and the window itself, there's no gap at all where the locking mechanism meets.
I tried levering up the frame to get a gap, but the upvc frame just flexes.
It's a council house, so we'll probably have to get them to sort it!
Thought I could do it myself, alas not!
Excellent Video Paddy - clear and concise. Thank you!
Thanks for the comment :)
Excellent video. Will try this method on a window which fails to open
This is incredibly helpful. One thing to add - from the windows in my house, the allen key is not long enough because the mechanism is positioned in the middle of the frame, so I'll have to find a different tool.
Siuyee Lo hi brother
Thanks
Thank you kindly 😊
Great video, my window is almost identical only at the side I had bolts that push out of the window frame, the one on the right is not releasing, the one of the left is. As they push in/out rather than slide up and down, I can't use a key to slide them anywhere. I'm not sure how I can get it open.
This is a tough one. The shootbolt locks can be a bit of a nightmare. The easiest option would be to remove the double glazing and using a nice wide paint scraper or chisel, push out on the side that is free, and at the same time pry the side thats jammed away from the side of the frame. With the glass out, the sash should be a lot more flexible
Brilliant video and given me an approach what do you do if it has a double seal and seat? as that is the situation that I have.
thanks
Glad it helped
Excellent video thanks for sharing your knowledge you sir deserve many thanks
Hi, Thanks for the great video! Do you have any advice if the window doesn’t have a roller lock at the bottom?
since the expert hasn't had a chance to help yet Chris....go to an identical window in the house that is working and check how to modify the technique so you know what you are aiming for in your particular case. I think this is what they teach each other in prison..
Great help, thanks . I'm having real problems getting the seal off. It clings and I only achieve a small section at a time, so am having to move a few centimetres along bit by bit. One attempt broke off. Any tips really welcome.
Thanks for the video, simple genius. You explain well too.
Thanks for the comment :) glad it helped
Brilliant - Thanks for that it was very useful as I was frightened I might break something.
Thanks for your explanation is so much useful
Thank you Paddy Very good instructions - much appreciated !!
Glad it helped 👍
great vid, thank you, have the window open for the frist time in a long ting time. the lock mechanism seems to work but not with the handle. Should I just replace the handle or would I be better off replacing the lot?. Thanks again.
If it's not working with the handle, the mechanism is broken and needs to be replaced
Thank you very much to Paddys DIY on a verv good well demonstrated and well explained / instruction
I had to grind down a tent peg in order to slide under the window, got it down to around "paper-thin". Even that was too thick. What do you advise doing when the allen key needs to be paper-thin or less and therefore a lot weaker? Do I need to remove the whole window?
Try using a paint scraper to gently pry the sash to get more space for the tent peg
Thanks Paddy, got my window open 👍
Great information.
Thanks for taking the time to fully explain in good detail.
Thank you :)
Thanks mate. This video has been very useful for me.
Brilliant. What size of Allen key would be suitable
3mm or 4mm should do the job
What do you do when the screw is worn and the drill can't turn it
Spindle has broken away from
Handle and is deep into its fitting, so much so i cannot get it out. Will the allen key work now? Or will i have to figure a way to get it out first?
Should work, but watch this video to remove it
ua-cam.com/video/9icGq2qdCKc/v-deo.html
Great video and technique - except my allen keys were too short to grip with the grippers, so ordered extra long ones only to find the reach on the short section is too short by about 5mm. Still locked!
Found a tent peg that I could bend to shape and got the pins moved. Only to find there are side bolts that also are broken in place and wont move. And cant be moved with this technique.