Child Item

How to fix jammed locking window handle?

My kitchen window has a locking mechanism (see image) and it is stuck. When i wind the handle it stops about half a centimetre before completely closed. I can wind it all the way out though, just not all the way in. I have added WD40 to the chain mechanism but it didn’t improve it at all.
Does anyone have any recommendations for what I could do to fix it?

Find more posts tagged with

Tools and Materials

Repairing

Doors and Windows

Comments

MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @penelope_juno. It's sensational to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about window winders.

The first step is to check whether the window itself is contacting the frame and preventing it from being closed. Look for scuff marks or areas where it is jamming. If this is the case, the window might need to be adjusted to allow it to close easily.

There's a chance that the winder is simply broken. This is a little harder to determine. You could detach it from the window and check to see if the window can close by itself. If so, that would likely point to the winder. Replacing the winder would be the best option, as there's typically nothing you can repair inside them.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

AlanM52

Hi @penelope_juno,

Wind the window open about half way..

Back off the window sash screws and lift off the chain arm.

Hold the window agar and wind all the way back in.

Does the sash bracket sit flush with the winder?

If that's the case follow @MitchellMc tips and check if the window is jamming in the frame.

Most likely it will be one side near the bottom and hopefully sanding will free up the jamming.

Let us know how it works out.

Cheers

penelope_juno

Thanks both @MitchellMc and @AlanM52! Much appreciated!

I couldn't get the window sash screws out, I think I need a different shaped screwdriver to get into the small gap. But I did get the screws from the top LHS and RHS of the winder out, and from that I have learned that the window can close and the chain mechanism can be wound all the way in, it's just the winding mechanism needs to be shifted a bit to the RHS.

The window sash may not be straight on its hinges (see the difference from two sides in the image below).

For the moment, it is closed, which I am happier with. But I may now have to drill new holes for the top screws. Also, is there a long term structural problem if the window sash is not aligned symmetrically?

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/57206#Comment_57206

Hello @penelope_juno

It's possible that movement in the wall has caused the gap to appear in the window frame, this is of course just an educated guess. The only issue that comes to mind is that if the window is popped open its misalignment might cause the window to be difficult to close. If the current position of the window frame remains constant, it will not move in the immediate future. I don't think there will be a structural issue despite the misalignment.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @AlanM52 for their recommendations.

Eric

AlanM52

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/57206#Comment_57206

Hi @penelope_juno,

You have done well and I will be sending you my DIY award of the week 🙂

RE: I couldn't get the window sash screws out.

You need - and should have in the bottom kitchen drawer - a Phillips head screwdriver.

RE: Long term structural problem.

Don't worry about that, for that type of window a small amount of movement at the top (window/frame) is magnified at the bottom.

In your case the window has moved to the right but should be OK but... if it starts jamming later on come back fo a fix.

I suggest rather than relocating the winder reposition the slotted hinge plate.

Replace the winder where it was.

Remove the hinge plate screws.

Wind out the chain not to far and let the window sit on the slotted hinge plate.

Check alignment and mark the hinge plates holes with a Texta pen.

Drill pilot holes and screw in the original screws but leave a gap.

Position the hinge plate and push down to engage the screws and tighten.

Check for smooth operation and all should be good.

Cheers

Dave-1

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/90899#Comment_90899

Good Morning @penelope_juno

Just reading through the steps you have taken a few times, you have pretty much covered all the ones I would try 🙂

The misalignment could be movement in the house as the ground drys and soaks and its not something I would really worry about (unless its a newly installed window, then Id get them to come back and look) As to the window closing you could go either way and move the connection to the sash at the end of the chain and move it over a little so it runs straight or probarlly use a phillips head as @AlanM52 has suggested and lift the winder itself and move it to align better. Out of the two I prefer moving the window winder mainly because it means I dont need to redrill a new hole near glass and for less noticable hole in the surface (the unit will cover one hole, one of the old holes may be seen depending on how far you move it.)

Dave

Child Item