How to fix stiff Lockwood window winders?

[valandi]

I have a number of hopper windows throughout our house and some of the Stegbar winders have become quite stiff to operate. How can I free up the action? Thankyou

[EricL]

Hello @valandi 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's wonderful to have you join us and thanks for sharing your question about your window winders.

I suggest opening your window winders to full and spraying the chain mechanism with WD-40 275g Multi-Use Smart Straw. Close the window winders and let it sit for about 30 minutes and then open them up again and spray the chains again. This should provide enough lubrication for your window winders.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[valandi]

Thank you Eric. Most generous of you to reply with a sugestion.

In looking for a solution on my own prior to joining, I treated one stiff winder with WD40 Specialist High Performance containing White Lithium Grease. It had minimal effect. It too had a smart straw. Sorry for the huge picture. I'll get it right as we go..

Cheers

[EricL]

Hello @valandi 

I suggest trying the WD-40 275g Multi-Use as it is designed to penetrate and loosens rust and debris. Your goal is to loosen the parts first before you put-on long-term lubrication.

Eric

[valandi]

Thank you Eric for your continued interest.

I thought that I will contact Stegbar next week and get their response as well. I will post their answer.

Thank you again. It is most appreciated.

Cheers

[Jason]

How did you go with Stegbar @valandi?

I'm sure other community members would appreciate you sharing their thoughts.

Thanks,

Jason

[valandi]

No response from them as yet. I promise to post their response.

I'll send a foolow up now to give them a jolt.

Cheers

[valandi]

Well here is their response. Not very satisfactory!

"Thank you for your enquiry. 

Unfortunately i'm not entirely sure what can be to free them up.

I would suggest replacing the winders altogether as your existing winders are quite old will only get worse over time"

I am going to take one off completely. Apply some petrol to the chain to clean it and then use something to lubricate it. Not sure what yet. Any suggeestions?

.

[EricL]

Hello @valandi 

I agree with your idea of cleaning the chain and insides of the window winders. I suggest using WD-40 400g Specialist Fast Acting Citrus Degreaser. This should melt and remove any excess buildup that might be on the chain or inside the winding mechanism of the unit.

I'm sure after getting all the old grease out there should be a significant improvement on the wind-up. 

Please note that using petrol as a cleaning agent is dangerous if left unremoved. It can serve as an accelerant if any open flame gets near it. Please make sure to wash the petrol off the unit for your safety.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know. 

Eric

[valandi]