where to find window key 3mm square?

[Richard Pendlebury]

I've searched for this to no avail; searching the internet for anything related to windows and keys produces lots of results about Microsoft but not the wooden and glass variety.

I have moved into a ground floor flat with single-glazed wooden frame windows. The window catch has a hole in it to take a small key. When this is turned, the window catch cannot be moved, hence the window is locked.

The key is like a small allen key, only is is * square *, 3mmx3mm, and the square section is about 4mm long. I only have one key which is die-cast metal. I've taken it to two local independant hardware stores who can normally order most things, but they haven't a clue!

Any suggestions where I might get a couple of spares? There are no distinguishing marks on the key or window handles.

many thanks

Richard

-- Replies to email not read

[Dave Baker]

Make one. File a bit of scrap metal down to size.

-- Dave Baker

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[Mr Fixit]

[Andy Dingley]

Get a piece of brass rod and drill a hole in it, a bit on the small size. Drill from the back to enlarge this hole, to within about 1/4" of the face.

File a piece of high-carbon steel (an annealed broken drill bit might do) into a square, matching your lock shaft. Hammer this into the brass as a broach, making a square hole.

Hacksaw a slot in the top and solder in a bit of sheet to make a handle.

(that's how I made mine anyway)

[Frank Erskine]

I've got something like that lying in front of me, and may have a couple more somewhere about the house, but they are easy enough to make yourself. If you're stuck, e.g. no file, let me have your snailmail address.

[Ian Stirling]

What I would do would be to find my most useless screwdriver, and attack it with the angle grinder. Failing that, a stone, or sandpaper will work, with care. Also, a 4.? mm flat bladed screwdriver may work just fine.

[The Natural Philosopher]

I would suggest grinding down an oversize key.

[Weatherlawyer]

I would suggest drilling some holes for dowels and use those. Even screwing them together if you can find a quick release screw or invent one.

[The3rd Earl Of Derby]

Why scrap? an allen key filed down will suffice.

-- Sir Benjamin Middlethwaite

[NT]

B&Q Warehouse have them.

[The3rd Earl Of Derby]

The locks on my window have a square key, the locks are like this...

a look in you're local sheds for these and buy one, if just for the key.

-- Sir Benjamin Middlethwaite

[Dave Plowman (News)]

That sounds very like the key supplied with those screw on stoppers you use to allow a sash window to open only so far.

one design but there are others. Mine came from Wicks, but many years ago.

[Richard Pendlebury]

Thanks to Mr Fixit - the end of that looks the same as my key - however the website lists that product as discontinued :(

Any further suggestions?

Richard

[Brian Reay]

I have two sitting on my desk that you are welcome to.

There is a valid Email address on my website.

Brian

[The3rd Earl Of Derby]

Heh! I get....URL cannot be found in Firefox? anyone else experiencing this.

-- Sir Benjamin Middlethwaite