Window handles

[The zebra 59]

Just went to close kitchen window and it closes but when I turn the handle it’s not locking shut it’s staying unsecured

[Andy Bennet]

Oh dear, sounds like it@s broken.

[Max Demian]

Does it go around to the right position? If not, there could be something stopping the window from closing fully, or maybe it needs adjusting. I'm not sure it really matters that it doesn't click when it's fastened; if a burglar breaks the window it's not too difficult to reach in and turn it. And the keys provided are usually all the same kind.

[Tricky Dicky]

There could be a number of reasons for it not working but you need to remove the handle and see.

There is usually a square shaped bar that connects the handle to the gear mechanism which moves the locking pins into position. The bar can get rounded over or more likely the receptacles it fits in have distorted with use.

Another possibility which happened to us was that the gears went out of mesh, in our case this was because the gear box had got detached from the mechanism.

If the first instance happens and it is on the handle side then you will need to replace the handle which should not be an issue on modern uPVC windows as they are all a standard fit apart from some variation in the square bar length. If it is the gear mechanism is faulty then you will have to replace the whole mechanism. Unfortunately apart from the position of the handle hole there is a number of different locking mechanisms depending on manufacturers so ideally to make the job simple you need to source one from the original manufacturer. In our case the original maker/fitter of our windows got us a replacement and it only involved removing a few screws to replace it.

Richard

[Muddymike]

When one of mine did this it was simply the shaft that connects the handle to the mechanism had slid out of position. It was only retained by a plastic clip so was very easy to slide back into place.

Mike