Help for loose screw on UPVC windows locks

[meganfurley]

Hi
I have two UPVC windows with exactly the same problem. The window handle (with lock) is loose on its base at its attachment to the window. It looks like the screw holding it is loose (arrow on the image 1) and cannot be tightened.
Is it a case of some simple screw and washer replacement or do I need to change the locks.
Can any one suggest where I can hold of such locks and if I need to replace just the handle or the lock itself.
There no particular name on it , it is gold in colour and still the lock works perfectly.

Many thanks. Megan

 

[alan333]

What happens if you tighten the screw?

 

[meganfurley]

What happens if you tighten the screw?

The screw keeps turning and does not get tight!

 

[Burnerman]

Can you undo the screw and give us a picture of it? The screw has obviously stripped it's thread in the window frame, and a slightly larger screw could sort you out, depending on what type it is.
John

 

[crank39]

Force a self tapper through it and it'll bite the pvc tuther side of the mechanism, job done

 

[meganfurley]

Can you undo the screw and give us a picture of it? The screw has obviously stripped it's thread in the window frame, and a slightly larger screw could sort you out, depending on what type it is.
John

Thanks Burnerman

Pics attached of the lock removed from the window.The window remains locked even with the handle removed.

 

[London Mike 49]

You need a upvc repair screw which is slightly bigger than a standard upvc screw.

Try
Upvc spares 4 repairs .co.uk
They sell to the public and are very helpful if you have to phone them up.

( I have no affiliation to them other than being a previous customer)

Mike

 

[meganfurley]

You need a upvc repair screw which is slightly bigger than a standard upvc screw.

Try
Upvc spares 4 repairs .co.uk
They sell to the public and are very helpful if you have to phone them up.

( I have no affiliation to them other than being a previous customer)

Mike

My screw is just 1.2cm long (thread portion 0.8cm). How do I decide what length I need?

 

[Burnerman]

The length isn't really an issue Megan.....the replacement screw needs to be a slightly bigger diameter to accommodate the worn thread in the frame.
I've never heard of Londonmikes suggestion but that could be what you need.....for me, I'd find out what size the original screw is (5mm maybe) and then replace it with a 6mm diameter screw after rethreading the hole in the frame. No big deal for someone with the right gear!
John

 

[crank39]

The thread is part of the locking mechanism, short of replacing that then your options are to find the next size up diameter wise and force that in or tap a new thread into the mechanism which to me I can already see will not happen. IMO the thread has already worn, it's gone, go and buy/find/beg/steal or borrow a 25mm long self taping screw M4 or M5 doesn't matter, put it straight through the damaged thread and let the screw bite into the pvc......it really isn't rocket science