Opening up a UPVC window

[Diy guy]

hello all a window has broken on the inside the lock mechanism that the spindle goes in has snapped one of the sides so the handle just moves nothing. One of the locks is in the open the other is locked shut. I have tried a thin bit of metal and no success it won't open.

Do I need a locksmith or just a window person to get it open and change the mechanism in it.

 

[Gazman16]

PVC window? a pic would help.
With a name like DIY guy I would have thought you would be up for a go.
First thing assuming PVC or ali is to take the handle off, Check the spindle isnt loose/disconnected and look in the whole for obvious damage to the square hole the
spindle goes into.

If you just want to get someone in a good window guy would be your best bet. My local locksmith often calls me for these things.

 

[crank39]

As gaz says, check the handle first to make sure the spindle hasn't come out, then check the square hole in the mechanism that the spindle fits in, sometimes they disintegrate and the handle just spins doing nothing. IF the handle still seems connected and appears to operate the mechanism albeit only one half then it's definitely something within the centre gearbox, this acts like a rack and pinion steering rack and most common is the rack snapping leaving one half of the mechanism still engaged while the other half still works.

You'll need to remove the glass which allows the opener to twist more otherwise the glass WILL break, open the handle and push outwards on the corner of the end that isn't jammed, you'll need to push out till you can see daylight through the gap, at the same time you need a thin rigid scraper/putty knife or wallpaper type scraper pushed in the other end to lever the sash along with the shootbolt out of its frame keep, I use one of these though to manipulate the mechanism over but you won't have one as its a locksmiths tool and about £30

 

[Gazman16]

Ohhh thats a shiny funky tool, Whats it called?
I love new tools to play with

 

[crank39]

Ohhh thats a shiny funky tool, Whats it called?
I love new tools to play with

Get from NWH, not in their catalogue though for obvious reasons, made by souber tools if you want to contact them also, I use it in conjunction with a pump up bag, jobs a good un!

 

[Diy guy]

Sorry for the late reply. It is UPVC window I have had the spindle off the hole that it goes has broken so the turning the handle does nothing now. One side of the locking mechanism where the lock sits in is open the other closed.
I definitely think I need that tool crank as tried to get it with a thin bit of metal but it wasn't rigid enough as too thin. I may just pop into a window shop and see what they say to get it open. O point me spending money on a tool that I'll use once I have enough tools like that already.

 

[Gazman16]

You shouldn't need any specialist tools, Should be fairly easy considering its half unlocked. Smaller windows are trickier than larger ones but still not too bad. A selection of scrappers and a flat screw driver should be enough.

Were the rest of your windows fitted around the same time? (same make and look the same etc) If so I would start off on another easily accessible window.
Take the handle off then go outside and remove all the screws holding the gearbox and locking mech in place. Take the gearbox out and take lots of photos and measurements. Especially get photos of any names and numbers printed on the gearbox and then put that window back together.
You can now order a gearbox for your jammed window so you wont need to leave your window insecure for days/weeks while you find a new one. You will also have a very good idea of how everything works (which will help open it) and how to replace the part!

Hopefully you will have a name and a part code printed on the gearbox and a quick Google will find the part (make sure to check ebay, I get most of mine from their as they are a quarter of the price of the specialist stores).

Once you have the part we can talk you through the rest.