Opening windows jammed

[diy_dude]

My bathroom window would not open this morning. The handle only turns through 45 degrees now rather that the normal 90degrees. It seems to me that the locking bolt in the bottom right corner is stuck as if i press both bottom corners the left moves a bit, the right not at all.
I want to get this open again as the condensation is building up.
How can I get the window out or open?
I know how to dismantle the lock and repair / replace once its open.
ANy help would be appreciated.

Here are some photos of the offending window

Handle in the fully open position - note window will not open

Handle closed as far as currenlty possible

 

[masona]

Undo the screws from the handle then you should be able unlock the window carefully with a screwdriver depending on the type you have, most common problem are the splindle worn out

 

[diy_dude]

Thanks for the advice, I have just given it a try.
Unfortunately, no luck though.
The spindle looks OK and turning with a screwdriver gives the same result too. It is certainly locked on one side only when 'open' and on both sides when closed.

Any more ideas?

 

[masona]

I think I know the type you have, can you take a photo of the splindle without the handle?

I'm guessing one bar is longer than other which need to be adjusted.

 

[diy_dude]

Thanks for your help.
I have taken the image you requested along with some of another window with an idential mechanism.

Jammed window without handle - not a very good image, but the square pin on the handle engages with the square hole in the window. Neither pin or hole are rounded or broken.

Another window with the same mechanism

 

[fengazer]

Hi,

Afraid I can't be of any help here but I'm following this topic now as I have exactly the same problem as diy_dude on a very similar window mechanism: turning the handle to the open position on our window frees the top of the window but the bottom is definitely still shut. Turning to closed position latches the top as well.

I don't see any way to gain access to any of the parts that may be broken or loose, since I can't get the window open.

Edit: a similar case came up in search:
http://www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=618283

 

[derv1980]

it is likely that the shoot bolt (seen in the last pic) has become detatched from the gearbox (where the handle screws into) they are a pain in the ass to get open! sometimes it's possible to de-glaze the window, then with the palm of your hand 'bump' the window, sometimes this will work the stuck shoot bolt loose, if it dosen't then you'll have to drill down in where the glass usually sits right through till you get to the metal slider, and try and lever the shootbolt out with a screwdriver. then its a case of either getting a new locking mechanism or if it isnt damaged refit the ld one and add a bit of lock-tite should stop it coming out again.

 

[fengazer]

Thanks, derv1980. Looks as though this is going to be relatively annoying to fix, but it's good to have the benefit of others' experience. We'll probably get someone who knows what they're doing in to deal with it, now that I know I've gone as far as my screwdrivers can take me.