Problems opening windows

[Dave2010]

hey guys

complete window novice please bear with me

got 3 windows round the house which are what I think are top hung/hinged. The handle which is at the bottom of the opening window and centre, seems to be connected to a pin either side of the window (not along the bottom of the frame) and these pins come out of the side of the frame and into stays to keep the window locked

Problem: Trying to open window, lift handle and it seems only 1 pin seems to retract and the other either stays or doesnt retract enough allowing me to open. I have to remove handle and get a small screwdriver and literally wiggle the whole mechanism side to side and eventually it pops open.
Now, of these what I seem to believe are "shootbolts"?? they all seem to have pins on the bottom which I dont have?

Any ideas? and I hope this generally makes sense

 

[crank39]

It sounds like you have a shootbolt gearbox and its failed, does it say 'MILA' on it anywhere or a picture would help loads

 

[thedoubleglazingdoctor197]

sounds like a fairly standard problem for a shootbolt locking system. one part fails while the rest tries to work. Your three options are:

1) disable the part which is not working leaving you with (normally) 2 parts of 3 working.

2) add a surface lock on the side where the part has broken (after dismantling)

3) replace the locking mechanism with new shootbolts.