Reversible casement window issue

[diy_fun_uk]

Mum has reversible casement windows in her flat. She closed one of them the other day and now it won't open. I suspected the handle was to blame and thought I had nothing else to do than slip a thin piece of something between the handle and handle body, thus enabling me to raise the handle and replace the lock.

Nope. Didn't work.

What I've noticed is when you press the button on the handle, if you look between the handle gap (i.e. between the handle itself and the handle body) you can see the part moving across that then presses against the part located in handle body. In other words, I suspect the handle is functioning correctly.

Could this indicate the issue is actually with the espag gearbox or other part of the window locking mechanism?

 

[foxhole]

Have you tried giving the frame a wack with heel of your hand to free it .

 

[diy_fun_uk]

Have you tried giving the frame a wack with heel of your hand to free it .

The window seems to be stuck fast, even with some gentle persuasion.

I should have said, when I try the handle trick (thin piece of something inserted in the gap) the handle doesn't budge, however as I say, if I press the button on the handle I can see the part moving across that then engages with and pushes the metal part in the handle body. So although I'm not saying the handle is definitely ok, it appears to be ok. Which has got me thinking could it be the mechanism in the window?

 

[blup]

Can you post a pic

 

[ronniecabers]

Could be either tbh. Handles are notorious for going wrong on the push button, it breaks up inside and jams it but as you say it could the lock.
Is the handles unlocked ( silly question i know but has to be asked ) ,
can you feel any movement on the handle?
Any clicking or cracking noises when trying to lift the handle?
Any known issues before this?

I suspect the handle, and you may have to get a little ' rough ' with it , and try and force it. If it is the handle, with some real brute force, they usually open, splitting the side of the casing... handle will still work ( no locking though) , and a new handle would be required.
However, if with a little brute force nothing moves , then its more than likely the lock

 

[foxhole]

Remove handle and rotate spindle manually , this will move latch fully if the handle has worn.

 

[crank39]

Hmm trouble is if the handle won't move then one of the screws will be concealed, it's a tricky one without being there in person to determine whether the handle is stuck or the mechanism. Usually the handle fails and you can use brute force to open it as the mechanism is free to move, however if the mechanism has failed and it's generally the teeth on the cog or pinion gear that have failed so forcing the handle that already opened just means your forcing the mechanism that jammed up, either way it has to be opened in order to be repaired