Window Locks

pinkshoes

This is probably a really daft question, but I'm sleep deprived with a 2 week old baby...

I need to get a bathroom window fixed (double glazed UPVC - 4 years old). One side won't lock (you can just push it open!), and the other side has now just broken and won't open! (So basically, both the locks/mechanisms appear to be broken).

I've contacted the manufacturer who only deal with distributors, and the distributor doesn't stock that manufacturer any more.

Is it just as simple as buying another two locks (screwfix?) and fitting them?

Oddly, the manufacturer claims they guarantee their mechanisms for 5 to 10 years!

sooz

if you can get to the screws to remove the one that wont open, yes, it is that simple.

remove one, & take it to screwfix to check the size against the new ones you buy. They do come in different sizes.

pinkshoes

And if I haven't got time to do this myself (nope!), then where would I get a handyman to do the job, and what sort of price would I have to pay? I have no transport at the moment, and just want this fixed before Xmas!

G_M

Personal recommendation is best. Failing that, yellow pages, newsagent window, local paper? Get quotes rather than accept 1st one who comes.

Try posting on DIYNOT for more advice on how to DIY. Lots of expert and helpful guys over there (Oh, and girlies!)

SailorSam

Try phoning your local council to see can they give any advice.
I know here there's a section that gets jobs sorted for old people, don't know if they may have something similar for young mums.

tyllwyd

Have a look in your local papers / yellow pages etc for double glazing repairs.

eamon

Lots of local councils have a "handyman" scheme as do many housing associations (though they may not do properties that are not theirs). Check out the web sites. If you feel comfortable doing the job yourself then have a look at the following sites for prices ets. The only tool that you should require is a screwdriver
http://nextday.diy.com/app/c/window-handles/Window+Furniture/Window+Handles;jsessionid=Bms6M1MpQKpSLqcFwd2XS2TQFVbTqZwrQVNGhtlCbngvrS1bhjkG!-319299232

http://www.handlestore.com/product_review.php?prd_id=14&cat_id=6

Of course if your windows are the "espag" type i.e all the hardware except the handle is concealed by the sash then it is possible that the gear mechanism has failed. If the window maker/installer won't honour the guarantee/warranty then there is little that you can do except dig out your yellow pages/local paper and call out a window/door doctor. Getting all legal will waste your time. energy, money and in the meantime you are still cold.

Finally if your locality is anything like mine then there should be dozens of window fitters etc, look for big transit type vans. They should be happy to help and usually for beer money.