uPVC window catch won't close, draughty!

Epimenides

The handle on the uPVC window in the house I've just moved into won't turn. The window doesn't form a seal against the frame so it is getting cold in here! I've noticed that there's a small metal pin sticking out of the handle fitting. On another (working) window in the house, this metal pin is flush with the handle fitting. I tried to attach photos but I can't as a new user.

What is this metal pin? Is it kind of safety catch? If so, how do I release it?

If the pin isn't the problem, how can I get this window to close properly? There are no screws to undo the handle. The locking mechanism seems to be via two sliding bolts.

Thanks for reading!

Epimenides

WD40 on the moving parts hasn't helped.

Can anyone at least advise me how best to seal the gap between the window and the frame to keep the heat in?

PasturesNew

In the short term, I'd tape the gap up with masking tape, and/or sellotape strips of cardboard across the gap.

Epimenides

Thanks, I'll give that a go in the short term. If anyone has a longer term suggestion, too, I'd be grateful to hear it!

chiefgoobster

If the WD40 doesn't work , maybe think about taking the handle off and replacing ?
or "borrow" one from another window in the house and try that ?

greyteam1959

Google throws up lots of results !!

Epimenides

chiefgoobster wrote: »

If the WD40 doesn't work , maybe think about taking the handle off and replacing ?
or "borrow" one from another window in the house and try that ?

That's what I was initially thinking but I can't get the handle off. There are no screws and the only thing holding it on is that pin, which I can't get to move at all.

mervyn11 wrote: »

Google throws up lots of results !!

It does indeed. Thanks to threads like this one.