Fix loose window handles?

Jayyy2022

First time poster — I’ve searched but couldn’t find the answer.

I’ve moved into a house with old uPVC windows. They seem pretty sound, but some of the most-used handles are very loose.

Is there any way to tighten them?

They have a sticky-out protruding part to them which latches onto a plastic wedge bit, and allen key locks. They don’t have proper keys like more modern windows do. The handles do all work, and the windows open and close, I’m just a little concerned the handles might fall off at some point.

There’s what looks like a button over the turning mechanism, but it doesn’t depress. Could there be a screw in there to tighten the turning action? I don’t want to start picking at it and damage it if there isn’t.

Slinky

Sounds like it's a logical place that it could be a screw cover? We had wobbly handles on our windows which were sorted with the use of a screwdriver, although ours sound different to yours.

I'd have a go on an upstairs window that wouldn't be a security risk if you were to make it worse.  If all else fails there are companies that repair locks and hinges on old windows.

Sandtree

Photos of both open and closed is helpful.

Which bit is loose? Where the handle attaches to the frame or the handle itself on its mount?

Jayyy2022

Sandtree said:

Photos of both open and closed is helpful.

Which bit is loose? Where the handle attaches to the frame or the handle itself on its mount?

I’ll try and get some photos. It’s loose on the mount as the handle turns. It’s secure where it attaches into the frame. I’ve discovered it’s called a cockspur handle.

Jayyy2022

The green arrow is the not-a-button I was wondering about.