Stiff casement window 28 November 2022 at 5:03PM in In my home (includes DIY) MoneySaving 14 replies 232 views

SergeantBaker

Hi

I have a upvc casement window that over time the handle has become increasingly stiff and getting harder to close the locking mechanism when shutting the window.

Is there a way to adjust this?

TIA

grumbler

What sort of 'locking mechanism'? Sounds like it's the mechanism that needs attention, not the handle.

BUFF

have you lubricated it at all?

Slinky

I was recommended by a chap from the company who came out to adjust our back door to use silicon spray on dry joints for window and doors. We use a spray intended for car interiors which you can get in Halfords. He said don't use WD40.

BUFF

There is a silicone version of WD40.
I use a graphite lubricant.

Norfolkandhope

Sorry to hijack the thread but I have a similar problem. I have tried WD40 Silicone and one window appears to have loosened better than the other. Is it a case of working the mechanism until it becomes looser or is something else required?

TIA.

ThisIsWeird

Norfolkandhope said:

Sorry to hijack the thread but I have a similar problem. I have tried WD40 Silicone and one window appears to have loosened better than the other. Is it a case of working the mechanism until it becomes looser or is something else required?

TIA.

I guess it depends what the issue is. 'Openers' might have friction adjustments on their stays, certainly if they open upwards, and these do need 'friction' to keep them open.

So, is the stiffness due to the hinges, the 'friction adjuster', or the locking mechanism?

If it's like my mate 'Baker's situation - stiff 'andle - then I think the first thing I'd try is to remove the handle - two screws - and try it separately. 

In essence - yes - find the culprit, spray it with sili/graphite, and keep it moving 

Norfolkandhope

ThisIsWeird said:

Norfolkandhope said:

Sorry to hijack the thread but I have a similar problem. I have tried WD40 Silicone and one window appears to have loosened better than the other. Is it a case of working the mechanism until it becomes looser or is something else required?

TIA.

I guess it depends what the issue is. 'Openers' might have friction adjustments on their stays, certainly if they open upwards, and these do need 'friction' to keep them open.

So, is the stiffness due to the hinges, the 'friction adjuster', or the locking mechanism?

If it's like my mate 'Baker's situation - stiff 'andle - then I think the first thing I'd try is to remove the handle - two screws - and try it separately. 

In essence - yes - find the culprit, spray it with sili/graphite, and keep it moving 

In general the remaining one seems stiff or tight to latch. I've given everywhere a spray but not removed the handle so may give that a go next. 

greenface2

try taking off a keeper . one at a time and try to close and lock it as you go .maybe the sash has dropped and is catching against it . If no difference try to remove the v=next and replace the first ect 

Norfolkandhope

greenface2 said:

try taking off a keeper . one at a time and try to close and lock it as you go .maybe the sash has dropped and is catching against it . If no difference try to remove the v=next and replace the first ect 

Thanks but I have casement windows. 

casper_gutman

Norfolkandhope said:

greenface2 said:

try taking off a keeper . one at a time and try to close and lock it as you go .maybe the sash has dropped and is catching against it . If no difference try to remove the v=next and replace the first ect 

Thanks but I have casement windows. 

The term "sash" is sometimes applied to the opening part of a window even in the case of casement windows, especially (I think) in American English usage, so it's quite possible that greenface2 knew this. In fact, the advice seems more relevant to a casement window than a (sliding) "sash window".

I always try to refer to the windows with sliding sashes as "sliding sash windows" rather than just "sash windows", to avoid confusion around this issue.