Broken window opening mechanism

Brokenlynx

Hi, 

I've got a small bathroom with a regular sized window, the top quarter of of the pane can be opened with a regular uPVC handle (I think it's a pretty common design in the UK, image below).





The problem is this mechanism is no longer working, the spring has broken in the handle meaning the button no longer bounces back when attempting to press it.

I've attempted to turn the bolt (using the handle) to unlatch the window but I hear a kind of clicking sound like the mechanism is broken. The window has been slightly faulty from the outset of moving into this property 6 weeks ago and I've opened the window successfully a few times, but now I'm seeing the issue as shown in this YouTube video.

Is it possible to either fix: 

• Just the mechanism in the current window and replace the handle? (I already have a replacement handle that fits, but not much I can do with the potentially broken mechanism)
• Or fix just the top window, without needing to replace the whole frame?

Just looking for info here so any past experience or ballpark figures on this kind of thins is appreciated.

MikeJXE

A photo of the handle might get some results 

[Deleted User]

Hi,

here's a wee VIDEO might help, though, as you've got a new handle,  might as well just replace the handle.

plumb1_2

Remove the glass to give you some flexibility then use a bolster to prise the window open.
Replace the mechanism, then handle, then put the glass back in. Get some silicone spray to ease the hinges too. Plus go round all your windows and spray the hinges.

ThisIsWeird

Brokenlynx said:

Hi, 

I've got a small bathroom with a regular sized window, the top quarter of of the pane can be opened with a regular uPVC handle (I think it's a pretty common design in the UK, image below).





The problem is this mechanism is no longer working, the spring has broken in the handle meaning the button no longer bounces back when attempting to press it.

I've attempted to turn the bolt (using the handle) to unlatch the window but I hear a kind of clicking sound like the mechanism is broken. The window has been slightly faulty from the outset of moving into this property 6 weeks ago and I've opened the window successfully a few times, but now I'm seeing the issue as shown in this YouTube video.

Is it possible to either fix: 

• Just the mechanism in the current window and replace the handle? (I already have a replacement handle that fits, but not much I can do with the potentially broken mechanism)
• Or fix just the top window, without needing to replace the whole frame?

Just looking for info here so any past experience or ballpark figures on this kind of thins is appreciated.

BLynx, can you actually open the window, or is it now permanently in the closed, locked position? If you manage to open it one more time, then don't latch it again until you get a chance to fix it - just pull it shut, but leave the handle up. No-one is going to squeeze through that window.

I'm guessing - but don't know - that the mechanism inside the frame has failed, and not just the handle. The handle itself is a doddle to replace - lift it up to expose one of the two screws, the other one is behind a cap. Undo both, and handle is off. Try that if you haven't already done so, but I suspect the damage goes beyond that.

I haven't done this job myself, but suspect it's very straight forward, as all the bits can surely be fitted via holes and slots in the outside perimeter of the moving section. 

I'd suggest it would be easier if you push open up the section fully to get access to the hinge screws - undo these and fully remove the opener.

I don't know if it's best leaving the hinges on the opener or on the remaining frame, but there must be videos showing this. I also don't know if there's positional adjustment on the hinges, where you should mark their exact current position so you can return them to it afterwards - again, the info should be out there.

I'd hope that this could be done without having to remove the DG unit. 

Are you hoping to DIY this? If yes, then surf t'Tube. If not, then at least try and get the window section open - that will be the single biggest headache, I think. 

Brokenlynx

ThisIsWeird said:

BLynx, can you actually open the window, or is it now permanently in the closed, locked position? If you manage to open it one more time, then don't latch it again until you get a chance to fix it - just pull it shut, but leave the handle up. No-one is going to squeeze through that window.

I'm guessing - but don't know - that the mechanism inside the frame has failed, and not just the handle. The handle itself is a doddle to replace - lift it up to expose one of the two screws, the other one is behind a cap. Undo both, and handle is off. Try that if you haven't already done so, but I suspect the damage goes beyond that.

I haven't done this job myself, but suspect it's very straight forward, as all the bits can surely be fitted via holes and slots in the outside perimeter of the moving section. 

I'd suggest it would be easier if you push open up the section fully to get access to the hinge screws - undo these and fully remove the opener.

I don't know if it's best leaving the hinges on the opener or on the remaining frame, but there must be videos showing this. I also don't know if there's positional adjustment on the hinges, where you should mark their exact current position so you can return them to it afterwards - again, the info should be out there.

I'd hope that this could be done without having to remove the DG unit. 

Are you hoping to DIY this? If yes, then surf t'Tube. If not, then at least try and get the window section open - that will be the single biggest headache, I think. 

Thanks for the detailed response.

I'm not planning on doing this myself, my aim is to go to a window fitter/repairman with the knowledge that this can be done without replacing the whole window. 

Because my fear is that if you ask for a quote for doing this work you'll just get quoted for replacing the entire window (both top and bottom panes of glass and full frame), which I suspect may be unnecessary.

This makes sense though if you can remove the opener you can keep the glass and essentially fit a new opener. But yeah just looking to dodge the 'full size' job here, its not necessary the window is fine bar this with the opener/mechanism.

greenface2

The handles are espagnellettes and the mechanism will either be a shoot bolt system ( probably Saracens) or a roller mushroom locking mech . more common now but not at the age of your frame . both still easy to obtain . we fix them by unglazing / popping the locks around the keeper . ofen unscrew hinges and turn to repair then refit . Less than an hours job . carry most parts we need . charge around £120 but less if there are more than one . if you have other windows same style that work look at how they operate 

ashe

Brokenlynx said:

ThisIsWeird said:

BLynx, can you actually open the window, or is it now permanently in the closed, locked position? If you manage to open it one more time, then don't latch it again until you get a chance to fix it - just pull it shut, but leave the handle up. No-one is going to squeeze through that window.

I'm guessing - but don't know - that the mechanism inside the frame has failed, and not just the handle. The handle itself is a doddle to replace - lift it up to expose one of the two screws, the other one is behind a cap. Undo both, and handle is off. Try that if you haven't already done so, but I suspect the damage goes beyond that.

I haven't done this job myself, but suspect it's very straight forward, as all the bits can surely be fitted via holes and slots in the outside perimeter of the moving section. 

I'd suggest it would be easier if you push open up the section fully to get access to the hinge screws - undo these and fully remove the opener.

I don't know if it's best leaving the hinges on the opener or on the remaining frame, but there must be videos showing this. I also don't know if there's positional adjustment on the hinges, where you should mark their exact current position so you can return them to it afterwards - again, the info should be out there.

I'd hope that this could be done without having to remove the DG unit. 

Are you hoping to DIY this? If yes, then surf t'Tube. If not, then at least try and get the window section open - that will be the single biggest headache, I think. 

Thanks for the detailed response.

I'm not planning on doing this myself, my aim is to go to a window fitter/repairman with the knowledge that this can be done without replacing the whole window. 

Because my fear is that if you ask for a quote for doing this work you'll just get quoted for replacing the entire window (both top and bottom panes of glass and full frame), which I suspect may be unnecessary.

This makes sense though if you can remove the opener you can keep the glass and essentially fit a new opener. But yeah just looking to dodge the 'full size' job here, its not necessary the window is fine bar this with the opener/mechanism.

Should be fine to repair but make sure you ask various firms. We asked a few and kept getting quotes for a new window. Eventually a bloke replacing another window fixed it for free using the handle and track from the window he took out (it was tilt & turn and the gears/track in the window had failed) 

saved us replacing the window as we are planning on changing the window size at some point so waste of money 

Brokenlynx

greenface2 said:

The handles are espagnellettes and the mechanism will either be a shoot bolt system ( probably Saracens) or a roller mushroom locking mech . more common now but not at the age of your frame . both still easy to obtain . we fix them by unglazing / popping the locks around the keeper . ofen unscrew hinges and turn to repair then refit . Less than an hours job . carry most parts we need . charge around £120 but less if there are more than one . if you have other windows same style that work look at how they operate 

When the handle is removed looking into the opening you can see its a square bolt. I think (just going by the look when the window is opened) it's a roller mushroom mechanism (I assume this refers to the shape of the upside down latch on the inside edge of the smaller upper window).

Thanks for the info though, I think a callout is necessary at this point.

greenface2

Brokenlynx said:

greenface2 said:

The handles are espagnellettes and the mechanism will either be a shoot bolt system ( probably Saracens) or a roller mushroom locking mech . more common now but not at the age of your frame . both still easy to obtain . we fix them by unglazing / popping the locks around the keeper . ofen unscrew hinges and turn to repair then refit . Less than an hours job . carry most parts we need . charge around £120 but less if there are more than one . if you have other windows same style that work look at how they operate 

When the handle is removed looking into the opening you can see its a square bolt. I think (just going by the look when the window is opened) it's a roller mushroom mechanism (I assume this refers to the shape of the upside down latch on the inside edge of the smaller upper window).

Thanks for the info though, I think a callout is necessary at this point.

Sounds about right . the square bolt you see is just the gearbox where the spindle fit into . standard size . different lengths .