Window handle won't lock

somerandomusername

When I first moved in, the handle was jammed completely and would not turn the full way to unlock the window. I bought a replacement handle and removed the old one.

When I pull the window and close the handle down, it clicks, but the window can just be pushed open. Like the locking mechanism itself is not working.

I think I need one of these https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LOCKMASTER-YALE-22mm-GEARBOX-SHOOTBOLT-LOCKING-MECHANISM-FOR-UPVC-WINDOW-360MM/133651741748

but I have no idea which brand, which size or anything.

somerandomusername

Actually I've just looked and it seems like quite a simple fix, just need an adjustable one and just need to make sure the main socket part is the right size.

somerandomusername

Or maybe I just need one of these https://gbdiystore.com/Siegenia-Drive-Gear-Replacement-Gearbox

Ectophile

Looks like that square drive has been mangled and broken by someone forcing it. Needs a new mechanism.

Yorkie1

Appreciate you probably want to solve this on your own, but you will probably also find that there are local uPVC window maintenance firms who can deal with things like this (without replacing the windows)

somerandomusername

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81975160#Comment_81975160

I think it's just a case of unscrewing the old one and screwing the new one in? It looks pretty simple it's only held in by 2 screws from what I can see?

bjorn_toby_wilde

If you can open the window then it’s a fairly easy fix. If it’s broken in the closed position that’s trickier. The mechanism looks like it’s knackered, but they’re easy to replace.

The key thing is identifying the right espag lock. There are a few online UPVC spare shops. This one shows how to measure them and identify the correct replacement https://upvcspares4repairs.co.uk/blog/window-lock-mechanism-measure-choose/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21500009201&gbraid=0AAAAADhSOydTFnJ-a6HSJnMG3w7UQDo4N&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIjqCyzvCElAMVjJJQBh1zyBcMEAAYASAAEgI1FfD_BwE

Simply buy the correct size mechanism and all you need is a pozi screwdriver to replace it. If you successfully replaced the handle then you can certainly fix this.

bjorn_toby_wilde

Another thought that occurred from the way that locking mechanism is damaged; maybe you have the wrong size handle.

Handles for UPVC windows vary in two ways: 1. The way they turn (left handed and right handed and 2. The length of the square spindle that protrudes from the back of the handle.

If you ended up with a spindle that was too short then it might only just engage with the first few millimetres of the female part of the locking mechanism. Eventually that would break.

The way to check would be to compare the spindle length with one of the other handles.