Double glazing window lock broken

sist_si · 16 Feb 2013 at 14:48

Hi all. I was wondering if anyone could help/confirm my suspicions.
I have a double glazing window in the bathroom. Pretty old. The top opening part is stuck shut. It's not locked but now will not open. I've removed the handle and tried opening it with a screwdriver in the mechanism but it just snaps round and doesn't unlock. My thinking is the mechanism has gone. My fear is that the only way to fix this in its closed state would be to remove the glass which is beyond my skills. What do you think GD?
Anyone in the north brum area who could fix it?

sist_si · 16 Feb 2013 at 15:53

Apologies. I didn't notice the home and garden forum. It's been a while since I was regularly on the forum.

LOAM · 16 Feb 2013 at 19:24

Is it upvc?

sist_si · 16 Feb 2013 at 20:22

Yea it's upvc

LOAM · 16 Feb 2013 at 22:59

Taking the glass out is really really simple, just pop the beading off with a thin screwdriver. They just tap back, its very easy. There's not usually access to the lock mechanism in there though.

Could you post a picture?

sist_si · 17 Feb 2013 at 21:25

apologies for the delay - here's a pic of the lock (minus handle). As you can see, the window is shut (but unlocked) and when i turn the centre piece, it just makes a "snap" sound as it goes round.

bitslice · 20 Feb 2013 at 22:09

Call a locksmith,
He will have a thin tool that will slide past the centre lock and pull in the locking bolt(s)

Taking the glass out may help the frame move a little to get a small jemmy down the sides, either way you really need the correct tools for the job.

sist_si · 20 Feb 2013 at 22:48

ok will look into that when im paid. looks like replacement lock mechanisms start around a tenner. i'll just need to confirm which one

nataliediaz · 23 Feb 2013 at 06:26

Double gazing keep your house and bathroom at a constant temperature, because there is no vacuum between two glasses. Replacing the old one with new will be a good idea and if you don't have skills to do it yourself take help from somebody who is an expert.