'Key' for double glazed windows' orientation

Soldato
Joined
29 Oct 2002
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London
Hi There,

I'm hoping that someone will know what I mean.

I have lost the keys that allow me to change the orientation of my double glazed 'tilt and turn'windows from top opening to swinging out fully (allowing me to clean both sides of the pane).

I liken the keys to the below set except that my windows have a 'D' or semi-circular shaped design rather than a triangle...

http://www.amazon.co.uk/PIECE-STEEL-ELECTRIC-METER-KEYS/dp/B003A5IBLC/ref=pd_bxgy_auto_img_z

I've been looking for ages but no cigar and I have no idea of their proper name - Can anyone help?

Thanks
 
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Doesn't ring a bell. This site suggests only a hex key, I can't think why anyone would choose to differ in their design.
http://www.iwantawindowfixed.com/page5.htm

Try here
http://www.windowhandlekeys.co.uk/index.html
Although not what you are looking for, perhaps they would have seen this key before.

A picture of the slot might help, because part of me thinks that a D shaped adjustment hole is a daft design and I'm hoping that you may not be describing this accurately :)
 
Yeah I don't think I'm doing a great job of describing them.

The word key doesn't seem appropriate either considering the handles use proper keys just like your link shows.

these 'keys' do not 'lock' the window exactly - there is a socket at the base of the pvc window and you use these to change the way the window actually opens.

if no one has any ideas i will try and upload an image asap :)
 
here are the images - the branding is difficut because none of the windows open outwards - i imagine their brand name is on the steel between the panes.


9QSsUODl.jpg
---
Here is the hole/socket:

wtEchsPl.jpg

they all take the form of a 'chipped' circle or D shape. not really a semi-circle as such.
 
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What you have there fella is a bodge.

You have tilt and turn windows without any locking to stop people or kids jumping out so they have retrofitted a lock to the bottom I assume that enables you to tilt the window inwards at the top but not swing it in and you need a key to unlock.

That key could be anything I'm afraid the lock could come from anywhere.

Mine as you can see below have the restriction in the handle (Hoppe).

20130303_103415_resized.jpg
 
You might be able to use some long nose pliers to unlock it.

But, looking at your photo, it looks very similar to a 'Era Window Snaplock' or one of the Chubb snaplocks, so their keys might fit.

If you need windows keys, this company stocks keys for nearly every make available, got me out of the mire on a few occasions.

http://www.replacementkeys.co.uk/window?gclid=CP-Foe74kLYCFcrHtAod_mgAXg

EDIT: Have you tried a radiator bleed key, or a old windup clock key, many sizes, I have used this trick in the past to open similar locks, difficult to work out actual scale from your photo.
 
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Here is the hole/socket:
Heh, not even attached to the window :p
I'm going to insist on pictures before I comment on any thread in here :D

If pliers don't work, get an old socket set and bang one of the smaller ones onto the pin, you should be able to turn it then.
(this works with those triangle locks too)
 
You might be able to use some long nose pliers to unlock it.

But, looking at your photo, it looks very similar to a 'Era Window Snaplock' or one of the Chubb snaplocks, so their keys might fit.

ooooh nice!

http://www.wickes.co.uk/window-snaplock-white-pk4/invt/520828/

this looks almost perfect.

cannot tell whther the D shape is correct but we're definitely getting closer.

Worst case I know it is called a snap lock now whereas before i hadn't a clue.

Thanks buddy!
 
Agreed, from looking on eBay there are a few keys that specify different lock codes.
I'm not sure how much store to put by that, as one Era window lock is pretty likely to use the same key as another Era window lock? (Sod's Law may apply here)

I hate window locks, they are about as secure as a US government webpage, anything that can be bypassed with a bent twig isn't a lock IMO
 
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