One of my UPVC windows is stuck fast. The handle refuses to turn
anti-clockwise to release the fastening mechanism.

AFAIK, the handle and its integral lock works OK. I removed it by
unscrewing the 2 screws at either side of it and slid out the spindle
mechanism. The handle mechanisms seem to operate OK.

So, to unfasten the window, I need a tool or driver to rotate the
spindle socket anti-clockwise, thereby releasing the fastening bolts
down the side of the window (I hope!).

I haven't anything suitable in my tool-box. Any suggestions?

bruce

In an earlier contribution to this discussion,
wrote:

One of my UPVC windows is stuck fast. The handle refuses to turn
anti-clockwise to release the fastening mechanism.

AFAIK, the handle and its integral lock works OK. I removed it by
unscrewing the 2 screws at either side of it and slid out the spindle
mechanism. The handle mechanisms seem to operate OK.

So, to unfasten the window, I need a tool or driver to rotate the
spindle socket anti-clockwise, thereby releasing the fastening bolts
down the side of the window (I hope!).

I haven't anything suitable in my tool-box. Any suggestions?

bruce

What size and cross-sectional shape is the spindle?

If the handle is working ok, but its spindle fails to turn the socket, why
should anything else be able to turn it? Or is it just a case of providing
more leverage because it's stiff - in which case couldn't you clamp
something onto the handle to achieve this?
--
Cheers,
Set Square
______
Please reply to newsgroup. Reply address is invalid.

What size and cross-sectional shape is the spindle?

Rectangular with rounded corners. Bigger than my largest allen key.

If the handle is working ok, but its spindle fails to turn the socket, why
should anything else be able to turn it? Or is it just a case of
providing
more leverage because it's stiff - in which case couldn't you clamp
something onto the handle to achieve this?

Yes, I suppose you are right on this. The spindle fails to turn the
socket. I was hoping something else might.
If the socket won't turn, how do I release the locking mechanism?

Bruce

In article .com,
writes
What size and cross-sectional shape is the spindle?

Rectangular with rounded corners. Bigger than my largest allen key.

If the handle is working ok, but its spindle fails to turn the socket, why
should anything else be able to turn it? Or is it just a case of
providing
more leverage because it's stiff - in which case couldn't you clamp
something onto the handle to achieve this?

Yes, I suppose you are right on this. The spindle fails to turn the
socket. I was hoping something else might.
If the socket won't turn, how do I release the locking mechanism?

can you get a mole grip onto it?
--
Tim Mitchell

In an earlier contribution to this discussion,
wrote:

What size and cross-sectional shape is the spindle?

Rectangular with rounded corners. Bigger than my largest allen key.

In that case, an Allen key wouldn't be much use anyway, 'cos that's
hexagonal.

If the handle is working ok, but its spindle fails to turn the
socket, why
should anything else be able to turn it? Or is it just a case of
providing
more leverage because it's stiff - in which case couldn't you clamp
something onto the handle to achieve this?

Yes, I suppose you are right on this. The spindle fails to turn the
socket. I was hoping something else might.
If the socket won't turn, how do I release the locking mechanism?

When was it last opened? Is it top hinged, or side hinged? If the latter,
the frame may have settled slightly and jammed on the locking mechanism -
particularly in the current hot weather. If you can insert a lever between
the bottom of the window and the frame, on the opposite side to the hinge,
and gently lever the window upwards, you may find that you can then turn the
handle ok. If top hinged, try levering the bottom of the window sideways a
bit - you will have to try both directions to see which is better.
--
Cheers,
Set Square
______
Please reply to newsgroup. Reply address is invalid.

When was it last opened? Is it top hinged, or side hinged? If the latter,
the frame may have settled slightly and jammed on the locking mechanism -
particularly in the current hot weather. If you can insert a lever between
the bottom of the window and the frame, on the opposite side to the hinge,
and gently lever the window upwards, you may find that you can then turn the
handle ok. If top hinged, try levering the bottom of the window sideways a
bit - you will have to try both directions to see which is better.
--


Its a top-hinged small casement window. Similar windows in the house
have their locking on the sides of the window.
It was like this when I bought the house 6 months ago. Permanently
closed. Now we have a mini-heatwave!

Bruce

Wait until about 11pm when it's a lot cooler outside and see if it will
operate normally. We have two large upvc patio doors that expand and either
won't open or shut ( depends when we opened them ) as they're south facing
and get cooked. If we need to go out then hosing them down usually is enough
to shut them.

--
Pete Cross




When was it last opened? Is it top hinged, or side hinged? If the
latter,
the frame may have settled slightly and jammed on the locking
mechanism -
particularly in the current hot weather. If you can insert a lever
between
the bottom of the window and the frame, on the opposite side to the
hinge,
and gently lever the window upwards, you may find that you can then turn
the
handle ok. If top hinged, try levering the bottom of the window sideways
a
bit - you will have to try both directions to see which is better.
--


Its a top-hinged small casement window. Similar windows in the house
have their locking on the sides of the window.
It was like this when I bought the house 6 months ago. Permanently
closed. Now we have a mini-heatwave!

Bruce

Just a stupid question. Is the handle lockable? ie does it need a key
to free it up?

Regards
Capitol