uPVC window stuck shut on one side

[Mindzai]

I have a uPVC double glazed window, hinged at the top, which is locked shut on the bottom right corner. The left side seems able to open.

I put the handle in the unlocked position and took it off, then I was able to pry the window to the left enough to free up the stuck side allowing me to open the window and examine the mechanism.

The lock unit seems to be attached to 2 bars which move in and out of the window frame when the handle turns, and a flat bar which moves straight down into the frame.

I took 2 plastic covers off the bottom side of the window to reveal the 2 sideways-moving bars, and I could see that the left (working) side is properly attached to the lock mechanism, while the right (stuck) side was not attached. This means that turning the handle pushes the bar out OK, but since it's not attached it doesn't pull it back in, leading to the stuck window.

For now I've just taken the right hand bar out and now I can at least open and close the window, but of course it is not as secure.

Any advice on how I can fix this and where to get the parts? I couldn't see how the bar attached to the lock mechanism - there were no screws that I could see, so I'm not sure how to re-attach it.

I can take photos if any of this is unclear.

Thanks for your help.

 

[crank39]

Photo's, yes we like photos yes please

 

[Mindzai]

No problem.

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• Mindzai
• 30 Oct 2010
• 1

After removing the handle and bottom trim and popping the mechanism out:

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• Mindzai
• 30 Oct 2010
• 1

The mechanism with the attached left bar - right side not attached!

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• Mindzai
• 30 Oct 2010
• 1

Close up of the mechanism:

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• Mindzai
• 30 Oct 2010
• 1

Close up of how the left bar is attached:

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• Mindzai
• 30 Oct 2010
• 1

Close up of how the right bar is not attached!

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• Mindzai
• 30 Oct 2010
• 1

The hole that recieves that bar:

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• Mindzai
• 30 Oct 2010
• 1

If you need anything else let me know and I'll get snapping.

Cheers

 

[crank39]

Hmmm hows this look..........?

http://www.securityhardware.co.uk/index.php?p=products&cat_id=635&pid=635

Top one obviously

 

[Mindzai]

Yep that looks like it. For that price I won't even bother trying to fix it, I'll just get a replacement.

Thanks.