Bit of a puzzler which I won't be able to tackle for a few days, but
asking in case there is an easy option.

Double glazed UPVC window.
Will close and engage with the frame with a small air gap for ventilation
but not able to just open from the outside.
I engaged it in this position, but now it seems to be stuck.
As far as I can tell the handle isn't locked (no idea where the key is,
window installed about 13 years ago).

Looking at the handle, it is probably secured by two screws, one at the
top and the other underneath the handle, which obscures it when closed.

So the obvious conundrum is how to get the handle off to access the
mechanism underneath.

I've lubricated, but that has made no difference.

Apart from cutting and destroying the handle, I can't think of anything obvious.

Suggestions?

Cheers



Dave R


--
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On 24/06/2025 11:04, David wrote:

Bit of a puzzler which I won't be able to tackle for a few days, but
asking in case there is an easy option.

Double glazed UPVC window.
Will close and engage with the frame with a small air gap for ventilation
but not able to just open from the outside.
I engaged it in this position, but now it seems to be stuck.
As far as I can tell the handle isn't locked (no idea where the key is, window installed about 13 years ago).

Looking at the handle, it is probably secured by two screws, one at the
top and the other underneath the handle, which obscures it when closed.

So the obvious conundrum is how to get the handle off to access the
mechanism underneath.

I've lubricated, but that has made no difference.

Apart from cutting and destroying the handle, I can't think of anything obvious.

Are you sure that the mechanism hasn't expanded in the heat and it will
release early morning when its cooled down a bit.

I have one window that almost does this. The handle /lock is ok in the
morning but after a day like we have had in the past week if left in the
small air gap position the handle is VERY stiff to move at the end of
the day. I don't believe its the handle but more likely the locking
mechanism expanding in the heat and binding up.

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On 24/06/2025 11:04, David wrote:

Bit of a puzzler which I won't be able to tackle for a few days, but
asking in case there is an easy option.

Double glazed UPVC window.
Will close and engage with the frame with a small air gap for ventilation
but not able to just open from the outside.
I engaged it in this position, but now it seems to be stuck.
As far as I can tell the handle isn't locked (no idea where the key is, window installed about 13 years ago).

Looking at the handle, it is probably secured by two screws, one at the
top and the other underneath the handle, which obscures it when closed.

So the obvious conundrum is how to get the handle off to access the
mechanism underneath.

I've lubricated, but that has made no difference.

Apart from cutting and destroying the handle, I can't think of anything obvious.

Suggestions?

Cheers

I assume you mean an espag window handle. I've probably fixed this over
a dozen times with my conservatory fanlights, and it gets me mad each
time. The problem is the stupid piece of plastic used to disengage the
handle lock (not the key lock). It's weak and fails after a few years. A stainless steel piece of the same design would last forever, but then
there wouldn't be a market for spare handles, eh? :-(

The trick is to get something small between the moving and fixed part of
the handle. This has to be a very thin and stiff piece if metal - and
old 1.0 (or maybe 1.2mm if the gap's big enough) jeweller's screwdriver
is ideal. It's best to open a working handle first so you can see what
is required. As you push the lock button, you'll see a piece of metal
move back into the body of the handle. When the piece of plastic is
broken, that piece of metal does not move. You have to push the
screwdriver blade in at an angle until it makes contact with the end of
the metal and then tilt it back to push the metal back - at the same
time trying to rotate the handle with your other hand. Eventually you'll
get the metal piece far enough back to get it to disengage with the bit
of the casement handle fixed to the frame. Don't force the blade back!
If it's in the right position it will move back a little and the handle
might move a fraction.

Failing that, you'll have to use a hacksaw or Dremel to cut off that
edge where the piece of metal is to allow you to get access to it.

I bought ten replacement handles from Amazon to keep as spares for this
design fault <https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B095YWYY2R>

--
Jeff

--- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
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On Tue, 24 Jun 2025 13:30:37 +0000, David wrote:

<snip>

I bought ten replacement handles from Amazon to keep as spares for this
design fault <https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B095YWYY2R>

Thanks.
Very useful.
T'Internet has loads of conflicting information, including forcing it in order to break the plastic bit.
I have never encountered this before in years of double glazing use, but searching turns up loads of conflicting information, all if which claim
that this is a common fault.
As in your case, where you have fixed over a dozen.

It may be a few days before I can get at it, but at least it is letting
in a breeze during hot weather, not during a freezing winter day.

Just found:
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGwjUrM7rsw>
using espagnolette in the search term and hopefully this is what you are describing.

I don't have the steel cable tie used in the video, but it looks the appropriate tool.
So much so I've ordered some as they are dirt cheap.

Uduh!
I forgot (see how this ties together) that I am so old that I have feeler gauges in my toolbox.
Cable tie order cancelled.
Window handle now working with additional assistance from slim metal.

Thanks again, Jeff L, for the help.

Phew!!



Dave R

--
AMD FX-6300 in GA-990X-Gaming SLI-CF running Windows 10 x64

--
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On Tue, 24 Jun 2025 13:42:21 +0100, Jeff Layman wrote:

On 24/06/2025 11:04, David wrote:

Bit of a puzzler which I won't be able to tackle for a few days, but
asking in case there is an easy option.

Double glazed UPVC window.
Will close and engage with the frame with a small air gap for
ventilation but not able to just open from the outside.
I engaged it in this position, but now it seems to be stuck.
As far as I can tell the handle isn't locked (no idea where the key is,
window installed about 13 years ago).

Looking at the handle, it is probably secured by two screws, one at the
top and the other underneath the handle, which obscures it when closed.

So the obvious conundrum is how to get the handle off to access the
mechanism underneath.

I've lubricated, but that has made no difference.

Apart from cutting and destroying the handle, I can't think of anything
obvious.

Suggestions?

Cheers

I assume you mean an espag window handle. I've probably fixed this over
a dozen times with my conservatory fanlights, and it gets me mad each
time. The problem is the stupid piece of plastic used to disengage the
handle lock (not the key lock). It's weak and fails after a few years. A stainless steel piece of the same design would last forever, but then
there wouldn't be a market for spare handles, eh? :-(

The trick is to get something small between the moving and fixed part of
the handle. This has to be a very thin and stiff piece if metal - and
old 1.0 (or maybe 1.2mm if the gap's big enough) jeweller's screwdriver
is ideal. It's best to open a working handle first so you can see what
is required. As you push the lock button, you'll see a piece of metal
move back into the body of the handle. When the piece of plastic is
broken, that piece of metal does not move. You have to push the
screwdriver blade in at an angle until it makes contact with the end of
the metal and then tilt it back to push the metal back - at the same
time trying to rotate the handle with your other hand. Eventually you'll
get the metal piece far enough back to get it to disengage with the bit
of the casement handle fixed to the frame. Don't force the blade back!
If it's in the right position it will move back a little and the handle
might move a fraction.

Failing that, you'll have to use a hacksaw or Dremel to cut off that
edge where the piece of metal is to allow you to get access to it.

I bought ten replacement handles from Amazon to keep as spares for this design fault <https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B095YWYY2R>

Thanks.
Very useful.
T'Internet has loads of conflicting information, including forcing it in
order to break the plastic bit.
I have never encountered this before in years of double glazing use, but searching turns up loads of conflicting information, all if which claim
that this is a common fault.
As in your case, where you have fixed over a dozen.

It may be a few days before I can get at it, but at least it is letting in
a breeze during hot weather, not during a freezing winter day.

Just found:
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGwjUrM7rsw>
using espagnolette in the search term and hopefully this is what you are describing.

I don't have the steel cable tie used in the video, but it looks the appropriate tool.
So much so I've ordered some as they are dirt cheap.

Cheers



Dave R




--
AMD FX-6300 in GA-990X-Gaming SLI-CF running Windows 10 x64

--
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On 24/06/2025 14:30, David wrote:

On Tue, 24 Jun 2025 13:42:21 +0100, Jeff Layman wrote:

On 24/06/2025 11:04, David wrote:

Bit of a puzzler which I won't be able to tackle for a few days, but
asking in case there is an easy option.

Double glazed UPVC window.
Will close and engage with the frame with a small air gap for
ventilation but not able to just open from the outside.
I engaged it in this position, but now it seems to be stuck.
As far as I can tell the handle isn't locked (no idea where the key is,
window installed about 13 years ago).

Looking at the handle, it is probably secured by two screws, one at the
top and the other underneath the handle, which obscures it when closed.

So the obvious conundrum is how to get the handle off to access the
mechanism underneath.

I've lubricated, but that has made no difference.

Apart from cutting and destroying the handle, I can't think of anything
obvious.

Suggestions?

Cheers

I assume you mean an espag window handle. I've probably fixed this over
a dozen times with my conservatory fanlights, and it gets me mad each
time. The problem is the stupid piece of plastic used to disengage the
handle lock (not the key lock). It's weak and fails after a few years. A
stainless steel piece of the same design would last forever, but then
there wouldn't be a market for spare handles, eh? :-(

The trick is to get something small between the moving and fixed part of
the handle. This has to be a very thin and stiff piece if metal - and
old 1.0 (or maybe 1.2mm if the gap's big enough) jeweller's screwdriver
is ideal. It's best to open a working handle first so you can see what
is required. As you push the lock button, you'll see a piece of metal
move back into the body of the handle. When the piece of plastic is
broken, that piece of metal does not move. You have to push the
screwdriver blade in at an angle until it makes contact with the end of
the metal and then tilt it back to push the metal back - at the same
time trying to rotate the handle with your other hand. Eventually you'll
get the metal piece far enough back to get it to disengage with the bit
of the casement handle fixed to the frame. Don't force the blade back!
If it's in the right position it will move back a little and the handle
might move a fraction.

Failing that, you'll have to use a hacksaw or Dremel to cut off that
edge where the piece of metal is to allow you to get access to it.

I bought ten replacement handles from Amazon to keep as spares for this
design fault <https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B095YWYY2R>

Thanks.
Very useful.
T'Internet has loads of conflicting information, including forcing it in order to break the plastic bit.
I have never encountered this before in years of double glazing use, but searching turns up loads of conflicting information, all if which claim
that this is a common fault.
As in your case, where you have fixed over a dozen.

It may be a few days before I can get at it, but at least it is letting in
a breeze during hot weather, not during a freezing winter day.

Just found:
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGwjUrM7rsw>
using espagnolette in the search term and hopefully this is what you are describing.

I don't have the steel cable tie used in the video, but it looks the appropriate tool.
So much so I've ordered some as they are dirt cheap.

Cheers

Looks to be a simpler way than I use. I'd never heard of those steel
cable ties. I hope that it works for you.

--
Jeff

--- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
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On 24/06/2025 14:49, Jeff Layman wrote:

Looks to be a simpler way than I use. I'd never heard of those steel
cable ties. I hope that it works for you.

I was going to suggest a ring pull from a drinks can.

I've used the stainless steel cable ties for a couple of outside job.
I've found that even good quality plastic/nylon ties go brittle in a few
years.
It a tiny bit harder to get the SS ties really tight as they are stiffer
than plastic but those cheap cable tie guns have worked for me.
Similar to
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/111156054339 (will not cut the cable tie)

--
mailto : news {at} admac {dot} myzen {dot} co {dot} uk

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David <wibble@btinternet.com> wrote:

Bit of a puzzler which I won't be able to tackle for a few days, but
asking in case there is an easy option.

Double glazed UPVC window.
Will close and engage with the frame with a small air gap for ventilation
but not able to just open from the outside.
I engaged it in this position, but now it seems to be stuck.
As far as I can tell the handle isn't locked (no idea where the key is, window installed about 13 years ago).

Looking at the handle, it is probably secured by two screws, one at the
top and the other underneath the handle, which obscures it when closed.

So the obvious conundrum is how to get the handle off to access the
mechanism underneath.

I've lubricated, but that has made no difference.

Apart from cutting and destroying the handle, I can't think of anything obvious.

Suggestions?

Cheers

Dave R

I have had exactly the same problem. If you look at a working handle and
push the button in while the handle is in the open position you will see a small plastic pice that moves in and out, this is the latch. Over time internally the plastic breaks so when you press the button it no longer retracts the latch and Sod’s Law it is usually when you have the window closed.

To get it to open slide a thin metal piece in the gap where the latch is positioned this will push the latch back and allow you to operate the
handle. The trick is to attack the sloping end of the latch or diagonally.
I use one of those continental type filler knives as they are usually quite thin and flexible to get in the gap.

The only way to repair it is mend it with a new handle. I have found these people very useful to get an appropriate handle;

https://www.upvc-hardware.co.uk/

Richard

--- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
* Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)

On 24/06/2025 14:41, David wrote:

On Tue, 24 Jun 2025 13:30:37 +0000, David wrote:

<snip>

I bought ten replacement handles from Amazon to keep as spares for this
design fault <https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B095YWYY2R>

Thanks.
Very useful.
T'Internet has loads of conflicting information, including forcing it in
order to break the plastic bit.
I have never encountered this before in years of double glazing use, but
searching turns up loads of conflicting information, all if which claim
that this is a common fault.
As in your case, where you have fixed over a dozen.

It may be a few days before I can get at it, but at least it is letting
in a breeze during hot weather, not during a freezing winter day.

Just found:
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGwjUrM7rsw>
using espagnolette in the search term and hopefully this is what you are
describing.

I don't have the steel cable tie used in the video, but it looks the
appropriate tool.
So much so I've ordered some as they are dirt cheap.

Uduh!
I forgot (see how this ties together) that I am so old that I have feeler gauges in my toolbox.
Cable tie order cancelled.
Window handle now working with additional assistance from slim metal.

Thanks again, Jeff L, for the help.

Phew!!

You're welcome - and you've done me a good turn, as I have a set of
feeler gauges (somewhere...) which would save me having to use the
jeweller's screwdriver.

By the way, I've noticed that the "metal piece" I referred to was
actually an extension of the plastic rather than be made of metal. It
was still strong enough to stop the handle turning!

--
Jeff

--- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
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On 24/06/2025 14:30, David wrote:

It may be a few days before I can get at it, but at least it is letting in
a breeze during hot weather, not during a freezing winter day.

But.. but... but...

The last thing you want to do in this weather is let in the hot midday
heat. It should be closed all day, along with your curtains, and open at
night!

Andy

--
Do not listen to rumour, but, if you do, do not believe it.
Ghandi.

--- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
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On 27/06/2025 21:52, Vir Campestris wrote:

On 24/06/2025 14:30, David wrote:

It may be a few days before I can get at it, but at least it is
letting in
a breeze during hot weather, not during a freezing winter day.

But.. but... but...

The last thing you want to do in this weather is let in the hot midday
heat. It should be closed all day, along with your curtains, and open at night!

Andy

I've found that the various suggested schemes make very little
difference to the temperature in my house. Part of the problem in a 1908
house with 9 ft ceilings and very large (DG) windows front and back.

Unfortunately I live in an area where leaving the downstairs windows
open more than the ventilation crack is inadvisable during the coolest
part of the night. :(

Even upstairs, once the temperature inside has reached 24+C it's
unlikely to fall below 22C with all the windows open and the outside temperature claiming to fall to 16C

--
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On 28/06/2025 07:44, alan_m wrote:

On 27/06/2025 21:52, Vir Campestris wrote:

On 24/06/2025 14:30, David wrote:

It may be a few days before I can get at it, but at least it is
letting in
a breeze during hot weather, not during a freezing winter day.

But.. but... but...

The last thing you want to do in this weather is let in the hot midday
heat. It should be closed all day, along with your curtains, and open
at night!

Andy

I've found that the various suggested schemes make very little
difference to the temperature in my house. Part of the problem in a 1908 house with 9 ft ceilings and very large (DG) windows front and back.

Unfortunately I live in an area where leaving the downstairs windows
open more than the ventilation crack is inadvisable during the coolest
part of the night. :(

Even upstairs, once the temperature inside has reached 24+C it's
unlikely to fall below 22C with all the windows open and the outside temperature claiming to fall to 16C

Here my upstairs has settled at about 25°C with around 23 °C downstairs.

Mots curtains are drawn all the time but I have got around to opening
all the windows at night.

IIRC the last 30°C + weather the ground floor settled at around 27°C
which is tolerable

--
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― Groucho Marx

--- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
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On Fri, 27 Jun 2025 21:52:44 +0100, Vir Campestris wrote:

On 24/06/2025 14:30, David wrote:

It may be a few days before I can get at it, but at least it is letting
in a breeze during hot weather, not during a freezing winter day.

But.. but... but...

The last thing you want to do in this weather is let in the hot midday
heat. It should be closed all day, along with your curtains, and open at night!

Andy

But...but...but...
I could neither open nor close the window.
So I could exert no control whatever your chosen theory.

My point was that admitting hot air was probably less of a problem than admitting freezing air.
And I would get cool air in over night.

We tend to dump daytime heat in the evening when the outside temperature
falls.

Cheers



Dave R


--
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