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Repairing a window handle

If you have had your plastic (sorry uPVC) window units in for more than a few years you will probably try to open one and find the handle won't turn. You check that it isn't locked but it still won't budge. What has happened is that a tiny bit of plastic that locks the handle until you press the button has broken inside the handle. Two screws hold the handle onto the frame. One is hidden under the handle for security reasons. The other is hidden by a removable plastic plug. The picture shows the piece of plastic.

If it's still under warranty (probably ten years for fittings) you could call out the company to fix it but that takes time. The repair is very quick, cheap and simple. Go to a supplier like Toolstation or Screwfix and buy ten new handles. Why ten? They are usually cheaper if you buy ten and if one handle has failed others will follow before long. The keys for the new ones will all be the same but probably different from the old ones so it reduces the number of keys you will eventually need. Your handle will probably be straight but if offset to left or right make sure you buy ones the same. They are a bit more expensive. If you have two opening casements next to each other it is best to replace both handles so they match. You can store the intact one to use elsewhere.

Here is an example from Screwfix: https://www.screwfix.com/p/smith-locke-lh-rh-prolinea-espagnolette-window-handle-white-10-pack/1903p

These are the kits that I have in stock.

Find a tool with a thin blunt blade. Why blunt? It might slip and cut you. My favourite is an old-fashioned table knife that has a very thin hard blade, but things like a palette knife or a thin fish slice would be fine. Push the blade in to the gap between the handle and the part screwed to the window. It might take a bit of jiggling to get it in. I have never failed to get it to work. Then simply turn the handle to open it. The picture shows the blade in place.

Now you can see the lower screw as shown below. Remove the plastic plug from the upper screw. A small screwdriver will work and as you are throwing the plug away damage doesn't matter. Now unscrew both screws which will probably need a crosspoint screwdriver. Keep the screws to reuse them as they will be the right length. Pull the handle off the frame, keeping the square shaft for the same reason though some replacements will have a fixed square shaft.

Using the old screws, and possibly square shaft, simply screw the new handle on. Don't over-tighten. Push the plastic plug in to cover the upper screw. Job done! Ten minutes and a fiver. Next time it will be five minutes.

One technique beloved of some repair people is to insist on everyone leaving the room and then shutting the door. 'I need peace and quiet.' When the job is done you can put your feet up for half an hour and pretend it was a really difficult job. Bang and swear a bit in the usual way. That should earn you a cup of coffee, a slice of cake and an admirer.

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(C) Peter Scott 2022

Last edit 17 October 2022