How to open a locked or broken window handle
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- čas přidán 19. 02. 2017
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Paddy's DIY - How to open a locked or broken window handle
Another great instructional video brought to you by Paddy's DIY
In this video i'm going to show you my method for opening a locked or broken window handle. This is a great method, but it will not work on every type of window handle. Saying that, this is the first method i try if i encounter a locked or broken window handle.
Locking window handles are fitted to the vast majority of windows manufactured in Ireland and the UK. The operation of a locking window handle is simple. Push the button lock with your thumb to release the lock and turn the handle lever to open the window. When the handle is returned to the closed position, the window handle locks automatically. Sometimes the push button lock of the window handle can break stopping it from being released. Imitating the symptoms of a broken window espag lock.
How can I tell the difference between a broken window handle / locked window handle or a broken window espag lock.
It is easy to tell the difference, here is a quick guide:
A broken window handle lock: The button lock will push in, but will not release
A locked window handle: The button will not push in and will not release
A broken window espag lock: The window handle lock releases and the handle will turn, but the window will not open.
You will need a piece of strong flat metal. The belt clip from a measuring tape is perfect for this. I use the belt clip in the video to bypass the window handle lock on the first two window handles. The gap between the window handle lever and the base of the last window handle is bigger, so the blade on my pen knife is narrow enough to bypass the lock. You won't have to use a lot of force to release the lock.
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![[37] * UPDATED * How to open a locked or broken window handle](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/5YQ-vqgk4Qs/mqdefault.jpg)
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You've proven the whole point of the Internet with your simple and MASSIVELY helpful video!
Glad it helped :) thanks for the comment
OMG. Had two windows in my mum's old cottage locked for 30 years with no key. Watched this... used metal spatula and, hey presto, both windows now open. I'm so grateful for you posting this.
Wow. That good to know thankyou
It took me ages but u just saved my life lol tysm was literally dying over here in 26 degrees cooking like chicken in a room whose window hadn’t been open for about a year
same boat here and this video has saved this family 🤣
same here lmao
Excellent. Glad it helped. Wish opening windows here helped, only letting in more hot air 😫 🔥
38 degrees here I can’t breath in my room
This worked a treat, if anyone wants an extra tip, I found the spacing took for a set of guitar strings worked really well, it's a little strip of metal you use to measure strong height. Ask a guitarist and they might have one spare.
Delighted to open 2 Windows just now that had broken plastic mechanisms for months.
Actually this morning was quoted €340 to repair them.
Thanks so much xxx
€340? God almighty
Amazing! We moved into our house in winter and didn't realise until the spring that they'd left us no window keys! Some had been left unlocked but the bedroom window wasn't so this has given us a breath of fresh air!
Thank you! You have just saved a single Mum a lot of money! Got the window opened in less than 10 seconds and my son is no longer roasting. Bless you ♥️
That's music to my ears. Glad it helped 👍
I never bother to leave comments, but this seriously solved my problem in 30 seconds. Thanks a million from a new build in Co. Westmeath!
Glad it helped and thanks for the comment
Worked like a charm! I've two broken lock mechanisms that landlord doesn't want to fork out the money for. One was the bathroom window - opens and closes now and such an easy solution. Thank you!!
Interesting Well done Thank you Those Tips and Demos can save lots of frustration
Thanks for this video. The belt-clip trick just helped me free up a stuck window handle. Once I could open it up, I found the cause: broken bit of plastic inside meaning the button wasn't actually pushing anything. All sorted now, and very grateful for your time in filming & uploading the vid. All the best.
My Son's window was locked with the handle pointing down so I couldn't access the bottom machine screw. The belt clip tip sorted that and a £7.00 replacement handle from B&Q was fitted.
Thanks a lot mate, you're a star.
I was ready to break the handle after watching some rubbish double glazing repair videos. I thought I'd try again without the word double glazing in the search and found your video. You saved me a lot of hassle and money. Thank you sir!
Excellent. Glad it helped 👍
Thank you for this. I was just going to bed, went to close the window which was on the latch/open, pressed the button and felt it snap but it stayed locked! Its cold tonight and I was envisaging having to stuff the gap with blankets, literally got the handle moving in seconds following your video and using a thin knife to release the lock! Window now closed! Thanks.
Music to my ears 👍
Tried it a minute ago and it worked! I closed the window on airlock and it was stuck, not anymore! Thank you!
Fantastic tip. Managed to "fix" the window without having to pay someone. Thank you!
Mate.....THANK YOU SOOO MUCH! My mum has been on my case none stop! Tried it with the keys...didn't work🙄 and after watching your video. I have OPENED IT!!! now she cant stop hugging me 😎. You my friend....are a proper G!
Thank you! I had a locked handle forover 3 years driving me mad. watched this and first flat metal thing i found was a pointing trowel, popped that in the back, turned handle and it opened straight away !. thank you!!
This is amazing. You’re a legend! Thanks for posting this. Straight to the point and no waffle. I’m no longer trapped in my flat 😃
good to hear
Paddy I would buy you a pint if I ever see you, it 100 % works. Thanks for the video.
Absolute ledge! This has been frustrating me for months and you’ve helped me to solve it in minutes. Thank You!
Excellent well done
Thankkkkkk uuuu had my living room window stuck for months and then the bedroom door got stuck too... didn’t wanna call somebody to to it... then I came across ur video.... I feel like a champpppp!!!!! I fixed it. Thank u xxx
People like you make this world a better place. And your a life saver too. Kitchen window was shut handle wudn't move but wasn't locked, last bit of your video knife trick worked.
Thank you, I was just about to snap the handle off in frustration then decided to watch your video, worked a treat.
Thank you!! My window was jammed locked with a gap for months, it was getting a bit cold!
Fantastic - worked first time and saved me £100 which was what the window company quoted me to come out and fix the problem!
Thank you !!
Tried it ! and it worked 1st time. Excellent ! Did not have a clue how to sort my stuck window latch until I saw this video.
Fair play man, had 2 locked windows for years, didn't have a clip so improvised with a flat headed screw driver and it popped open like a treat 😀 👍
I was able to sort my window handle after watching video. Your video is straight to the point and very helpful.
Thankyou for uploading.
Thanks Sanjay. Glad it helped :)
Worked a treat. I had 2 windows stuck. I used a Stanley knife for both. One of them was a little more stuck and something snapped in the handle as I opened it and the other window was smooth as. Cheers! 👍🏼
I agree with everyone else - excellent video. I asked housing association 3 weeks ago to fix it.... then tried this when the weather became too hot! Perfect solution, I didn't have a belt clip but used a metal hair clip the kind hairdressers use to clip back hair. Thanks for taking the time to make this video you're a ⭐!
Brilliant well done
Tried this with the tape measure clip but was struggling to get it to work. Checked another window lock in the house to see exactly where the lock was positioned and once I knew where it was slid the metal clip under and it opened! Absolutely delighted!
Great video, it tickled me that you struggled more with the key than without it.
Wow that was the fastest low-tech solution I have ever found for any kind of DYI issue around the house. Shockingly simple, amazing. Thanks for sharing
Thanks for the video detailing how to unlock and replace one of these locking window handles. This got me out of a fix when my elderly mum lost the key. Was able to match up old lock with product from screw fix for £9. Saved on not calling a tradesman. Great info from Paddy DIY... Top guy
Brilliant 👍 glad it helped
Thank you ever so much. You've helped me so much with this video. I can finally open my window and no longer have to wait for the cowboys to replace it. Thank you again.
Glad it helped!
Thank you so much for this video.
It has saved me so much hassle trying to get someone out to fix my window lock, not to mention the call out charge for a 5 second fix.
You are a very kind man to help others by sharing this easy fix.
Bless you.
Thank you for the comment. Glad it helped you 👍
Still saving lives out here, thanks so much for this
Glad it helped 👍
Thanks a million my friend that has saved a lot of nagging from the wife and as we are locked down together at least something has been unlocked. I was on the right track but the wrong tool. Thanks again. Paul from Warwick
Didn't succeed directly with this method; however, I did succeed in removing a little plastic flap that revealed a screw directly beneath the handle. I removed the flap above the handle and unscrewed the top one, and now with a combination of brute force and patience I'm managing to just about unscrew the one below. In theory the whole mechanism should then lift off. I'm conscious that I may be destroying the screw head (it's at a very awkward angle) so being careful. I need to be able to refit the handle eventually because this is rented accommodation and I'd like my deposit back. Then again, if the landlord doesn't know where the key is and insists on having the heating come on automatically then it's his own bloody fault. I need fresh air - window's not been opened in weeks. Thanks for the video - if nothing else I've learnt a lot more about how window locks work.
Well, that was an exceptionally tedious job. Removing the lock makes it easy to stick a pair of pliers into the mechanism to turn the window open. Not so much difficult, but slow. I've succeeded in opening the window two inches, but then it's got one of those stupid mechanisms that keeps it drawn to, and it looks like it's going to be a mission to remove. Who designs these things? And why would anyone want them in their home? There are better solutions if you've got young children. Oh well, two inches open is better than none. Now I can head off to my new year's eve party and hopefully come back to a nice cool room! Happy new year everyone - have a great 2019!
How can anyone fail at removing the screw cover flap? You say it like there's a trick to it, it's part of the design!
Brilliant fix! Really clear video. Worked for me with a penknife. I'd appreciate your advice on how to solve really stiff lock handles - the same as the ones at the beginning of the video.
Wow! Thank you so much, you are a super hero. After having two windows that no longer unlocked for several months, I followed your instructions and opened them in less than 10 seconds. Fresh air at last!… watching your channel has made my day... 21 degrees and humidity, can’t wait to see my husbands reaction when he comes down. 😀😀🙏🏻🙏🏻thank you.
Thank you!!! I saved some time with this video.
Glad it helped :)
Thanks dude, literally took 10 seconds after years of it being locked
Thank you, you just saved me from having to get someone out to do this. Now I can buy and fit a replacement handle myself. Much appreciated!
This video was very much helpful. Saved me more than 5 times. Calling a carpenter or finesta people would have cost me 2000rs . Thanks alot.
Glad it helped 👍
Great video. just saved me a lot of time and money. legend!
Thanks Gareth, Glad it helped :)
Thanks - could you possibly do another on repairing tape measures?
Ha. I'll put it on the list :)
Awesome request 😂
Buy a new one ffs
@@taylorsherlock1716 Whooosh!
@@PaddysDiy 👍👍👍💪💕💪 thank you
Brilliant! Took me aaaaages to find my tape measure, but once I had, took me a total of about 4 minutes to be able to get the lock open and replace the handle. Thank you, Paddy!
What a absolute legend! My mrs has been going mental at me! I was planning on removing the complete handle! And i just watched this! Used my bank card and it works!!! LOVE IT
Glad it helped 👍
Brilliant, it took me seconds to sort a window that had been stuck for months, thank you!
Thanks man! Literally watched for seconds, then tried in seconds and boom bathroom window is open
Spent three hours tonight trying to open a window in 25 degree heat. Watched this video sent my partner to go get the measuring tape. I tried for about 5 minutes and just as I was about to give up, it worked!!! I cannot believe it. Thankyou so much!
Well done. Glad it helped 👍
Thank you so much for the clear demonstration of how to fix this. My bathroom window lock broke in this way, now I can sort it at just the cost of a new lock. Nice work !
Glad it helped :)
Splendid fellow thanks, the bathroom window was locked shut, you can only imagine the horror ;) sorted ;)
Good stuff :) Glad it helped
Can you tell
Me how to BREAK the lock? My mom wants me to open the window all the time but bugs keep on coming in and I hate it
Never been asked how to break a lock before :) I doubt your mom would thank me very much. It's important to be able to open your windows, wouldn't recommend breaking the lock. If there was a fire or anything you could use your window to escape or to be rescued. A fly screen would be the way to go.
Window and Door Parts Ireland well yeah but my areas A dengea hotspot I'm sure so I'm paranoid, I'll get a fly trap instead. Thanks, you earn a sub
Superglue
Thank you for such wonderfully clear instructions on how to release a broken handle.
Thank you for the demonstration that helps a lot. Your a Star.
My window has been locked slightly open for days and you have just saved me from sleeping under 3 blankets😅! Thank you!
Happy days 👍 glad it helped
My goodness Paddy, you are a genius. Worked first time and saved a lot of bother. THANK YOU!!
Happy days 👍
Hi there, just wanted to thank you because I just fixed my stuck window thanks to your video.
Brilliant instructions - I've opened all my windows now - THANK YOU!
Thank you so much.... my window was locked from last 3 months.. it worked and didn't take more than 2 mins to unlock, well explained... God bless you ☺️
Glad it helped 😀
It worked here. Exactly same window, I was in panic after pushing and pulling for one hour, I followed your video and opened it in 15 seconds with an old credit card. So many thanks
Oh my days, mum came over to stay at mine and her bedroom window decided to lock itself! Saw this vdo, the technique was a bit fiddley took a bit of effort but it worked! I find positioning the metal slightly lower helped! Thank you so much!
Thank you so much, this tips save my life !
OMG just done this using a spatula worked a treat - two windows now open in less than a minute 😀 thank you x
thank you sooo much! I've been trying to open this window ever sense I moved in and this finally opened. can't thank you enough
Brilliant. I was stumped as to how I could overcome my broken handle and your video showed me what to do.
Window problem resolved as I’ve now been able to fit a new replacement handle!
Good to hear 👍
Great, that worked for me too.......you see a load of stuff on youtube about how to fix stuff but often the advice never works out.....this genuinely did....thankyou very much
Thanks for the comment. Glad it helped :)
We bought a house recently & and previous owners did not leave the keys behind to the newly installed double glazing, This worked a treat, took 1 sec and saved loads..... Hats off to you sir :)
Excellent, a no nonsense video that did what it said on the tin! Thanks.
Amazing! I was just about to cut the handle off in frustration! Many thanks for such a simple solution.
OMG...I need to thank you soooo much, few sec ago my second window blocked and I wad dying for fresh air in my room.The other one I didn't open for a year...now both open...THANK YOU SO SO SOOOO MUCH!!!!
Glad it helped 👍
Brilliantly helpful video - thanks very much for taking the time to post this. I didn't have a metal piece like you but used an old cardboard business card not expecting it to work .... but it did.
lifesaver. Ours broke while the window was open and we were just about to go on holiday. Thank you
Glad it helped 👍
Thanks Paddy, the weather was sweltering and no air in the kitchen, saw your trick, hey presto window open, Life Saver 👍👍
Good stuff 👍
Thank you! I finally managed to sort out replacing a broken handle and lock.
Thanks so much for this video. My handle got stuck and I was contemplating sawing through the handle to remove it. No need to as you showed us a much quicker and better way. You're a legend!
Your very welcome. Glad it helped :)
This has saved me a minimum of a €70 rip off call out charge to have my broken handles replaced. Will be able to remove them myself now and replace at just the cost of the handles. So appreciate this!
Glad it saved you money but i wouldn't class paying someone to call out to fix something for you a rip off. Remember they have fuel, van, wages etc to pay
@@PaddysDiy Hi Paddy, he was still going to charge me the price of the handles and labour charge on top of that...whilst doing a job on my neighbour's door right next door to me. €70 just to drive to a house that's not far from the business office is a complete rip off.
Ah right! that's a bit rich so
Brilliant! You solved a problem with my double glazing window handle, thank you so much for this video.
Thank you!
Saved two of our window handles by cutting off the remainder of the cheep'o plastic latch that was holding them shut.
It's astonishing how thin the working parts are on the inside.
Thanks mate! Quick, clear and simple video which sorted the problem. Nice weather outside = boiling in my bedroom. Tried to open window which closed just yesterday and to my surprise it won't work. 5 mins thinking all possibilities , my mind racing that I might need to call someone to fix it - don't want just to rip off the handle. Let's google = 5 mins later thanks to you mate it was sorted. Didn't fixed problem why button does not activate plastic release latch inside handle. Tried to play with it, accidently broke off locking plastic bit inside handle and f it then. Handle works just button is useless now. Happy.
Thanks for the comment 👍 I'm glad it helped. With that piece broken out, the handle will do everything it should do except lock. So up to you if that's important or not. You'll get a replacement handle for less than a tenner in the majority of hardware shops
You're an absolute life saver. Thanks for the great advice Paddy
Glad it helped 👍
Great video. Just used this technique after hours of faffing with paper and card and plastic!! New handles now in situ and fresh air in the room again! Thanks 🙏🏻
Excellent 👍
Used a measuring tape clip on the broken lock and it worked straight away. Thanks so much for this gem of a tip!
Happy days! Glad it helped
A huge thanks to you. My bedroom window handle broke yesterday. Just managed to get it open after watching this. Spent an unbearable night in the heat which made me feel quite ill. Early morning fresh air coming in now.
Good to hear dibleydogy. You'd need all your windows open in this weather. Glad it helped :)
Thanks for the hint, Paddy!
Similar problem here, yesterday. Handle would not turn no matter what I tried! Elsewhere suggested 'brute force' but I used a small rather thin-bladed kitchen knife. Feed in gently between the handle and window frame just beneath the key, you should hear a 'click' and the handle will turn quite easily. The 'latch' made of plastic was broken hence pressing the button in would not actuate.
Knife and window frame are fine!
Brilliant - many thanks - Window was locked open but problem sorted in less than 2 mins - Now it won't rain in!
I know others have commented already, but wow. Your video saved me from a really cold night last night as I had locked it slightly open (we call it on the latch!) during the day when it was warm and allowed a little air to come in from the 1inch gap it left while locked. Your video was short, too the point and easy to find, took only a few mins and I was able to unlock the handle and pull the window fully closed. Literally saved me from frostbitten toes! Thanks mate!
Thanks for the comment 👍 glad it helped
Thank you for the video. You helped me unlock a broken lock! Saved me calling someone out to fix it. I bought a new handle for £8 so you’ve no doubt saved me quite a few quid! 😀
Glad it helped :)
Paddy thank you so so so much. I used a wide hacksaw blade, the fine teeth allowed me some purchase on the awkward square plunger underneath the key section. Some wiggles and patience. I then safely removed the handle and used some switch cleaner and lube to clean up the insides and I tapped down the securing washer for the rod. I did look at other locks in the house to get an idea of what you were suggesting and now I feel like an expert on this, thank you Sir :)
Great stuff Steven well done
Thank you so much, my window had been stuck for quite a few months, could have been years. I would never have thought that the back of a tape measure would be handier than the measure itself. 🙏
Thank you so much for your most helpful instruction. I managed to unlocked my window upvc lock after 2 years. Great help.
No problem at all. Glad it helped :)
This was so helpful, my bathroom window handle broke in the open position. It's Feb and at night, so now I can close my window and the house won't freeze overnight. Thank You!
Excellent 👍
Worked in one go! My windows are already stiff but it was locked and the spring behind it seemed to of gone. Saves me from having to get a new window for now!
You are a fine man sir, thank you!! I used a dining room table knife to do it. At first I thought that it wasn't going to work and suddenly it opened. I must tell anybody trying to do it that you must give it a bit of time. In my case the mechanism was broken inside so I took it all out. I can't lock it from the inside but nobody can get in from the outside! More than happy with it. Many thanks!☺
Good to hear. I'm glad it helped
I don't know how to thank this man.. I don't have enough words to thank him.. But trust me I'm so grateful to you that you uploaded this video. Thanks a ton.. May God fulfill all your wishes.. Thank you soo much..
Brilliant, opened my stuck handle in 20 seconds! Used a box cutter blade as the gap was restricted. Thanks for posting.
thank you so much for this video. We had problems with two locks one just broke and the other a couple of years ago and we had no clue how to get round it till checking your video. You are a star!!!
Really helpful thanks, the last one we forced and broke so it was really good to have a non destructive method. We used a flat laboratory spatula.
TYSM! After a year of broken window handles they now function again
Excellent 👍 glad it helped