PVC window handle/spindle problem

[Southwell]

Howdy,

Bit of a strange one. A house at the other end of our terrace has had a couple of break-ins recently and it has prompted me to replace all my locks and fits some window alarms.
I have replaced all the ones which wont lock, except one. The spindle is 45 degrees out from all the standard ones, i have never seen this before.
Is there another type of handle i should be looking out for?

Another window is incredibly difficult to close, the handle doesn't want to turn without some pressure and u have to hit it to get the fully located. Is there anything i can do or just live with it until i replace them all?

Cheers

Ian

[T4miy4 Guy]

Dunno if this helps but i got my windows and doors fitted by safe style and every year they phone and ask how my windows and doors are (Nice init ) Twice i`ve had them out to fit new handles, adjust doors etc free of charge too awesome customer service.

So i guess i`m saying are they under any warranty? safe style are 10 years!

Suppose if not the only thing i would do is drill them shut for the time being.

Andy

[Southwell]

I doubt their under warranty, they were in the house when i bought it.
Ive got them all working barr two, one has the wierd spindle/lock problem and the other is stiff. Unfortunately the stiff one is our bedroom, which we use all the time.
I think it's going to be a replacement job eventually.

Cheers

[terry.sc]

I replace them for customers regularly, people expect them to be expensive but as you've found out it's a simple job. You've just got to find a decent hardware specialist, being local to them I use Northwest Hardware. No matter what I've walked in with I have always walked out with a replacement. Another example is www.upvc-hardware.co.uk

The window handles are called espagnolette handles, usually shortened to espag handles and espag locks. If the lock is at 45 degrees to the normal spindle rather than search for a handle for it I would suggest replacing the whole lock mechanism as they usually only cost around £10. Open the window, remove the handle and you can then unscrew the lock mechanism from the edge of the window - you will need to take it out to measure it.

For the stiff one if it is only stiff while trying to lock the window but the mechanism moves freely when the window is open it should just need adjusting. There should be adjusting cams in the window that let you move the lock mechanism in and out on the window. If the lock is stiff all the time then just replace the whole mechanism.

[Southwell]

Thanks Terry. I will find a local supplier for the handle.
The stiff one is like that all the time so i guess i need a new mechanism. Might be tricky as it's all underneath and theres a flat roof below it so replacing that will be fun.

Cheers for your help

[Ross]

Can you get some pictures up of the handle ?,also does the one that is stiff work ok when the window is in the open position ?,if so then it sound like 1 of 2 things, Adjust meant of the lock mech as mentioned above,but that all depends on the mech design on how you do it,or the the opening sash needs adjusting so the keeps line up.

[MatJohnson]

I snapped one a few months back, got a new one from screwfix, they should have the bit you want.