The handle itself is ok but the female part in the frame (square) is cracked. I need to open the window to replace
the part, so how do I open the window. HELP

len, April 2008

Use an Allen key .My windows are BAC using AUBI lock, round protuberance slots into catch, bolt comes out window side into slot when locked. Identify where the "round" part of lock is catching. Insert Allen key just above pushing past weather seal rubber. Turn Allen key through 90 degrees and using pliers pull Allen key towards lock handle while "Wobbling" window at the same time (pull and push lock handle) to relieve any pressure on lock mechanism. Round protuberance and bolt are both on the same piece of metal so moving round protuberance pulls side bolt as well. Have a look at a a working one and then reread. Easier to do than explain

Phil R, September 2014

I used a hook like u said and bingo with a little bit of force managed to unlock both sides thank you very much u saved me ££££s

Keith, September 2012

Dont force it. THE WINDOW MAY BE BOWED DUE TO LACK OF REINFORCING. THE ESPAG (LOCKING MECHANISM ) INSIDE THE OPENING PART MAY HAVE FAILED THEREFORE THE HANDLE WONT BE TURNING THE GEARING. OR MAYBE THE GLASS HAS NOT BEEN PACKED CORRECTLY AND THE WINDOW HAS DROPPED. The window needs to be examined by a profesional.
But dont just phone your nearest double glazing company, for one they may be purely a buy in sell out company who know very little about the manufacturing side of the business, or two they may be manufacturers and dont really want to know about someone elses window. So firstly check your guarentee to see if you are covered by the company that sold the windows to you, phone up and explain what your problem is if you are not covered ask how much they charged for remedials.
If the window does not pose a threat to life in the event of escape dont panic. Phone around gather information from repair specialists and make an informed decision. Do not send any monies to anyone. if the window needs replaced pay the agreed call out charged and get quotes.

Alan Tearney, July 2008

MY PVC window will not opne. The handle turns ( seems a bit loose) the top part seems as if its unlocked as you can push it and there is give. But the bottom doesnt move. Is there an easy was to fix this? with out breaking the window

Steve Cassidy, May 2008

With the handle removed, use a small metal hook to go into the square cracked hole and turn the hook in the same direction the handle used to move to open the window.

The lock inside the window works on a rack and pinion arrangement. The pinion is the square hole where the square bar of the handle fits into. The pinion has teeth which engage into the rack of the lock to move and lock the window. Once these teeth are broken the rack will not be engaged so will not unlock. The metal hook acts as a replacement tooth to pull the rack to the side and unlock the window. Hope this makes sense.

If this doesn't work then try gently to gemy the frame open from the inside with a wide, strong but thin blade (a strong paint scraper maybe)

Once the window is open you could even buy a replacement online, this company seems to have the best selection on the net:
www.upvc-hardware.co.uk

Direct link to window locks:
http://www.upvc-hardware.co.uk/locks-gearing-163/espagnolette-window-locks-186/

CJ, April 2008