I've lost the keys to a window latch It's a top UPVC window. The latch has a handle which is used to open the window and the window can only be opened when the latch is unlocked.

When the handle is in the open position a screw is visible which allows removal of the latch. However in the locked position this screw is covered and therefore not accessible.

Unless there is a way of getting replacement keys, I need to replace the latch, but am unable to remove it as it is in the locked position.

Can anyone give me advice on how to remove it? Will use of an angle grinder or other cutting tool do the job?

Thanks.

UnlockMyWindow, August 2008

Use small pipe and force the handle to open position only 2 seconde
I hope this work for you because it's worked for me
Thanks Shaun

Abdenour, January 2015

You could have just ordered a new key online surely ?

http://www.replacementkeys.co.uk/window

Jim, March 2011

Hi I know this is an old post but I found it yesterday when I lost the key to my upvc window and struggled to find an answer online.
I changed the handle/lock on my window yesterday and here's how I did it.
Go to a hardware shop (I got mine from Wilkinsons for £7) and buy a universal upvc window handle. Take a chunky screw driver and a hammer and belt the driver into the lock and pull on it until it basically snaps off (it's worryingly easy).
The universal handle will have a very long spindle which you will need to cut with a hack saw to the same length as the one you've just removed.
Then simply undo the two screws to take off the remains of your old handle and screw the new handle into place.
The whole job will take no more than 15 mins and most of that is cutting the spindle with the hacksaw which will take two people (one to hold and one to cut, my 16 year old daughter helped me so it doesn't need to be two big men).
Basically any able bodied person can do this job it's very very easy.

Davie, September 2010

Thanks for the advice Shaun.

UnlockMyWindow, August 2008

just force the handle to open then replace with new,you wont damage lock,use a short length of pipe if you cant do it by hand,put pipe over handle then lift and will break handle to the open position.hope this helps

shaun www.sdwupvcrepair.co.uk, August 2008