Video – How to Open a Jammed, Stuck, or Seized uPVC Window:

Last modified on October 22nd, 2023

The Window Handle Moves but Window Won’t Open:

(Difficult to Open Example):

I couldn’t open the window, it was stuck, jammed and seized shut. The window handle moved, but the window just won’t open?

When you close the window, the gearbox (which is attached to the handle) pushes shootbolts (espag or espagnolette) and roller cams (mushrooms) out to lock the window in the outermost corners. Parts of the gearbox can break, or the shootbolts can seize preventing the window from opening….

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Ordering uPVC Window Parts (Gearbox, Handles, Shootbolts, etc):

The main thing when ordering parts, is to compare the new part with the original. New parts may get modified as they improve and evolve (you would hope), but some key things should stay the same. For instance, the size and position of fixing holes (the part has to fit in the original position and the fixing holes need to be the same).

So, measure the size of your old parts, the position of fixing holes and the type of connections (how the other window parts may attach to the replacement part).

When ordering gearboxes, you will often see quoted “A 9.5mm, or 11.5mm latch and 20mm, or 22mm backset is available”. The image below gives an example of a 11.5mm latch with a 22mm backset. Therefore take care when measuring these particular sizes.

Ordering Parts – Examples of What You Can Buy:

Window Parts
Item	Location
Gearboxes	UK Prices
	US Prices
	IE Prices
	CA Prices
	AU Prices
Handles	UK Prices
	US Prices
	IE Prices
	CA Prices
	AU Prices
Shootbolts	UK Prices
	US Prices
	IE Prices
	CA Prices
	AU Prices
General spares	UK Prices
	US Prices
	IE Prices
	CA Prices
	AU Prices

Notes:

• You can also get ‘Cranked’ and ‘Straight’ faceplates, where the shoot bolt connections are raised or straight. They can have the code ‘05058’ (Cranked) and ‘05060’ (Straight) written where the shootbolt connects to the gearbox.
• Check the gearbox for markings that may also indicate the sizes, such as ‘095’ for 9.5mm. Take measurements to confirm, in case it just happens to be a random casting serial number, or something similar!

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More Detailed Info:

Can be found on this page: How to Open a Jammed, Stuck, or Seized uPVC Window: (Opens in a new window / tab)

Other Window Videos:

• The Handle Moves but the Window Won’t Open (1 minute Quick Overview):
• The Handle Moves but the Window Won’t Open (Easy to open example):

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