Video – The Handle Moves but the Window Won’t Open (1 minute Overview):

How to open and fix windows that are stuck (1 minute Quick Overview)…

uPVC windows can be a real pain if you can’t get them open. The window handle gearbox can break (which is often the case). Or, the shoot bolt (espag or espagnolette) and roller cams (mushrooms) jam or seize. When the gearbox breaks, it doesn’t allow the shoot bolts and the roller cams to return to the open position, and the window won’t open.

How on earth do you open the window, I just can’t get access to the mechanism?

The video above explains how to get the window open and what you can do to solve the issue…


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 United Kingdom  UK Prices
United States  US Prices
Ireland  IE Prices
Canada  CA Prices
Australia  AU Prices
Handles United Kingdom  UK Prices
United States  US Prices
Ireland  IE Prices
Canada  CA Prices
Australia  AU Prices
Shootbolts United Kingdom  UK Prices
United States  US Prices
Ireland  IE Prices
Canada  CA Prices
Australia  AU Prices
General spares United Kingdom  UK Prices
United States  US Prices
Ireland  IE Prices
Canada  CA Prices
Australia  AU Prices
Disclosure: The links in this table are “affiliate links” This means we may garner a small commission (at no cost to you), if you choose to make a purchase.
Thank you for your support.

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!
Ordering uPVC Window Parts (Gearbox & Shootbolt) - A 11.5mm Latch & a 22mm Backset
Ordering uPVC Window Parts (Gearbox) – As an example: A 11.5mm Latch & a 22mm Backset

uPVC Window Handle Moves but Window Won’t Open?

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:

Similar Articles: