Window locks won't fully lock. Post questions and find answers on glazing, double glazing, upvc glazing, conservatory glazing, fixtures and fittings etc....

[FORTY4545]

Our house has Anglian windows which are approx. 20 years old. All 7 upstairs windows have window locks which don't fully lock.

I did have a window fitter try and sort them out a few years ago, and he adjusted the toe and heel, but couldn't get any to fully lock.

None of the downstairs locks are a problem, which makes me wonder if the Anglian fitter did something wrong, but then they wouldn't have been left like that from new.

Any suggestions as to how to sort these out? I'm happy to try repositioning the glazing if that is still the issue.

[stoneyboy]

Hi forty4545,
If you are saying that the key lock in the handle will not lock then replace the handles. If you are referring to the multi point locking mechanism the first check the windows are square - use a try square in the corner of the window. If they are not you will have to adjust them. Next check the hinges are screwed tight and there is no wear. Finally try adjusting the striker plates.
Regards S

[FORTY4545]

Thanks Stoneyboy

The keylock works fine, it's the handle which won't go fully round to allow the keylock to be used.
That only happens when the window is shut. When open everything moves fully.

[stoneyboy]

Hi forty4545,
If the window is square in the corners you should be able to adjust the striker plates to correct the problem.
Regards S

[FORTY4545]

Thanks, is this a striker plate to adjust in the bottom left of the frame?

[FORTY4545]

And it is odd all the windows upstairs have this problem, but none downstairs do.

[stoneyboy]

Hi forty4545,
Yes the metal angle plate is one of the strikers. You will have to check that the multipoint locking shaft lines up with the hole in the plate. Stick a piece is masking tape on the plate top and bottom plate, grease the ends of the shaft (top and bottom) and try closing the window, you'll then see if the two line up. You may be able to drill the location slot bigger or longer.
The possible reason for upstairs showing this problem is that a different type of hinge may have been used upstairs.
Regards S

[FORTY4545]

I finally got back to this today and took both striker plates out of a window. The handle now moves fully when closing the window.
I may try to drill the openings out more, as I can see where the rods have worn away the edge of it, but as these are all upstairs windows there isn't really a need for the extra security they provide.
Thanks very much for your help.