If you notice a loose window handle, you need to take action. Not only can the thread and holes suffer, safety is significantly and permanently restricted by the loose window handle.
Tighten window handle
The first way to fix a loose window handle is to fix the screws. Due to the constant movement of the handle, it is not uncommon for the screws to come loose and therefore have to be tightened at some point. You can especially tell if the entire unit doesn't move, but rather the screws visibly wobble in the thread. With most windows it is not so easy to get to the screws to fix them. However, all you need is a screwdriver to solve the problem. The following instructions will explain how to tighten your window handle:
- Window handle must be in the transverse position
- open window for this
- Cover of the attachment becomes visible
- move this to the left
- Screws are now accessible
- tighten with screwdriver
- don’t overtighten
- This prevents damage to the material
Rarely it is possible that you have a handle that opens up or down. With these, you may also have to open the window first so that the cover is free. It is also sufficient to tighten the screws slightly. If possible, check for damage to the threads or window when tightening the screws. For example, a common sign is wood dust, which in many cases requires the handle to be replaced. In older buildings or windows, the screws are usually visible and are not behind a panel. This means they are immediately accessible and only need to be screwed tight.
Replace handle
It is also possible that you have to replace the entire window handle if the previous one no longer fits properly or the screws no longer hold. This mainly happens due to material fatigue or a break, which makes it almost impossible to operate the handle. A new handle must therefore be installed. This can be done without any problems with the following utensils:
- Screwdriver
- Cleaning cloth
- All-purpose cleaner
- Cutter
- Spray oil (silicone oil or WD40)
Of course you need a new handle that should match the color and style of the window. If you're lucky and it's a newer model window, you might find the same handle again. Only the length of the square should be correct so that you don't have to shorten it beforehand. To do this, measure the square of the previously used handle before ordering a new model.
Instructions
- Loosen the screws as described above
- then pull out the entire handle
- Clean the contact point of the handle panel
- dry thoroughly
- Check the hole for the screws and the square
- free from foreign bodies
- insert new handle
- align this one like the old one
- first push the square in
- Place the other side of the handle on the square
- Check and correct fit
- Insert and tighten screws
- make sure it fits well
- Close shutter
If you have trouble loosening the screws, use the spray oil. This makes it easier to loosen the screws. However, if the panel is stuck, you have to open it with the cutter. Don't hurt yourself.
Tip:
While you're at it, consider replacing existing handles with lockable versions to increase the security of your windows on easily accessible floors. Since the handles are currently affordable and are installed in the same way as normal ones, there is nothing to stop you from purchasing them.
Replacing screws
In some cases it is necessary to completely replace the fastening screws of the window handle because their thread has been worn away by the forces acting on them. To do this, you must first determine the diameter and length in millimeters, for which a caliper is used. It is measured in the following way:
- Remove the screw from the thread
- Length measurement from screw tip to head
- For diameter, screw tip must touch caliper head
- do not measure screw sideways
- leads to measurement errors
In this way, the diameter is automatically measured at the point where the thread has the largest diameter. Get the new screws and replace them.
Tip:
If replacing the screws is unsuccessful, the thread for the window handle itself is most likely damaged. In this case, you will have to recut the thread and use screws with a slightly larger thread diameter so that the handle can be tightened again.
