How to open a locked or broken window handle

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Paddy's DIY - How to open a locked or broken window handle
Another great instructional video brought to you by Paddy's DIY

In this video i'm going to show you my method for opening a locked or broken window handle. This is a great method, but it will not work on every type of window handle. Saying that, this is the first method i try if i encounter a locked or broken window handle.

Locking window handles are fitted to the vast majority of windows manufactured in Ireland and the UK. The operation of a locking window handle is simple. Push the button lock with your thumb to release the lock and turn the handle lever to open the window. When the handle is returned to the closed position, the window handle locks automatically. Sometimes the push button lock of the window handle can break stopping it from being released. Imitating the symptoms of a broken window espag lock.

How can I tell the difference between a broken window handle / locked window handle or a broken window espag lock.

It is easy to tell the difference, here is a quick guide:

A broken window handle lock: The button lock will push in, but will not release
A locked window handle: The button will not push in and will not release
A broken window espag lock: The window handle lock releases and the handle will turn, but the window will not open.

You will need a piece of strong flat metal. The belt clip from a measuring tape is perfect for this. I use the belt clip in the video to bypass the window handle lock on the first two window handles. The gap between the window handle lever and the base of the last window handle is bigger, so the blade on my pen knife is narrow enough to bypass the lock. You won't have to use a lot of force to release the lock.


Please like and subscribe. Post a comment and please consider buying me a cup of coffee or a beer by donating with the super thanks button :) Thank you!

[PaddysDiy]

Hey lovely people! Why not buy me a cup of coffee or a beer to say thanks. Click on the THANKS button above 👍☕🍺

[willsolaceslayys]

You've proven the whole point of the Internet with your simple and MASSIVELY helpful video!

[BigDog]

OMG. Had two windows in my mum's old cottage locked for 30 years with no key. Watched this... used metal spatula and, hey presto, both windows now open. I'm so grateful for you posting this.

[alysonwainwright]

It took me ages but u just saved my life lol tysm was literally dying over here in 26 degrees cooking like chicken in a room whose window hadn’t been open for about a year

[loxydoe]

Amazing! We moved into our house in winter and didn't realise until the spring that they'd left us no window keys! Some had been left unlocked but the bedroom window wasn't so this has given us a breath of fresh air!

[kelly]

Thank you! You have just saved a single Mum a lot of money! Got the window opened in less than 10 seconds and my son is no longer roasting. Bless you ♥️

[katemolloy]

I never bother to leave comments, but this seriously solved my problem in 30 seconds. Thanks a million from a new build in Co. Westmeath!

[chrisbardell]

Thanks for this video. The belt-clip trick just helped me free up a stuck window handle. Once I could open it up, I found the cause: broken bit of plastic inside meaning the button wasn't actually pushing anything. All sorted now, and very grateful for your time in filming & uploading the vid. All the best.

[groggersk]

Worked like a charm! I've two broken lock mechanisms that landlord doesn't want to fork out the money for. One was the bathroom window - opens and closes now and such an easy solution. Thank you!!

[liammcel]

My Son's window was locked with the handle pointing down so I couldn't access the bottom machine screw. The belt clip tip sorted that and a £7.00 replacement handle from B&Q was fitted.
Thanks a lot mate, you're a star.

[AA-jked]

People like you make this world a better place. And your a life saver too. Kitchen window was shut handle wudn't move but wasn't locked, last bit of your video knife trick worked.

[abulfoiz]

I was ready to break the handle after watching some rubbish double glazing repair videos. I thought I'd try again without the word double glazing in the search and found your video. You saved me a lot of hassle and money. Thank you sir!

[SoloMacintyre]

Fantastic tip. Managed to "fix" the window without having to pay someone. Thank you!

[sbtoscana]

Thank you!! My window was jammed locked with a gap for months, it was getting a bit cold!

[Be_u_beautyy]

uuuu had my living room window stuck for months and then the bedroom door got stuck too... didn’t wanna call somebody to to it... then I came across ur video.... I feel like a I fixed it. Thank u xxx

[rebeccahammond]

Absolute ledge! This has been frustrating me for months and you’ve helped me to solve it in minutes. Thank You!

[hanmds]

Tried it a minute ago and it worked! I closed the window on airlock and it was stuck, not anymore! Thank you!

[dogheads]

This is amazing. You’re a legend! Thanks for posting this. Straight to the point and no waffle. I’m no longer trapped in my flat 😃

[johnkelly]

Thank you! I had a locked handle forover 3 years driving me mad. watched this and first flat metal thing i found was a pointing trowel, popped that in the back, turned handle and it opened straight away !. thank you!!

[robpk]

Thank you, I was just about to snap the handle off in frustration then decided to watch your video, worked a treat.