The client reported being unable to open or close the window. After following some of the steps below West Mississauga Handyman determined that the dual arm operator mechanism needed to be replaced as there was back-and-forth movement in the operator shaft causing gears to skip which prevented the window from opening/closing.
Here are a few steps to take before replacing the crank mechanism.
1. Check for loose screws. Loose or stripped screws are the easiest to fix, and they’re usually the most common cause of binding, so start there
2. Check the hinges. Saturate each hinge with silicone or dry Teflon spray lube. Wipe up the excess. Then work in the lube by opening and closing the window several times. Next, check the condition of the hinges. It’s much easier to spot wear if the hinge is clean and lubricated. So clean away dirt and grease buildup with household cleaner and then lubricate the hinges. Open and close the window and examine the hinge pivots (top and bottom) as they move. If you see “slop,” replace the hinge.
3. Check the operator mechanism. Remove operator sill trim with a flat prybar. Rotate the crank handle while checking the condition of the gears. Look for rough, chipped or missing teeth. Those are all signs the operator needs to be replaced. However, if the operator looks clean and moves smoothly, just tighten the screws, apply a dab of lithium grease to the gears, and reassemble all the trim. Now your window should be in tip-top shape. A new operator mechanism will typically cost anywhere between $60 – $90 + HST and must be an exact match.