https//wwwrepairmywindowsanddoorscouk/huntingdon-windowrepair/ - How to Fix a Broken Spindle Without Replacing the Whole Window There are a variety of issues with uPVC or aluminium windows that can be solved quickly without having to replace the whole window Learn more about how The first step is disconnection of the crank arm from the operator mechanism It is done by opening the window until the guide bushing is aligned with a notch in the window track Broken spindle A damaged or broken spindle can be an extremely serious problem that could result in a loss of productivity in your workshop It can take a long time to replace it, meaning you'll lose valuable time There are ways to fix your spindle without having to replace it Find a reputable repair service A professional is able to disassemble the spindle and inspect it to determine the reason of the problem They will also be able to provide you with a detailed report about the work to be completed Be careful when repairing a spindle It is crucial to use an area of work that is clean and make sure you do not damage the spindle while you are working on it To prevent damage or mis-assembly, it is essential to follow each step in the procedure The entire process should be recorded to make certain that the repair was completed correctly To fix a broken spindle, it is necessary to shorten one of the tenons and then drill a hole in both ends of the tenon The hole should be large enough to accommodate dowels that are the same length as shortened one The dowel will help hold the tenon to its place Once the dowel is set, you can join the two ends of the tenon to each other and then attach it to the handrail If you can't find an appropriate replacement spindle, take the broken spindle to a local woodworker or cabinet maker to have them turn the new one for you This will cost more, but you will have a precise replica of the original A simple touch-up using sandpaper and a small amount of stain will make the repair almost invisible You can also purchase an unbranded spindle at a home center They are typically made of pine and can be stained to match your staircase They are typically sold by home centers at around 10, but they might not be in your style In this situation, you'll need to find someone who has a lathe to turn into a replacement for you Screws loose Over time, screws may be loose because of heavy usage and wear This can cause your window handle feel unstable, or even not solid when you open and shut the door Fortunately, fixing a loose window handle is a straightforward DIY job that can be done in a matter of minutes First, you must access the screws inside the handle There are usually plastic caps that cover the screws on the top and the bottom of the handle You can remove them with a screwdriver or your fingernail, but be careful not to scratch the screws After you have accessed the screw and tightened it the screw should be secured Don't over tighten the screw as this could strip it The screw at the bottom is the next This can be found by removing the handle and then looking behind it Once you've found the bottom screw you can tighten the screw in the same way as the top screw But be careful not to tighten too much the bottom screw as it could damage the screw's head If your operator cover is slipping from the sill of your awning window or casement unit, you can fix this problem with wood plugs They are readily found in most hardware stores and are an inexpensive and quick fix for a sagging operator cover When repairing your windows you should always make sure you inspect every single area of your window This will help you identify the problems and ensure that they are properly fixed This will help prevent any future issues and save you money in the end Additionally, executing regular maintenance and scheduling simple procedures is an excellent way to avoid hefty repairs Loose screws are one of the most common causes of a broken window handle These can be caused by normal wear and tear or due to faulty installation This can result in a weak connection between the handle and the frame of the window, which can result in leaks or even breakage of the window The good part is that you can tighten the screws with a standard screwdriver Broken crank If a window crank does not spin or turn when you pull it, it's time to replace it The mechanism that opens and shuts jalousie windows, also known as a "casement operator", may develop problems with time, including stripped "splines" and broken gears Replacing the crank in question is a relatively simple project that requires just some basic tools Remove the screw at the base of the handle and pull it away from the stud on the crank Examine the spline beneath and the teeth in the crank-handle grip You can often fix worn teeth by replacing the handle available at hardware stores and home centers as well as full-service stores, but should the spline be damaged or the gears have been damaged, you'll need to replace the entire machine, advises All About Doors and Windows To remove the crank arm from the window guide track, open the window until the guide bushing on the end of the arm is in line with the track's notch and then move the arm back in you may require locking pliers Remove the casement cover by loosening the trim screws You can make use of a screwdriver or a knife to remove the cover Find rusted trim screws and replace them with fresh ones Finally, attach the crank arm and cover to the window jamb by lining up the new crank using the holes from the old one If the screw holes are stripped and you have an ice cube or two into them as filler and drive the screws The new bushing should slide on the arm into notch on the window track, then place the handle on the crank stud and insert the attachment screw to ensure it is secured Now you can open your windows to take in the cool summer breeze Don't forget to be proud of the work you've done and be aware that you are able to fix everything Broken handle A damaged window handle is an area of concern for security as it can allow burglars access to your home This is the reason it's essential to replace the handle as quickly as you can to ensure your home is secure This is a relatively easy task that most homeowners are able to complete The first step is to take off the old handle This can be done by unscrewing the screws which hold it in place Installing a new handle is easy using the same screws If you aren't confident about your ability to do this, it is recommended to get help from an expert There are many different types of uPVC window, and the handles can be made of a different material from the rest of the windows To correctly identify the handle you have it is important to understand the mechanism that operates The most common kind of uPVC window handle is the "spur" type, which operates a locking mechanism by pushing the handle's nose across a wedge block This type of handle is used mostly on tilt-and turn uPVC Windows, however it is also used on casement Windows The second type of uPVC window handle is known as the "blade" or "spade" type, and it operates similarly to the spur handle Blade handles use rollers to operate the bolts, while the spur uses pegs to engage the lock's lugs This type of window handle comes with a problem in that the spindle may break and not have a grip on the shoot bolts or the roller cam This could result in the handle turning 360 degrees and not opening the window and this can be frustrating and annoying To fix this, you can make use of a small tool to move the shoot bolts although ensure that the window is opened first The tool should be placed between the window frame and the rubber seal, and gently push it towards the handle until you feel it hook the roller cam of the shoot bolt Then take the tool slowly away and you'll be in a position to open the window