Handiman?Handiwoman? Please help me open these 1960's era windows.

February 5, 2009 9:44 AM

How do I open these aluminum windows from the 60's? The lock has a top-of-window sash component, then a metal ribbon-looking thing, and a screw in the top of the bottom sash.

It's a beautiful day here in Houston and I really want to open the windows but I also want to be able to lock the windows again later.
I know my way around some WD-40 and a flat-head screwdriver but I thought I better come here to learn how the locks are supposed to work before I end up accidentally removing them completely.

Thanks for your help!

posted by pomegranate to home & garden (5 comments total)

That metal ribbon in the second picture looks like it could be pushed towards the frame, which would allow the window panel to slide up.
posted by mosk at 9:54 AM on February 5, 2009

The metal ribbon is actually attached to the connector/screw device on the bottom window and doesn't push toward the frame. As I unscrew it, the device lifts up, higher end closest to the window frame.
posted by pomegranate at 10:09 AM on February 5, 2009

>The metal ribbon is actually attached to the connector/screw device on the bottom window and doesn't push toward the frame. As I unscrew it, the device lifts up, higher end closest to the window frame.

Any chance you could post a picture of that? Sorry, I'm usually pretty good with stuff like this, but I too am having a hard time figuring out how this is supposed to work.
posted by mosk at 10:52 AM on February 5, 2009

Neither of those pictures look like latching components; the first one appears to just be a stop for the sash and the second a removable guide. What does the bottom edge of the frame look like?

As an aside, WD40 might help you get something unstuck, but it doesn't contain a lubricating agent and will gum things up worse after it dries. If your intent is to make things slide easier, some silicon spray might be a better idea.
posted by bizwank at 11:17 AM on February 5, 2009

Yay! Hurray! Bizwank your hint really helped. The bottom edge of the bottom frame had two pieces I thought were decorative. Instead, after some unsticking, they actually pull in towards the center of the frame to unlock.

Fresh air!
posted by pomegranate at 11:25 AM on February 5, 2009