Handiman?Handiwoman? Please help me open these 1960's era windows.
February 5, 2009 9:44 AM Subscribe
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!
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!
Response by poster: 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
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
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
Best answer: 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
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
Response by poster: 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
Fresh air!
posted by pomegranate at 11:25 AM on February 5, 2009
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by mosk at 9:54 AM on February 5, 2009