Crank window stuck open

March 12, 2021 8:47 PM

Toronto condo crank window is stuck open. Two questions, which way should crank turn to close and any tips to get it to close before I have to call for help.

So I moved into a new place and it's my first time with crank windows. I've opened and closed the window a few times. Today now that it's a bit warmer, I opened and left it open all day. It's cooler now and I tried to close it and it's stuck open. I didn't want to try too hard as I was worried I'd break it. One silly question, I'm also not confident which way to crank it closed (clockwise or counterclockwise).

Any potential solutions before I have to call someone?

Bonus question - in a condo (Toronto) who is typically responsible for this kind of repair, condo board or owner (I'm a renter).

Video of me trying to close window

Any advice appreciated!

posted by devonia to Home & Garden (8 answers total)

Best answer: Does that screen come out so you can give the window a bit of a pull as you crank it?
posted by fritley at 9:11 PM on March 12, 2021 [6 favorites]

Crank open a different window, slightly, to test the direction?
posted by Iris Gambol at 9:18 PM on March 12, 2021 [1 favorite]

Have you tried gently wiggling the window with your other hand while trying to crank? Sometimes that helps get them started.
posted by Carbolic at 9:58 PM on March 12, 2021 [1 favorite]

Best answer: I have a couple casement windows that were easy to open but really difficult to close, as in both hands needed to crank it shut. Finally I took out the screens and using sewing machine oil, I just squirted it on all the outside metal parts and it worked like a charm. I would gently _encourage_ it to shut while cranking, oil it, and open and shut it a few times.
posted by TWinbrook8 at 10:55 PM on March 12, 2021 [1 favorite]

Best answer: Pull window from ubderneath towards you with one hand while you crank counterclockwise with the other hand.
posted by AugustWest at 11:26 PM on March 12, 2021 [1 favorite]

An ancient NYT column on the topic, including disassembly of the mechanism.
posted by fairmettle at 3:32 AM on March 13, 2021

Response by poster: Update. Window is closed! What advice I took (for others). I took the screen off, I put WD40 on the hinge parts, and then I cranked extra hard counterclockwise and tugged a tiny bit (not a lot) with my left hand.

Thanks all, this was one of those "I really don't want to have to call someone moments!" Also this is my only condo window that opens, so it was a bit of a concern.
posted by devonia at 7:13 AM on March 13, 2021

If you do want to use the window regularly, you might want to use a household machine oil (like 3-in-1 oil) instead of WD40 on the moving joints, as the lubrication should last longer.
posted by Aleyn at 3:17 PM on March 13, 2021