What do you use to open Velux or other roof windows?

July 10, 2005 4:15 PM

What do you use to open Velux or other roof windows? So we have 3 velux type roof windows in our new house - all of which are out of arms reach, including one which is over the stairs so we can't easily use a ladder to reach it either. Any suggestions for what to use to open them apart from the official velux opening rod which is 25 quid. We tried a walking stick which is fine for a bit until the head broke off!! Anyway I look forward to your ingenious answers.
posted by empedia to Home & Garden (5 answers total)

Get a long pole (maybe from a broom), cut off the top of a coat hanger, go crazy with the duct tape, and you have yourself a Velux opening rod.
posted by pwally at 5:34 PM on July 10, 2005

Is this the thing you want to avoid buying? The aluminum poles sold as long handles for paint rollers are pretty cheap, and strong, too. You ought to be able to cut a piece of pvc pipe to simulate that cylinder section, and screw it to the pole.
posted by Kirth Gerson at 5:37 PM on July 10, 2005

PVC pipe won't cut it. I have to give mine a huge yank to open them. I doubt a coat hanger top will cope either

You'll need steel section for the hook and if you can weld steel to aluminum then your a better man than me.

Whatever solution you come up with, i'd recommend lining the hook with felt to minimize marks to the crossbar
posted by handybitesize at 1:03 AM on July 11, 2005

Perhaps galvanized iron water pipe fittings? I'm thinking if you cut a wide slot along the top of a T piece, then screwed an elbow into the stem of the T, you could screw a suitably tapered broomstick end into the elbow (or, indeed, a great hunk of steel pipe if you feel like weightlifting).
posted by flabdablet at 7:34 AM on July 11, 2005

I had one of these windows in a house I bought. Previous owners left behind what looked like the "official" opening device. Pretty much like what people are describing, but the secret was an offset handle so that you could, hold the pole stationary with your left hand and then crank in a circular motion with your right.

See #2
posted by jbradley at 8:32 AM on July 11, 2005