If your double glazing window handle or lock has suddenly decided to stop playing ball, don’t panic — you’re definitely not alone. Whether it’s stuck shut, spinning freely, or just refuses to lock properly, there’s often a straightforward fix. In this blog, we’ll walk you through what could be going wrong, what you can try yourself, and when it’s time to call in the pros.
There are a few common reasons why your double glazing window might be acting up:
General wear and tear – Over time, parts can loosen or wear out, especially if the window is used often.
Seized or stiff mechanisms – Dirt, grime, or lack of lubrication can cause the lock to seize.
Misalignment – The window may have dropped slightly on its hinges, meaning the locking mechanism no longer lines up.
Broken components – Handles, espag rods (the metal strip behind the handle), or locks can sometimes snap or fail altogether.
If the handle feels loose or jiggles when you use it:
Look for a small plastic cover or cap at the base of the handle.
Pry it open gently with a flat-head screwdriver.
Underneath, you’ll find a couple of screws. Tighten these using a Phillips screwdriver.
Snap the plastic cap back into place.
Simple as that!
Sometimes, stiffness is just down to gunk or lack of use. A little lubricant can go a long way:
Use a silicone spray or light lubricant (WD-40 is okay, but use sparingly).
Spray into the moving parts of the handle and lock.
Open and close the window a few times to work it in.
Avoid using too much oil, especially anything thick or greasy — it can attract more dirt and make things worse in the long run.
If the handle is broken or spinning freely, you may need to replace it:
Remove the old handle by opening the cover plate and unscrewing the screws.
Take the old handle with you to a local hardware shop or order a matching one online.
Line up the new handle and screw it into place — it’s usually a straightforward swap.
Top tip: Take note of whether your handle is left or right handed — they’re not always interchangeable!
If the handle won’t fully turn or the window won’t lock shut, the locking points might not be lining up:
Open the window and inspect the locking mechanism.
Check that the keeps (the bits on the frame that the locking rods slot into) are not loose or misaligned.
Tighten any loose screws and see if you can gently adjust the position of the keep.
Close and test the window again.
Sometimes, a slight adjustment is all it needs.
DIY fixes are great, but there are some situations where it’s best to leave it to the experts. Call in a glazing repair professional if:
The lock is completely jammed and you can’t open or close the window.
You hear crunching or grinding when turning the handle.
The window won’t seal shut and you’re losing heat or security.
You’re unsure what the problem is and don’t want to cause further damage.
If your window won’t behave and you don’t fancy tackling it yourself — no worries. RPS Glazing Repairs are your local experts for double glazing handle and lock repairs. We work with homeowners and commercial buildings across Dorset, Poole, Bournemouth, and Ferndown, and we offer emergency and same-day callouts too.
Whether it’s a quick fix or a full mechanism replacement, we’ve got the tools and know-how to get it sorted. No stress, no waiting around, just honest local service.
Contact RPS Glazing Repairs today and get your windows working like new again.