Solving Casement or Crank Windows That Wont Close [Guide]

Do you have casement windows or crank windows? If so, you understand that they can provide a lot of freedom and flexibility. They are usually easy to open and close, and they are relatively easy to take care of. Unfortunately, there are also situations where the windows will not open or close as they should.

There are numerous reasons why your casement crank windows will not behave appropriately. Perhaps the window crank has been stripped, maybe there is a problem with the sash, and there could be a problem with the lubricant. All of this can create serious issues that make it difficult for you to operate your casement or crank windows appropriately.

If you are tired of struggling with your crank windows, there are solutions available. We have done a lot of research to figure out exactly what is wrong with your crank windows when they will not open or close. Then, we have put our resources together to help you figure out what is going on with your crank windows as well.

Are you ready to get started and fix your crank windows? If so, then let’s dive in and take a closer look at what might be going on. 

Materials Needed To Fix Your Crank Windows

If you would like to fix your crank windows, there are several materials you need. A few examples of the items you need to fix your crank windows include:

• You need to make sure you have easy access to the crank window itself. If the window is very high up, you may need to have a ladder. 
• You also need to have a lubricant with you that you can use to address the crank system.
• You might need to have a replacement window crank ready if it has been damaged.
• You might need to have a screwdriver, a set of screws, and a hinge if you need to remove part of the window.
• You should have a cleaning solution and a microfiber towel with you in case you need to clean part of the window. 

Once you have gathered all of these materials, it is time to move to the window and figure out what is wrong with it. What do you need to do if you want to fix your crank windows? 

5 Steps To Fix Crank Windows That Will Not Close

It can be frustrating to have crank windows that will not close as they should. Fortunately, there are several easy steps you can follow if you would like to address this problem. The steps include: 

Step 1: Check the Window Lock System

This step might sound obvious, but you don’t want to go through the process of taking apart the windows only to realize that they were locked the entire time. Therefore, take a look at the window lock system first. Make sure the lock system is not engaged. If the lock system is engaged, your window will not be able to open or close.

If you try to open a crank window when the window is locked, it is not going to move. If you try to close the window when the lock is engaged, the window is going to strike the lock system, preventing it from closing entirely. Therefore, make sure you disengage the lock system before you try to move the crank windows. 

If you are having a problem with the lock system, you may want to take a look at the manual to see what you need to do to fix the issue. If you are actually having a problem with the lock system, you may need to replace it to get your crank windows to open properly again. Try to avoid forcing the lock open, as this could lead to further damage. 

Step 2: Apply Lubricant to the Crank System

After you have confirmed that the lock system is unlocked, you need to make sure the entire crank system is clean. Therefore, start by taking your cleaning solution and applying it to the entirety of the crank system. Then, take a microfiber cloth and clean the crank system thoroughly.

After this, try to use the crank system again to see if it will open. If you are still having a hard time getting the crank system to work properly, then you need to take some lubricant and apply it to the crank system. For example, you may want to use some WD-40 to try to get the crank system moving again. Make sure you are generous with your application. This should get the crank system loose enough to start operating.

If this is still not enough to get the crank system moving, it is time to look at other areas of the window system. 

Step 3: Check the Hinge System

After you have applied plenty of lubricant to the crank system and you have confirmed the window was unlocked, you need to press on the window sash. You do not want to press too hard on the window sash, but you do need to be firm with it.

Do not force the sash if it will not budge. If it is not moving, there could be a problem with the hinge system. There should be a set of hinge arms that control the window, allowing it to open or close. It is possible you may need to disassemble the hinge assembly system to get the window to open once again. 

Therefore, take a closer look at the manual to see what type of parts you need to replace the hinge system. You should have these with you so you can disassemble the hinge system and put it back together. Of course, if you have any questions or concerns about this step, you need to reach out to a professional who can help you. That way, you don’t run the risk of damaging the window as you try to replace the hinge system.

Step 4: Make Sure the Threads on the Crank Handle Aren’t Damaged

If the window is still not operating as it should, you need to take a closer look at the crank system. There is usually only one gear on a casement window, and that is the worm gear on the crank handle. If those threads are damaged, the hinge arms won’t operate.

If there is no friction between the lever and the gear system, then this is a good sign that the crank system has been damaged. You should take a look at the manual to figure out what type of crank system you have in place.

If your warranty’s up, you might be able to remove the handle, remove the outer casing, and take a look at the operator assembly. Installing a new part is typically quite straightforward, you’ll just need to do some online detective work to find the part for your exact window model.

Step 5: Replace the Crank

The first thing you need to do is remove the old crank. First, take a close look at it for any signs of damage. If you have worn out or missing splines, broken gears, and a worn-out arm, these are good signs that you have found the problem. After this, you need to release the window. You should open the window and push down on the arm to break it free from the track.

Next, you need to remove the trim and the crank. You should be able to back out the trim screws using a basic screwdriver. Then, remove the casement cover from the window jamb. If the screws appear rusted and bent, you need to replace them as well. 

Finally, you can install the new crank system. You need to line up a new crank system with the old holes. Then, you should use fresh screws to attach the system to the wall. After this, you need to reattach the casement window cover and the crank arm. Finally, test the crank system to make sure it is working properly.

Even though you may not need to replace the entirety of your crank system, this is the ultimate fix. Even though it can be time-consuming, it does not necessarily have to be expensive. If you ever feel uncomfortable going through this process, you should reach out to a professional who can help you. That way, you don’t have to worry about damaging the window during the process.

Fix Your Crank Windows

Crank windows can be convenient, but they may stop working from time to time. If that is the case, you have a few options available to fix the issue. You must take a closer look at the window to see exactly what is wrong with it. Then, you should develop a comprehensive plan to fix the issue.

You should always start by thoroughly cleaning the crank system to see if you can get it working again. Then, you may want to take a closer look at the lock mechanism to make sure you don’t have to replace it. If you go through all of these steps and the crank is still not working properly, then you may need to replace the system.

This is not something you have to go through on your own. Even though you may be able to fix a lot of these issues by yourself, you should always feel welcome to reach out to a professional who can help you. That way, you know the issue will be fixed on the first attempt, and you don’t have to worry about damaging your valuable crank window.