How to Repair a Faulty Window Crank

Don't put up with a struggle every time you open or close a casement window. Restoring it so it works like new is easy. Procrastinating may result in damage to the mechanism and the added cost of replacement parts.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Household Oil
• Soft Wire Brush
• Paper Towels
• Paper Towels
• Replacement Crank
• White Grease
• Grease And Oil Solvent
• Screwdriver
• Trim Pry Bar
• Paper towels

1. Open the window and, working from outside if necessary, disengage the arm from the track. In some models you must remove the screws that attach the arm to the sash.

2. From inside, remove the mounting screws that secure the hardware to the window.

3. If there are no visible screws, remove the handle by loosening the setscrew that holds it onto the shaft and lift off the snap-on plastic cover to access the screws.

4. If there is no such cover, use a trim pry bar to remove the trim that extends from side to side and is notched around the gearbox (see Tips). There may or may not be nails.

5. Clean the gearbox with a soft wire brush and a solvent such as kerosene.

6. Operate the mechanism to make sure the gears mesh properly and aren't worn. If a replacement is required, contact the window manufacturer. Most windows do not have the manufacturer's name printed on the hardware or window, but if you look carefully at the metal spacer between the panes of an insulated unit, you'll probably find the name there. Or bring the old part to a window or lumber dealer who can identify and order it for you.

7. Working from outside, clean the track on the sash's underside with the same brush and solvent to remove dirt-caked grease.

8. Lubricate the window operator with a little light household oil and reinstall it, reversing the removal procedure in steps 1 through 4. Do the same if you are installing a replacement part.

9. Lubricate the track on the sash's underside with white grease.

10. Reattach the arm to the sash and operate the window crank.

11. Wipe any excess grease off the track with paper towels.

Tips & Warnings

• To remove wood trim, first break any paint sealing the joints using the tip of a utility knife. This will make the piece easier to remove without damage. Work very carefully to avoid cutting into the wood or injuring yourself.
• If you don't want to reinstall the old part until a new one comes in, just push the window closed from outside, and have someone engage the sash lock from inside.
• Use caution if you must lean out a window or work on a ladder to disengage the arm and clean the track.

[scorp555]

on 11/9/2008 Had trouble similar to Junkman1, thus bought a Truth replacement. However, similar to JLAC59, need more specifics on how to remove the sill to access the screws to replace the operator. Only difference is that the the sill is alumimum and cut out in the center to house the operator mechanism. HELP!!!!

[scorp555]

on 11/9/2008 Had trouble similar to Junkman1, thus bought a Truth replacement. However, similar to JLAC59 need more specifics on how to remove the sill to access the screws to replace the operator. Only difference is the the sill is alumimum and cut out in the center for the

[projectmgr]

on 8/13/2008 If you are having problems with a casement or awning window crank, 99% of the time you need a new crank mechanism. Most window cranks are made by Truth Hardware, but you still need to buy them at the lumber yard or window manufacturer. Bring the crank with you to get the exact replacement, as there may be right hand and left hand cranks.

[qwrrty]

on 5/11/2008 I have exactly the same problem as the one that kennie427 reported. Many sources say "it's easy" to repair or replace an Andersen window crank but none seem to recognize this problem. Any wisdom out there?

[qwrrty]

on 5/11/2008 I have exactly the same problem that kennie427 reported. Many sources on the Internet say "it's easy" to replace or repair a bad Anderson window crank, but none seem to acknowledge this problem. Does anyone have any wisdom to share?