How to Replace a Casement Window Crank

After years of use, the gears in your casement window crank can become stripped and stop working. It's much cheaper to repair the crank than replace the window, and it's not that hard for a do-it-yourselfers. You can tell the gears are stripped because the crank handle will just spin and nothing will happen or you won't be able to crank the window all the way closed.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pliers
• Screwdriver
• New screws
• New casement window crank

1. Open the window all the way. If your casement window crank just spins, use pliers to turn the knob while pushing the window to get it open.

2. Find the notch in the guide track (the guide track is the metal piece with the long, narrow hole or "guide"). The metal arm coming from the casement window crank will be lined up with the notch if you have the window open all the way. Push down on that metal arm (called the bushing) to disconnect it from the guide track.

3. Push the window open more to get it out of the way of the bushing. Take off the casement cover (the part on the window jamb) by removing its screws. You'll be able to see the inner crank mechanism now.

4. Remove the screws holding the crank in and take out the crank itself. Take the pieces to a hardware or home improvement store and purchase a replacement. If any of the screws are bent, rusted or corroded, buy new screws, too.

5. Install new screws, if necessary. Put the new casement window crank in place, lining it up with the existing holes, and screw it into place.

6. Screw in the casement cover and reattach the bushing to the guide track. Finally, test the new mechanism.

Tips & Warnings

• If the threads inside the crank handle are stripped, you can replace the handle for around $20. If your existing screw holes are stripped, insert toothpicks in them before you screw in your new casement window crank.