Crank Windows Don't Quite Close

[TruCelt]

I have those vertical windows that crank open and shut. (Casement windows?) anway, they are old, and many of them crank to within about a quarter inch of reaching the locking mechanism, then won't crank any further.

The wood isn't sticking; if I go outside and push on them they close easily and then I can lock them. It's just that the crank seems to have slipped it's adjustment.

Is this an easy fix? Anybody know where I can find a diagram or instructions?

The house is rented and the landlord beyond useles, so finding the manual/manufacturer is not an option here.

Thanks for any ideas!

[TruCelt]

And of course, I immediately (after several searches) found a good diagram: http://www.parts-aw.com/Merchant2/graphics/Casement/1361562.jpg still don't see how to re-adjust it though. Any help?

[andyleonard]

If they're old, you may have worn gears in the mechanism and won't be able to get that last little bit from the crank. An adjustment might be possible...but maybe you want a little something like a screw or a loop or a pin to grab and pull the window closed while locking it.

Or you can replace the cranking mechanism.

[wheresmymind]

I've encountered this problem before too, my solution was basically what andyleonard proposed. I used a small eyehook screwed to the window near the latching mechanism, and ran fishing line from the hook through the screen, with a small washer at the end of the line for a handle. When the window was shut I hung the washer on a tack at the top of the window jam, which kept the slack fishing line out of the way. It wasn't perfect but it worked ok.

[Hail Ants]

Finances forced my to move into my dad's last year. My brother's old room has these windows and he had utilized the 'hook & line' method for one that was completely stripped. This however required constantly removing & replacing the screen and I quickly grew sick of that (plus I didn't want my cat to escape). I found at Home Depot a repair kit for this type of mechanism. I think it was less than $15. You have to pry off the wood piece labeled STOP in your picture, remove & replace the crank mechanism, and tap the wooden STOP piece back on (just small finishing nails). I can barely hammer a nail straight and I found it pretty easy.

Home Depot page of parts listing... (http://www.homedepot.com/Tools-Hardware-Hardware-Fasteners-Window-Hardware-Operators/h_d1/N-5yc1vZaq8v/h_d2/Navigation?catalogId=10053&Nu=P_PARENT_ID&langId=-1&storeId=10051&currentPLP=true&omni=c_Operators&searchNav=true#/?c=1&12ky=12ky)