Window Lock & Mechanism Repair · Sale & Greater Manchester
uPVC window lock and mechanism repair across Sale, Altrincham, Trafford and Greater Manchester. Espagnolette, gearbox, friction stay and handle replacement.
In most cases, the mechanism — not the window — needs replacing. The frame and glass stay exactly as they are.
Fault diagnosis
Most window mechanism problems across Sale and Greater Manchester fall into one of six categories. Find your symptom — it tells you what has likely failed before you call.
The handle moves but locking points don't extend into the frame. The central gearbox inside the espagnolette strip has failed — it can no longer translate handle movement into locking action, even though the handle and cylinder feel normal.
The window resists opening, scrapes the frame, or requires significant force. The friction stays — scissor-arm hinges on the opening edge — are worn, bent, or seizing under load. Continued forcing accelerates damage to the frame and stay arms.
The handle has no resistance when turned, wobbles in the rose, or has broken away. The spindle — the square bar connecting the handle to the gearbox — has worn, stripped, or fractured. Once the spindle fails the handle turns with no effect.
The window opens but won't hold position at any angle, swinging back under its own weight or in a breeze. The internal friction mechanism inside the stay arm has lost its resistance and can no longer hold the sash against gravity.
The window appears closed but cold air enters around the frame. The espagnolette locking cams are not pulling the sash tightly into the frame keeps — either from worn keeps, misaligned cams, or a partial mechanism failure. A draught is also a security gap.
The key is difficult to insert, won't turn smoothly, or the cylinder has seized. This can be a worn cylinder — but it is also caused by locking point misalignment putting rotational stress on the barrel. Replacing the cylinder alone often doesn't solve it.
If the handle moves freely but the window won't lock — that is almost always a gearbox or espagnolette fault, not a cylinder fault. The gearbox is the component that converts handle movement into locking action. When it fails, the cylinder and key are completely unaffected. A cylinder replacement will not fix it. We identify the fault type over the phone before attending — so you know exactly what you're booking.
Window types
Different window types use different hardware. We carry parts for all three and assess the full mechanism — not just the visible handle or lock.
Side-hinged · Most common type
The most common uPVC window type across Sale and Greater Manchester. Opens on a side hinge and uses an espagnolette locking strip — a metal strip running the full height of the closing edge. When the handle turns, a central gearbox simultaneously extends multiple locking cams into the frame. When the gearbox fails, the handle moves but nothing engages.
We carry espagnolette strips and gearboxes for all major manufacturers including Hoppe, ERA, GU, Roto and Siegenia. Most casement jobs completed same day.
Two-mode · Most complex type
The most mechanically complex uPVC window type. One handle position tilts the sash from the top for ventilation; the other turns it fully open from the side. Each mode uses separate hardware — tilt restrictors, turn hinges, and a dedicated multi-mode locking mechanism. When the mode fails, the window often jams in an intermediate position.
Most generalist locksmiths avoid tilt-and-turn faults. We assess the full mechanism — the jam is frequently in a hidden component, not the visible handle.
Top-hinged · Friction stay–dependent
Top-hinged windows open from the bottom and rely entirely on friction stays to hold the sash at a chosen angle. When the friction stay wears out, the window either resists opening, drops open and won't hold position, or swings shut on its own.
Friction stays are the single most frequently replaced component on any uPVC window. We carry stays for all standard sizes and profiles — including Cotswold, Securistyle, Avantis and Trojan — and can usually match the original on the same visit.
Sale, Greater Manchester
Espagnolette gearbox replacement · Sale, M33Most people assume a window that won't lock needs replacing. In ten years of doing this work, I can count on one hand the times that was actually true. It's almost always the gearbox — and it's a 45-minute job.
Vitaly
Window & Door Mechanism Specialist
VS LOCKSMITH LTD · Sale, Greater Manchester
Hardware explained
The terminology used for window hardware isn't always obvious. Here's what each component does and how to identify when it has failed.
The long metal strip running the full height or width of the closing edge. A central gearbox drives locking cams along the strip into the frame when the handle turns. The whole strip or just the gearbox can be replaced — no need to touch the frame or glass.
The central drive unit inside the espagnolette strip. When it fails, the handle moves freely but nothing locks — the cylinder and key remain unaffected. Often replaceable on its own without removing the entire espagnolette strip, saving time and cost.
The scissor-arm hinge that holds the window open at any chosen angle. Uses controlled internal resistance against wind and gravity. The most commonly replaced component on casement and top-hung windows — wears out through normal use over time. Finite service life, not a defect.
The handle is the external lever that engages or releases the locking mechanism. The spindle is the square bar passing through the frame that connects the handle to the gearbox. When the spindle strips or snaps, the handle turns freely with no effect on the locking system.
The frame-side receivers that espagnolette cams press into when the window locks. Worn or shifted keeps prevent the sash being pulled tightly into the frame — causing draughts and rattles even when the mechanism itself is functioning correctly. Can be adjusted or replaced without removing the mechanism.
Parts & scope
The brand stamped on the gearbox or espagnolette determines which replacement part is needed. We stock and fit parts from all major window hardware manufacturers.
Most mechanisms replaced same day from van stock. For less common or older mechanisms, we confirm parts availability before attending — you are never left with a window in pieces.
Repair vs replace
In almost every case, the mechanism is the only thing that has failed. The window frame, glass, and seals are completely unaffected.
A broken gearbox, a worn friction stay, or a failed espagnolette strip are all separate, replaceable components. We remove the failed part, fit a matching replacement, and test the window — without touching the frame or glass. The repair is typically complete in under an hour.
A new window is only necessary when the frame or profile itself is structurally damaged — which is rare, and always confirmed before any work is recommended.
Exact price confirmed before work starts. No call-out fee. No fix, no fee.
All prices include VAT.
Common questions
Questions we're asked most often. If yours isn't here, call or WhatsApp — we can usually identify the fault type before attending.
An espagnolette is the multi-point locking strip that runs the full height or width of a uPVC window's closing edge. When the handle turns, a central gearbox inside the strip extends multiple locking cams into the frame simultaneously. When any part fails, usually the gearbox, the handle can still move but the window won't lock. The strip or just the gearbox can be replaced without touching the frame or glass.
The fault is almost certainly in the gearbox or espagnolette mechanism, not the cylinder. The gearbox is the drive unit that converts handle rotation into locking action. When it fails, the handle and cylinder continue operating normally while the locking points stay retracted. A cylinder replacement will not fix this.
A friction stay is the scissor-arm hinge that holds a casement or top-hung window open at a fixed angle. It uses controlled internal resistance to hold the sash in position against wind and gravity. Over time this resistance wears out, causing the window to resist opening, drop freely, or refuse to hold at any angle.
Yes, in almost all cases. The espagnolette, gearbox, friction stays, handles and spindles are separate, replaceable components. We remove the failed part, fit a matching replacement and test the window. We do not replace glazing units or window frames unless separate damage is confirmed.
Typical routes include handle and spindle replacement from £45, friction stay replacement from £65 per window, gearbox or espagnolette replacement from £75, and tilt-and-turn mechanism repair from £95. The exact price is confirmed before work starts and parts availability may affect the route.
Common brands include Hoppe, ERA, GU, Roto, Siegenia, Mila, Avantis, Winkhaus, Securistyle, Cotswold and Trojan. Older or unusual mechanisms may need parts availability checked before a repair is booked.
Most window mechanism repairs take between 30 minutes and one hour from arrival. Gearbox replacement, friction stay swap and handle changes typically fall within this range. Tilt-and-turn faults may take longer if multiple components need replacing or the hardware requires careful sequential disassembly.
No. A window that closes but won't lock is a security risk even if it appears fully shut from outside. Locking cams that do not engage the frame keeps leave the sash vulnerable to external pressure. Ground-floor and accessible windows should be treated as urgent.
Not as part of this page unless separately confirmed. This service focuses on window locks, handles, espagnolette mechanisms, gearboxes, friction stays and related hardware rather than glazing or full frame replacement.
"The friction stay on our top-hung kitchen window had been broken for months. Vitaly identified the exact part from a photo, arrived same day and replaced it in 20 minutes. Brilliant."
"Our bedroom window handle turned freely but the window wouldn't lock — I assumed it needed a new window. Turned out to be a £75 gearbox. Fixed same afternoon, no call-out charge."
"Tilt-and-turn window stuck halfway — another company said they couldn't touch it. Vitaly fixed it in under an hour. Explained exactly what had failed and why. Highly recommend."
All work carried out by Vitaly — VS LOCKSMITH LTD, Sale, Greater Manchester
Same-day assessment across Sale, Altrincham, Trafford and Timperley. Price agreed before we start — no call-out fee.
Every day 08:30–18:30 Vitaly · VS LOCKSMITH LTD · Sale, M33