Replacing a broken window crank is a tale as old as time.
Although crank windows have been used in the window industry for a long time now, cranks are mechanically flawed, particularly because they tend to fail much sooner than expected, forcing homeowners to spend time and money on fixing or replacing them. Sometimes, an old window crank may cause further issues with your window, affecting its functionality and integrity.
Therefore, if you need to learn how to fix window crank, we’re here to help! In this article, we’ll share some tips that will help you understand why the crank is not working properly, how to solve the issue, and how to replace the crank mechanism altogether, so read on!
Key Takeaways
- A crank often fails because its mechanism malfunctions or is worn out, it is filled with debris and has not been lubricated regularly, some of its screws are loose, or there’s rust build-up. Sometimes you may not be able to operate the crank properly because the window frame is warped or cracked.
- Before trying to repair or replace the mechanism, make sure to clean it thoroughly, remove any rust stains, and lubricate it properly. Oftentimes, this solves the problem.
- If it doesn’t work, you can check if any screws are loose or if the gears are misaligned. If nothing works, you’ll have to replace the entire mechanism.
- If you’re tired of crank windows, you can install Magic’s revolutionary crankless windows that will last 40 years without any repairs!
What Is a Window Crank?
A window crank is basically the handle installed at the top of a casement window. However, the mechanism does not consist only of the handle – it also has a cover and a window operator (the hardware attached to the sash that opens it when you turn the handle). Therefore, cranks play a crucial role in operating casement windows. This system also allows control over ventilation while ensuring security.
However, like any mechanical part, window cranks can suffer from wear and tear over time. Common issues such as stripped or broken hardware pieces, loose screws, and broken gears can cause the crank to malfunction. Therefore, it’s crucial to understand why your crank is not operating at its best before trying to fix it.
Common Issues with Window Cranks
One of the most frustrating problems with window cranks is when the crank handle spins without moving the window. This often indicates a stripped window crank mechanism.
Or maybe the window crank handle does open the window, but you find it extremely difficult to turn it? This may be caused by worn-out hardware, rust build-up, or a binding mechanism. There may also be dirt and debris on the mechanism, which prevents you from opening the window easily.
Additionally, sometimes the handle snaps off completely, and the entire crank system becomes useless, in which case you’ll have to replace it altogether.
Last but not least, the problem may not come from the crank system. Instead, the window frame and sash may be warped or cracked, which makes it difficult to open or close the window.
First, let’s check and clean the crank system thoroughly – maybe you won’t have to repair it after all!
Checking the Crank Mechanism
Here are the steps you should follow to check and clean your window’s crank system:
- Detach the crank handle – you may have to use a screwdriver if you have a set screw handle, or you can simply remove it if it’s a snap-on handle. If it’s a set screw handle, make sure you don’t lose any screws.
- Examine any components and check for dirt, debris, or rust.
- Clean the crank system thoroughly using a small brush.
- Wipe the mechanism with a damp cloth, using a mix of soap and water for stubborn spots. Wipe it down carefully, removing any excess water to avoid rust build-up. If you notice any rusty spots, you can remove them with vinegar or lemon juice.
- Lubricate all the moving parts with a silicone-based lubricant. Don’t use oil-based lubricants – they attract more dirt and will make things worse.
- Once you’re finished with the mechanism, inspect the window frame and the sash. Check if it’s warped or cracked. Additionally, make sure the sash does not show signs of sagging. This is a downward movement of the lower sash corner at the lock side. This is very common in crank windows and may be the reason why you can’t close your window properly. If you notice any damage to the frame or sash, you will likely have to replace your window.
- If you didn’t notice anything wrong with the frame or the sash, reattach the crank handle.
- Test the crank system by opening and closing your window.
If the crank works fine, perfect! You now know exactly what to do to avoid any issues in the future! Just clean and lubricate it regularly, and your window will operate smoothly!
If the crank still doesn’t work properly, keep reading!
Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing a Window Crank
If you couldn’t solve the problem by just cleaning and lubricating the crank system, chances are there’s something wrong with the screws, certain mechanism parts, or the entire system. There are two more things you can try before completely replacing your window crank. Remove the crank handle and its cover again and check:
- If there are any loose screws. Tighten them gently with a suitable screwdriver. Avoid over-tightening them, as it can further damage the crank system.
- If the gears are misaligned. Adjust them by hand or with pliers, depending on what mechanism you have. If you’re unsure how to do this, it’s best to replace the crank to avoid further damage.
Installing a New Window Crank
If your crank is still not working properly, it’s best to replace the entire mechanism.
First, you’ll have to find a suitable replacement crank because you can’t use just any product on the market. Check your existing crank for any mark-ups or identification numbers and find one that matches those. If you can’t find anything that will help you, take the entire crank system to a specialty store and ask for professional advice.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to replace an entire mechanism with a dual-arm operator:
- Open the window outward and push out one of the arms that slides along the bottom of the sash.
- Remove the retaining clip that keeps the operator attached to the window sash. You can do this by loosening the screws of the hinge that holds the operator in place. Don’t forget to check if the window hinges are intact and can be reinstalled or if you need to buy new ones.
- Remove the broken crank handle and the cover if there is one.
- Remove the mounting screws that attach the crank system to the frame. If the screws are covered by the frame or trim, you need to remove it gently with a pry bar to access the screws.
- Remove the entire mechanism from within the frame, as well as the clip that attaches the operator to the hinge. Use that clip to attach the new operator mechanism to the hinge.
- Slide that new crank system through the window frame opening and push one of the arms onto the sliding track.
- If the second crank arm is not in the right place, you’ll need to rotate the mechanism so that the second arm is in the required position that allows you to attach the hinge to the sash.
- Once the arm is in the right position, simply fix the hinge screws to the sash.
- Fix the crank screws to the window frame.
- Add the crank cover.
- Install the handle using a screwdriver or simply push it onto the system, depending on what type of handle you have.
- Open and close the window to check if everything is working properly.
Tired of Crank Issues? Get Crank-less Magic Windows!
Casement windows are, undoubtedly, among the best in the industry, but their biggest disadvantage is precisely the crank system. Let’s face it – these systems are mechanically flawed. They are prone to the infamous sash-sag issue, the crank mechanisms often fail earlier than expected, the handle needs to be replaced too often, and whatnot.
All of these cause functional and structural issues. The thing is that the long-praised crank system opens the sash only from the bottom, while the top simply responds to the movement from the bottom of the sash. This results in an uneven motion that will cause the above-mentioned sagging issue, and the sash may warp, crack, or bow, even more so if the window is double- or triple-glazed.
This is why Magic has engineered a novel opening mechanism for casement windows – our patented Parallex Hardware that makes cranks obsolete! To open our casement windows, you simply have to push them open, and they slide along a window track. There is a galvanized steel rod that runs through the sash, which connects two shoes in the tracks at the top and bottom of the frame. This way, both the top and bottom of the sash stay fixed onto the frame, sliding in tandem when you open the window. This eliminates virtually any issues that are common in crank windows. Plus, you’ll never have to worry about fixing or replacing any cranks anymore!
Curious to discover more revolutionary features Magic has engineered? Hurry up and book a free consultation with us!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can crank windows be repaired?
If your crank system is broken, you can easily replace it. However, if your crank windows have other issues (they are warped or cracked), you’ll probably have to replace the entire window.
Can you replace the crank on a window?
You can definitely replace the crank on a window. All you have to do is find a suitable crank, preferably of the same type as the existing crank, and follow our step-by-step guide on how to replace it. It should only take you around 20 minutes!
Why do window cranks break?
Window cranks are intrinsically mechanically flawed, which is why they break more often than other window hardware. The first to break are the window cranks that are used more frequently. Additionally, window cranks that are not cleaned and lubricated regularly will also break easily.
Can I use any lubricant on the crank mechanism?
You should stick with a silicone-based lubricant for your crank mechanism since oil-based options can attract dirt and complicate maintenance.