What to Do When You Find the Window Won't Lock

People should remember that doors and windows are all important parts of your house. They protect your wealth and safety well in normal lives. While, when you find that the window won’t lock, you should take measures to fix it as soon as possible compared to doors. 

 

You need figure out why the window won’t lock

When it comes to window locks, there are two main components, the latch, and the keeper. The latch is the part of the lock that is actuated into the locked or unlocked position. In the locked position, the extended latch reaches into the keeper and secures there. 

 

When a window won’t lock, there is something happening at this connection point. Knowing this, you can investigate the common reasons a window won’t lock.

 

Normal Problems of Window Locks

Not Closing Fully 

The Problem

A common reason that a window won’t lock is that it has not been fully pushed to the proper closing height. This is more likely for double hung windows, which have two operating sashes, meaning both the top and bottom panes can move. Be sure that you check both the top and the bottom pane.

 

The Solution

The solution when a window won’t lock is to press down on the bottom pane and press up on the top pane. If you have a single hung window, move the appropriate window in the direction that allows the pane to meet the top or bottom of the sill. Once everything is secure and moved into the proper place, the window should lock.

 

Misunderstanding the Lock 

The Problem

Not all locks are intuitive to all residents, which may have led to the assumption that the window won’t lock or is not working. This often has to do with the window lock being in the locked position while the window is open. It is then difficult to identify why manipulating the window lock into what you perceive to be the locked position is not locking the window.

 

The Solution

Lift your window and examine the lock. If your window pulls out toward you, check to see what is happening when you move the lock from opened to closed. A faster diagnosis would be to check both positions. Be careful that you do not move either of the sills, as this will likely result in the first problem described in the section titled “Not Fully Closing”.

 

Distorted Interlocks

The Problem

The interlocks on a window are found on the bottom of the top pane, and the top of the bottom pane. These are lips that extend out from the pane. When a window is fully closed these two interlocks rest on one another in a manner that makes sure the keeper and the latch are on the same plane. Either of the interlocks can bend or contort in a way that keeps the two panes from interlocking properly.

 

The Solution

When the issue is a bent interlock, you want to lift up your bottom pane about two inches from the point where the interlocks should engage one another. At that point, press the elevated bottom pane against the top pane. After pressing these two parts of the window together, hopefully, the interlocks will bend back into place. You can let the window close, and try the lock again.

 

When you can’t lock the window down well, you should figure out the problem at first and take measures to solve them well. Apart from window locks, it is essential for people to keep Lock Picking Set at home, which can be used to solve home door locks quickly.