Welcome to Lock & Roll’s comprehensive guide on how to replace a window winder, designed to assist you in navigating the process with ease and efficiency. Before we dive into the repair process, if you’re experiencing minor issues and looking for quick fixes, you might find our how to fix a window winder blog page helpful.

This step-by-step manual aims to provide you with all the information you need for window winder repair, ensuring a smooth transition from old to new. Whether it’s a casement window winder repair or replacing winders on awning windows, we’ve got you covered.

What You Will Need

Before diving into the repair process, let’s ensure you have everything required at hand:

• New window chain winder
• Screwdriver set
• Drill and drill bits
• Paint scraper (if necessary)
• Bamboo BBQ skewers and wood glue (for hole preparation)
• Security plate (if included with your winder)
• Tape measure

Step 1: Remove the Old Winder

Start by carefully removing the fly screen, if present, to avoid any damage. Next, identify the screws holding your window winder in place. These are typically located on the faceplate of the winder. Using a screwdriver, loosen and remove these screws. If your window is painted shut, you might need a paint scraper to gently free the window before proceeding.

Step 2: Prepare the Space

Once the old winder is removed, prepare the space for the new installation. This might include cleaning the area and ensuring any old screw holes are filled if they won’t be reused. If the new holes are close to the old ones, fill them with wood glue and bamboo skewers cut to fit, creating a solid base for the new screws.

Step 3: Install the New Winder

Position your new window winder, ensuring it aligns with the window operation’s requirements. If your model comes with a security plate, mount it outside the window frame as directed by the manufacturer’s instructions. Drill pilot holes for the new screws, being careful not to penetrate deeper than necessary.

Attach the faceplate to the window, using the drill and screws provided. Ensure the faceplate is right side up, supporting the chain or mechanism correctly.

Step 4: Secure the Winder

With the faceplate in position, it’s time to secure the main unit of the window winder to the frame. Start by hand-tightening the screws to avoid overdriving them with a drill. Once the unit is secured, hook the window winder onto the faceplate and adjust until it sits flush against the window frame.

Step 5: Final Adjustments

After the window winder is installed, make any necessary adjustments to ensure smooth operation. This might include tightening or loosening screws for optimal performance. If your window winder comes with a lock, test it to confirm functionality.

Tips for a Successful Window Winder repair

• Measure twice, drill once: Ensuring accuracy in your measurements and pilot holes can prevent mishaps and ensure a snug fit for your new window winder.
• Keep it clean: Regular maintenance of your window winder can extend its lifespan and ensure it operates smoothly.
• Safety first: Always wear appropriate safety gear when using drills or other sharp tools.

Summary

Replacing a window winder, incorporating the correct winding mechanism and considering the types of windows involved, is a straightforward task with the right tools and knowledge. This guide is crafted to simplify the window winder repair process, facilitating professional results with minimal effort.

Regular maintenance and timely repair of faulty winders are essential for enhancing your windows’ functionality, contributing to the security and efficiency of your home.

Get Professional Assistance

Should you have any questions or need professional assistance with how to replace a window winder mechanism, don’t hesitate to contact Lock & Roll at 1800 203 377. Our expert team is dedicated to securing and enhancing your home.

A Comprehensive Guide on How to Fix a Window Winder

Windows play an important role in enhancing the functionality and aesthetic appeal of any property. Central to their operation is the window winder mechanism, which facilitates the effortless opening and closing of windows.

This mechanism varies across different types of windows, including casement windows with manual cranks, sliding windows with chain winders, and awning windows with specialised winders. Over time, these winders can experience wear and tear, leading to operational difficulties.

Addressing winder issues is crucial for ensuring the longevity and integrity of window installations. This guide offers insights into diagnosing and fixing common winder problems.

The Different Types of Window Winders

Understanding the types of winders and the signs of issues is key to maintaining optimal functionality and extending the life of your property’s windows. Here’s an overview:

Window Chain Winder

Primarily found in sliding windows, this winder operates through a chain mechanism that extends or retracts to open or close the window. It’s particularly suited for compact spaces, offering straightforward operation and reliability for frequent use.

Indicators of issues affecting this kind of winder include the window struggling to open or close smoothly, or the chain might slip, indicating it has become dislodged or suffered from wear and tear. Rust or corrosion can further lead to a winder that’s difficult to operate, often stuck or unresponsive.

Excessive force or prolonged use can cause the chain to break or detach from its mounting, necessitating a repair or window winder replacement to restore functionality.

Awning Window Winder

Tailored for awning windows, which are top-hinged and open outward from the bottom. This type typically features a crank or folding handle mechanism, allowing for adjustable ventilation.

Signs of malfunctions are evident when turning the crank becomes difficult or a crank that moves freely without engaging the window suggests gear wear or stripping. Stiffness or a stuck winder can result from inadequate lubrication or the presence of debris within the mechanism.

The mechanical failure of gears due to wear or improper use can lead to the inability to open or close the window, requiring a focused repair approach to address the gear system.

Casement Window Winder

Used with casement windows that hinge at the side and swing open similarly to a door. These windows are equipped with a crank mechanism that facilitates a full opening, ideal for maximising natural ventilation and ease of access for cleaning.

Casement windows that do not fully open or close, or move unevenly, may suggest issues like a misaligned mechanism or a compromised crank. Signs of strain or noise during operation are common indicators of an underlying issue.

Physical damage to the crank mechanism or wear over time can prevent the winder from functioning, often requiring a component replacement or a comprehensive repair for smooth operation.

Step-by-Step Repair Instructions

Repairing window winders, regardless of their type, follows a structured approach. Each repair process requires an understanding of the challenges and solutions suitable to the winder type.

Step 1: Problem Identification

• For window chain winder repair, inspect the chain for integrity, attachment, and signs of rust or wear.
• For an awning window winder repair, check if the crank rotates without engaging, indicating gear issues.
• With casement window winder repair, look for misalignment or damage in the crank mechanism affecting operation.

Step 2: Access and Inspection

• Remove covers to expose the internals of the winder mechanism. This step is universal across all types.
• Assess for damage and clean to remove debris and corrosion. For chain winders, focus on the chain’s condition, for awning and casement winders, concentrate on the gears or crank mechanism.

Step 3: Lubrication and Repair

• Generously lubricate all moving parts to ensure their smooth operation. Then, address the issue by carefully reattaching or replacing any components that require attention. This proactive approach resolves the immediate problem and enhances the mechanism’s maintenance and efficiency, leading to a more reliable performance and extended lifespan.

Step 4: Reassembly and Testing

• After addressing the specific repairs, reassemble the window winder. Ensure all components are securely in place and aligned correctly.
• Test the window’s operation for smooth functionality. Make adjustments as necessary to achieve optimal performance across all window types.

By following these steps, property owners can effectively restore the functionality of their windows for a smooth and secure operation.

Troubleshooting Common Issues During Window Winder Repairs

Troubleshooting common issues is an essential skill to ensure that your window repair is actually fixed after a DIY repair. Even if you have carefully executed our repair instructions, you may still encounter specific challenges that can stop you in your tracks and not give you the right results.

• Alignment for Seamless Functioning: Ensuring proper alignment is key across all winder types. For chain winders, this means checking the chain’s path for obstructions and adjusting its track alignment. In awning and casement winders, focus on the correct positioning of gears or the crank mechanism. Misalignment can lead to uneven operation, but it can often be corrected by realigning the affected parts and removing any debris that hinders movement.
• Lubrication for Enhanced Functionality: A common solution in maintaining all types of window winders is adequate lubrication. This not only facilitates smoother operation but also prevents wear and tear. If the operation remains stiff despite correct alignment, revisit the lubrication process, and apply a more generous amount of lubricant to thoroughly coat the moving parts.
• Adjustments Post-Repair: Following repairs, operational testing is vital to ensure the winder functions as intended. For chain winders, this might involve fine-tuning the chain’s tension. In awning and casement winders, it may require adjusting the tightness of components to avoid over-tightening, which can restrict movement. If resistance is encountered, loosening overly tight screws and applying additional lubricant can often alleviate the issue.
• Addressing Component Wear or Damage: Persistent issues after initial repairs suggest that further attention may be needed. This could involve replacing worn or damaged parts not initially identified. Replacing these components and ensuring they are correctly installed and lubricated can restore optimal functionality.

Call Us Today for Expert Window Winder Repairs

Timely repair of window winders is crucial for maintaining the functionality and durability of your property’s windows. However, some repair tasks can be complex, requiring professional expertise to guarantee that the repairs are performed correctly and efficiently.

For those instances where the challenge exceeds DIY repairs, seeking professional assistance is a wise choice. Lock & Roll stands ready to provide expert service tailored to your window repair needs. With a comprehensive understanding of various window types and mechanisms, our professionals deliver precision and quality in every job.

For expert advice, professional repairs, or to request a quote, please call us at 1800 203 377 or you can reach us by using this form. Take the step towards hassle-free window repair with Lock & Roll, your trusted partner in window solutions.

Glass doors can come in many different shapes sizes and formats, each with their own specialist requirements.

Just some of the situations where you can find glass used in doors includes sliding doors, bi-fold doors, as well as hinged doors, with each susceptible to issues that need professional rectification.

Sliding glass doors can often develop problems with worn or broken rollers, which can be a very difficult part to replace, especially when the specification between the different rollers available on the market varies greatly, catering to a huge variety of door designs.

With their extensive knowledge, Lock and Roll technicians know the go-to parts, every time!

Another common problem can be found in the sliding glass door tracks, with damage or deterioration occurring to the aluminium.

Worn weather seals meanwhile can cause a range of issues, from whistling or shaking in high winds, to allowing draughts through, which ultimately can drive up heating or cooling costs.

Lock and Roll have all of the necessary parts and know how ready to go!

Bi-fold doors meanwhile can suffer from a range of issues which can be caused by factors such as age of the door, movement within the building, or simple every day wear and tear from extended use.

Any of these problems can cause the door to jam or shudder, making them hard to open or close properly.

Because they are a specialised door systems, the hardware involved in bi fold doors can be quite complex, with the hinges and tracks having to work in perfect harmony, which requires specialist attention.

The more standard hinged doors come in a variety of configurations, with glass commonly used in decorative front doors with a wooden frame, or often in the commercial setting with an aluminium frame.

Lock and Roll are adept at fixing hinged door issues, including problems surrounding the doors getting stuck when being open or closed, while the hinges can often have problems which require attention.

One of the most annoying common problems in the house is a door that won’t close properly, but fortunately, Lock and Roll’s experts are at your service to fix any door or window issues you could possibly ever have!

Wooden doors can at times have trouble closing – there’s no one easy fix – all doors face different problems, depending on their construction, local conditions and many other factors.

Here we delve into the different issues that are out there, and how Lock and Roll can help you get out of a sticking situation!

Wooden Doors

Because wooden doors are designed to fit snugly within a given frame, with tight tolerances to ensure that there are no excessive draughts, small cases of swelling, warping or changing of shape can have a major bearing on the functionality of the door.

Doors can swell against the floor, a part of the frame, or even the ceiling.

The biggest issue that can cause problems for doors, especially externally facing doors, is the presence of moisture.

Temperature also can play a part – warmth can cause the wood to expand, meaning doors can become hard to close.

Shifts in temperature can be caused by the ambient change in line with the seasons, or because of a heater, or other heat source situated near the door.

A lack of ventilation may also be an issue – if particularly humid air cannot circulate in a room in the warmer months.

Wood, by its very nature can expand and contract when it is exposed to the above elements, and with more exposure, the chances diminish that the door will return to its original shape.

Professional Door Experts

Fixing a warped internal or external door is not necessarily an easy task – fortunately the experts at Lock and Roll know what to look for, and are able to assess and fix even the toughest jobs.

They not only identify where the issue lies, but also advise on what the best remedy available is – which is dependent on the type, size and location of the issue.

In cases where the warping isn’t excessive, it may simply be a case of sanding back the trouble area, to ensure adequate clearance allowing for the door to close without catching on the frame or the floor.

Depending on the location of the issue, the door may need to be removed from its hinges for the remediation work.

The clean-up of saw dust can also be a problem associated with these works, especially if the door is located on a carpeted area.

If sanding the affected area is the best course of action, the repairs should also be treated with a protective coating, to limit the chances of future warping.

While a visual inspection may disclose the portion of the door which is rubbing, expert attention must be paid to only removing the portion of the door which has warped; doing away with too much wood may make the door too small for its frame, causing a further issue with draughts, or mean that the door will not close as intended.

Another rectification method can be the addition of extra hinges, as directed by an expert, with the additional contact points with the frame holding the wood tight.

While on hinges, old or unoiled hinges can make a door difficult to open and close, these can be replaced or be serviced depending on the individual situation.

Hinge screws may need to be tightened, or if the screw holes are worn, the hinges moved up or down the frame to ensure secure fastening.

A loose hinge may very easily cause the door to catch on the floor or ceiling.

Another issue could revolve around a misalignment of the latch and the strike plate, which can have a fix on either the top or the bottom hinge, or by enlarging the hole in the metal strike plate.

A further remedy at this end would be the relocation of the strike plate, possibly in combination with the enlargement of the strike plate mortice, which involves chiselling out a larger cavity, filling the left over hole, reattaching the strike plate, and re-finishing the repairs with the same paint colour as the rest of the door frame.

In extreme cases, the door may be too badly warped to be repaired, with Lock and Roll able to advise you of a suitable replacement door.

Alternatively, there may be underlying issues at play, for instance shifts or movements within the building as a whole which can cause door closing problems, with issues stemming from poor original construction or shifting foundations.

These larger issues can be diagnosed by your Lock and Roll expert.

While sometimes you think a Do It Yourself repair will suffice, the fact is, that when it comes to security of your home of business, you should leave it to the experts at Lock and Roll!

All of our technicians are fully trained and certified with a master security license, which gives our customers the ultimate peace of mind.

What’s more, all of our company representatives are backed up by the Alchin Long Group, which has over 50 years of experience in the window and door hardware industry, which gives you the knowledge that you are leaving your job in the hands of an expert.

Further to this, all parts, components and systems installed by Lock and Roll come with the full factory warranty from the manufacturer, while we stand by the high quality of our workmanship.

As a common courtesy, Lock and Roll technicians pledge to arrive at a job on time, or pre-arrange for an alternate time slot at your convenience, ensuring you don’t waste your valuable time and effort.

Having repairs carried out by Lock and Roll is incredibly simple, either contact us via our website or over the phone, where we will be able to deliver an obligation free quote for the work to be completed, with our technicians well stocked with most components ever required to finish a job.

This means that a vast majority of our jobs can be carried out in the lone visit.

A highlight of service is that there are no hidden fees, we are completely up front with our cost structure, which has won us a loyal base of repeat customers.

We’re ready and waiting for your call, contact us today for all of your awning window repairs in Sydney on 1800 203 377!

Lock & Roll is the right choice for all Strata based repair and replacement solutions.

Whether it is to upgrade existing windows and doors to new regulation compliance, or simply the repair or replacement of now tired hardware, Lock & Roll offers a complete one-stop solutions-based service.

It begins with consultation with the Owner’s Corporation to understand the scope of the work required together with consideration of the latest required regulation compliance to satisfy insurance certification.

Working in conjunction with the Owners Corporation, a site visit is next to determine the detail parameters of the job and to consider alternative solutions, including cost options, before delivering a recommendation for consideration.

The key to Lock & Roll’s work in this area is constant, clear communication, ensuring all stakeholders know what work is happening when.

Common issues in Strata title complexes can include faulty or worn window winders, defective window and door locks, leaking weather seals that allow water, draughts or noise into apartments, or out of date hardware that no longer complies with the latest safety standards.

Using only the highest quality and proven products, Lock & Roll can provide quick, easy and affordable solutions to the Strata managers or individual owners for all these concerns.

Once accepted, Lock & Roll then puts a plan together for the implementation of the required repairs or replacement, with times allocated in a way that will provide minimal disruption to the residents.

A Certification of Compliance is then issued at the completion of the job.

Why should you entrust your sliding door repairs to the team at Lock and Roll?

Our fully qualified technicians are the experts in their field, with their in depth knowledge of window and door repairs placing them at a distinct advantage to the “do it yourself” handyman.

Not only are Lock and Roll the professionals when it comes to domestic repairs, but the company also has extensive systems in place for working within the framework of strata title premises, as well as in the commercial settings.

This translates to peace of mind for the customer, with repairs carried out quickly and efficiently, with the full factory warranty for all parts used, as well as limiting workplace health and safety implications of having under-qualified internal staff carrying out repairs on commercial jobs.

Another strength of Lock and Roll are the company’s industry associations and accreditations, with the business carrying a full Master Security certification, so you know you are in safe hands.

Lock and Roll stands behind our workmanship, which we pledge to be of the highest level, while we also value the importance of our customer’s time, so if a technician is going to be late for a scheduled appointment, they will phone ahead as a courtesy.

Another strong point of the business is our policy of no hidden fees – the quote provided by Lock and Roll stands – we are one hundred percent up front with our pricing structure.

So trust your window and door repairs, maintenance and installations to the experts at Lock and Roll!

For a free of charge quote with no obligation, talk to the team today – contact us via this web page, or call us toll free on 1800 203 377!

There are a wide variety of sliding door types, coming in various sizes, shapes and constructions, as well as in a variety of settings, be it the home, a commercial or industrial premises.

Breaking this down further, there are glass, aluminium, timber and cavity sliding doors, all of which require unique hardware solutions, with rollers being an integral part.

With our decades of experience in the industry, Lock and Roll technicians know the precise issues to look for, with the hard working rollers typically a problem area.

These issues can be either from the rollers breaking, or prolonged use wearing them down, often causing issues for the internal bearings.

The rollers themselves are available for a massive array of applications for different sizes and shapes of doors, with the components designed to suit individual door designs and load ratings.

For instance, many external facing sliding doors have rollers located in their base, taking the full weight of the door, while others such as internal cavity doors tend to be lighter, with rollers located in the top of the design.

Outside of the rollers themselves, other parts of the sliding door system can wear or become damaged with long term use.

For instance, the sliding door tracks can become worn or warped via repeated openings and being walked on, while other items such as mohairs and seals can also pose issues with age.

While sliding doors can be cumbersome in nature, components like rollers can typically be easily accessed for repairs, although with cavity doors, the working of the track and rollers can be hidden within a wall space, an area which requires specialist attention.

Lock and Roll can also assist with the replacement and repairs associated with locks, latches and handles, not only with sliding doors, but also sliding windows.

Lock and Roll are the go to brand for all glass window repairs throughout Sydney, with our professional technicians the experts in all window and door repairs, maintenance and new installations.

No matter if you are a home, high rise, business, or industrial building, Lock and Roll have the know how to safely and securely fix your glass windows.

There are multiple types of glass windows found in buildings, each with their unique challenges, which the experts at Lock and Roll have the inside knowledge required to repair to the highest standard.

The main glass window types that need rectification include double hung windows, which slide up and down, awning windows, which swing out from the top, casement windows, which are hinged at the side, and the common sliding window, which glide horizontally.

Lock and Roll have the necessary components on hand to fix faults with components typical to all windows, such as locks, latches and handles.

Hinges are another common area on awning and casement windows that commonly seek repair works, with these window types also featuring stays, to keep the window open.

These window types are also often fitted with a chainwinder, which features intricate workings that can wear over time.

Lock and Roll have all of the replacement parts available, with the latest generation of glass window hardware long lasting, with corrosion free components ensuring an extended service life.

Sliding windows meanwhile are susceptible to damaged and worn out rollers and tracks, which can compromise their operation.

Weather seals and mohairs are other standard components that require attention, with these parts not only vital to the operation of the window, but also limit whistling and shaking in high wind situations, and keeping out draughts.

No matter the issue, if the glass window is hard to open or close, noisy or otherwise, talk to the experts at Lock and Roll today for a free quote!

One size fits all… you’ve heard that expression before, and it’s kind of true about doors, because fundamentally Australian doors are sold in standard sizes.

Sure, you can have doors tailor-made in any size to suit specific architectural requirements, but these are always going to be much more expensive than doors made to the standard sizes ready made for installation.

Where choice comes in, particularly with external doors, there is an array of designs, materials and colours to choose from.

External doors are slightly thicker in depth (profile) to withstand the vagaries of the weather, where they are often exposed. The most popular external door height is 2040mm, with a width of 820mm, and a thickness of 40mm.

While the height is generally standardised at 2040mm and the thickness at 40mm, there several other common widths: 620mm; 720mm; 770mm; 870mm and 920mm.

Internal doors are not as thick as external ones, primarily because they don’t need to repel weather or provide security to the outside.

There are two basic styles of internal doors, panel and flush.

The panel door is usually made of wood with an inlaid panel, and is considered a more traditional style. These are often found in period or older homes. Panel doors are made of solid wood or (in more recent years) have a hollow body.

Flush doors have a core of solid material, usually made of laminated timber or plywood, and present a smoother finish (than a panel door), so they are easier to paint and maintain. The clean design of the flush door makes it the perfect choice for contemporary architecture.

The most common internal standard size for both panel and flush designs is a height of 2040mm and a width of 820mm (both the same as the external door), but with a thinner profile of 35mm.

However, internal doors also come in other common standard sizes, again with a height of 2040mm and a thickness of 35mm. Common alternate widths include 620mm; 720mm; 770mm; 870mm; 920mm.

Glass doors are different again, can be activated by sliding, folding, or swinging, and tend to vary in size with less commonality.

Again, the height is generally 2040mm, with regular widths of 520mm, 620mm, 720mm, 770mm, 820mm and 870mm, though larger glass doors are often tailor-made for specific applications.

The thickness of the glass is generally 13mm or 19mm but, again, can vary, with double-glazing increasingly popular. And by their very nature, glass doors tend to be part of a larger installation that includes multiple window panels.

In modern Australian housing design, doors for toilets, wardrobes are cupboards can be generally narrower too.

Adding a further layer of consideration when building or renovating a home, it is not just about whether to go for the less expensive standard size doors or more expensive bespoke tailor-made items.

Australian Standard AS 1428.1 (Design for access and mobility, Part 1: General requirements for access) for the height of door hardware require that these should be located between 900mm and 1100mm off the floor, which is around waist height for most adults.

Then you have to start thinking about what type of hardware you want – so, as you can see, there’s plenty to consider if you are building a new home or renovating.

So trust your window and door repairs, maintenance and installations to the experts at Lock and Roll, the leaders in the Sydney market!

For a free of charge quote with no obligation, talk to the team today – contact us via this web page, or call us toll free on 1800 203 377!