UPVC window lock woes

[Gragson]

I have quite old DG windows and the shower room one won't open anymore.
They have top and bottom bolts that locate into brackets in the sills.
I can feel that the bottom one has let go and is no longer attached to the handle mech.
I can't see anyway to access other than taking the window out. Pic of said bolt on a working one.

Or am I missing a trick?

 

[gaz1]

if you cant turn that square by screwdriver and the bottom wont release its fun to do

look at your side fastenings the shoot bolt lock is still in use on the side of them

there is a way to open them if they use a side slide bolt you can lift that bolt up if you can get behind the window

 

[Gragson]

Cheers Gaz, the square does turn and operates the top bolt, I can tell pushing on the window, but the bottom bolt stays down.
The bolt mech all seems to be internal as well, pic of another of the same window open.
I think I will have to take the window out at an angle to take the bottom bolt out - bugger

 

[gaz1]

take your glass out first use a scraper to remove the beads

with top part being free make sure it stays unlocked pry top out if bottom bolt too long

jack window up to force the bolt over the lock mechanism

you want to use something flat yet strong

the window will flex enough so you can pry top out while you lift bottom over the lock

 

[Nomad]

Not a problem I've had before (I'm not a window specialist - more of an advanced handyman + more), but I don't envy you
Your main problem will be getting the window open, you can't undo the hinges until the window is open, and you can't "fix" the bottom bolt while it's shut.
My guess would be that the bottom bolt has worked loose or snapped off the main mechanism.

I was asking about replacing the whole "lock" (called the "esprag") on a UPVC door last week as the return spring in mechanism had stopped "returning".
Talking to local window supplier, the mechanism is fairly easy to change but adjusting it afterwards sometimes takes a while.

Possibly remove the esprag from a working window, look to see how the bottom pin should work, then drill a small access hole in your jammed window and use a small prybar (screwdriver?) to lever up the snapped bottom pin?

Let us know how you get on

Edit : the option above from gaz1 sounds easier ...

 

[Gragson]

Many thanks Gents, I will report back, it gets very steamy in there so its a must do!

 

[Gragson]

After much humming and ahrring about taking the glazing out etc, did some approx measuring on where the bolt was compared to a working one.
6mm bit, small flat blade in hole, liftted bolt up, window open, bolt pulls out, blind grommet in attempt to cover my tracks.

Bodge done

 

[Nomad]

Nice job - anything that gets it working is a good result
Thanks for the update

 

[gaz1]

nice way but unacceptable for a customer id be then charged for a new window being fitted due to damage i caused by drilling it to lift the pin up to open it