How to replace hinges on a window

If you have a window that doesn't close properly, has a large gap on the hinge side or is excessively draughty then now is the time to replace the hinges on the window. In today's video i will show you how to replace hinges on a window using basic DIY skills and i have some great tips along the way!
• Windows and Doors
Editing software i use www.tubebuddy.com/pricing?a=f...
🧰 The tools and equipment I use www.amazon.co.uk/shop/fixitwi...
Universal 8inch window hinge amzn.to/3Xzcsva
Universal 10inch window hinge amzn.to/3RDkxuY
Universal 12inch window hinge amzn.to/3VCdvrn
Universal 16inch window hinge amzn.to/3VTeBAu
Universal 20inch window hinge amzn.to/4bhPwnj
The Amazon links above are affiliate links. It doesn't cost you anything to click on them but I do earn a small commission if you do. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
00:00 Introduction
00:50 Types of hinges
01:51 remove the upvc window from the frame
03:19 Broken window hinge
04:24 Top tip to make fitting the window easy
06:16 Install the hinges on the window
07:46 Check the window seals
08:59 Fit the window back into the frame
09:58 Adjust the friction setting on the window hinges
uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/tropicana
License code: MSWXCHEQOJTVOHSM

[@Chanson_Dada]

That’s what I call a proper step by step instruction video with tips in all the right places along the way. Spot on, thanks!

[@FixitwithFowler]

Thanks for your great comment, I'm glad you liked the video 😁

[@RogelioDavid-n1m]

You are myidol now because you are aa great propesor

[@FixitwithFowler]

What an amazing comment. Thanks 😁😁😁😁

[@leonvlieger8364]

Thanks for the clear instructions! We just managed to replace the hinges on a first-floor window that had been wonky for years.

[@FixitwithFowler]

That's brilliant, I'm glad you managed to replace the hinges. Thanks for taking the time to comment!

[@paulnock5616]

Great video and good guidance😊

[@FixitwithFowler]

Thanks, I hope you get on alright fitting the new hinges!

[@RinzSach]

I just had this issue on two of my windows and wd40 did the trick without needing to do all of this, I did adjust the friction settings which I thought in the beginning would make a difference but didn't now do need to adjust properly, probably make it tighter because the hinge is super smooth now. *Upon reading up the best lubricant is wb40 with silicone not wd40 solvent I will be washing it off the hinges and be using wd40 silicone*

[@RameshPatel-ph3ie]

Easy tips to diy replacement of hinges;thanks

[@FixitwithFowler]

I'm glad you liked the video. Thanks for taking the time to comment 👍

[@paulcharleton3208]

Great video. Very clear. Have to say that bit where you've attached the hinges to the window then offer the window up into the hole and line the screws up is the point where I would realise that the screwdriver is out of reach 😂

[@FixitwithFowler]

Ha, definitely, or the screw falls off the screwdriver bit! Thanks for your comment 👍

[@donna89610]

Great video don't want to change the hinges just take the window out so I can paint the outside frame as I am petrified of heights thanks x

[@FixitwithFowler]

Well, I'm glad you found the video helpful. If you can get someone to help you hold the window!

[@johnhealy4511]

@9.48 get the first victim in 😂

[@FixitwithFowler]

Lol, never thought of it like that 😁

[@carlmartin702]

Nice one mate

[@FixitwithFowler]

I'm glad you liked the video. Thanks for your comment!

[@SheeaunMusic]

Great as always - I've 4 upvc windows like this I can't shut for years ! I thought I'd have to pay a fortune for new windows. Now I am going to give this a go in the Summer, as I've nothing to lose !

[@FixitwithFowler]

This is definitely worth a try, and if it saves buying new windows, then that will be brilliant!

[@mahenhewawasam6298]

Thanks Fowler for the great video.

[@FixitwithFowler]

No problem, I'm glad you liked the video, and thanks for your comment 👍

[@johnmcnamara4846]

Brilliantly explained.

[@FixitwithFowler]

Thanks for your comment 👍

[@JoeMaxi-q5s]

Great Vid my hinges are riveted I’d like to change to screws to make it easier

[@FixitwithFowler]

Hi, my bathroom window was the same, and the hinges were riveted. I have replaced the hinges, and luckily, the holes on the new hinges miss the rivit holes. I had to drill the rivets out, which was quite difficult.

[@jamespayton8642]

Great video and well explained. Thank you.

[@FixitwithFowler]

No problem, im glad you liked the video 👍

[@az_talks_food]

thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@FixitwithFowler]

I'm glad you liked the video 👍

[@tonyl765]

Very useful. Thank you.

[@FixitwithFowler]

I'm glad you found the video helpful. Thanks for your comment 👍

[@jf2613]

Nice one.

[@FixitwithFowler]

Thanks for your comment, I'm glad you liked the video!

[@suefowler8005]

Great advice Steve xx

[@FixitwithFowler]

Thanks 😊

[@dominicwarner1193]

Very thorough instructions, great tips. Thank You

[@FixitwithFowler]

Thanks for your great feedback 😁😁😁

[@cumbrianrambler7715]

Gentleman builder. Bravo

[@FixitwithFowler]

Thanks for your comment!

[@pogg01]

Made it so simple thanks mate

[@FixitwithFowler]

Great to hear! please consider subscribing for more great videos!

[@unafitzgerald8768]

Very helpful video!

[@FixitwithFowler]

I'm glad you found the hinge video helpful!

[@michaelofficer]

Good stuff - well said. Thanks

[@FixitwithFowler]

Thanks for your comment. I'm glad you liked the video 👍

[@miketravis6149]

You are a life saver my friend. Last night I opened the bedroom window and the friction plate snapped and I couldn't close it again. I managed to get it open again and with a little force got it to close. Off to Screwfix today for a pair of hinges for just under a tenner and I will fit them tomorrow. Thanks.

[@FixitwithFowler]

Hi, I'm glad the video has helped you out! Thanks for your comment 👍

[@Blue60]

Great video thanks for sharing Cheers

[@FixitwithFowler]

Thanks for your comment

[@khiggins8733]

Excellent tutorial 👍

[@FixitwithFowler]

Thanks for your comment, I'm glad you liked the video 👍

[@philiprussell3338]

Very helpful video.👍👍

[@FixitwithFowler]

Im glad you found the video helpful, and thanks for your comment 👍 😊

[@thulanincube4817]

Absolute legend!

[@FixitwithFowler]

Thanks for your comment, I hope the video was useful

[@WillPittRFC]

I've got one dodgy window upstairs where this looks to be the problem and it's a real issue to close. I'll give this a go when the weather is better, thanks for this video!

[@FixitwithFowler]

Thanks for your comment!

[@colingoode3702]

Great video & a job I need to do on about 6 of my DG windows. Most are are on the 1st floor so I need an extra pair of hands to help. Think I'll wait until the weather gets better - just in case.

[@FixitwithFowler]

Yes, it would definitely help with an extra pair of hands, especially if the widows are large. Im glad you liked the video, and don't forget i have more in my windows and doors series!

[@Pete.Ty1]

👍👍👍.Thank you

[@FixitwithFowler]

Thanks for your comment 👍

[@gavinstone3769]

Great video, as I've fitted hinges as part of my job for 10 years I've always struggled drilling and screwing while holding the window but the tip about pre drilling the holes first with the new hinge is gold will be doing this in future 👍

[@FixitwithFowler]

I always try to make jobs as easy as possible and i have struggled with a previous upstairs window. This little tip definetly helps if you are fitting the window by yourself! thanks for your comment!

[@neurosurgeon1261]

Thank you for the helpful video. One question, I have a top window like the one in this video, and it's not shutting. I noticed that the hinge attachment to the main window frame has dropped by few millimetres and that's the reason the window is scraping against the bottom. The problem I have is, after unscrewing the three self tapping screws that hold the hinge is place and push the hinge slightly up by few millimetres, the window shuts but the screws are not biting into the main frame and so end up with where I started. Any tip on what I can do to make screws tighten up? I tried a small upvc piece to plug the existing holes but that didn't work.

[@FixitwithFowler]

That would be my suggestion (to try and plug the holes). However, have you tried actual wall plugs, either yellow ones or red ones?

[@neurosurgeon1261]

@@FixitwithFowler Thanks for your reply. Yep, trying the wall plugs was my next step ,only I'm struggling to get hold of white wall plugs so that they blend in with the white upvc frame. Otherwise sod it, and use any colour plugs.

[@FixitwithFowler]

@neurosurgeon1261 Yeah, I don't think you will get white ones. However, you can get grey ones like these amzn.to/3uSKZZp also they will sit under the hinges

[@neilhurley3995]

Good job Steve, nicely detailed as ever. I know you made the point about weight and obviously you didn't have an issue with this one, however I think it's a point worth labouring. These things can be heavy! Double glazing weighs around 20kg per sqm. Add to that the frame and locking mech (and perhaps lead!) and you could soon be hanging out of an upstairs window with a casement that weighs the same as a full suitcase - at arms length. Triple glazing is almost certainly a 2-man job. You won't know how much it weighs until you've removed your last screw whilst holding the window with one hand. For your first I advise not being alone and make sure nothing or nobody is beneath the window you're working on 👍 Keep up with the vids mate, some really good stuff.

[@FixitwithFowler]

I agree with the comment about the weight which is why i said in an ideal world you would have someone help to hold the window. Thanks for your comments!

[@leeds85]

Great vid, but my hinge doesn't have screws. Its got round metal things doughnut like with a hole in the centre.

[@FixitwithFowler]

They are rivits. Unfortunately they will need drilling out so it may not be the easiest job to do!

[@djm9937]

My daughters bedroom side window has never been fitted correctly. It has always had a draught on the hinge side from when it was fitted. This has given me confidence to adjust the hinges :)

[@FixitwithFowler]

That's good to hear. Thanks for your comment!

[@djm9937]

@@FixitwithFowlerYeh, i replaced the seal around the window and the frame, but when closed at the hinge end the window barely touches the seal

[@FixitwithFowler]

Thanks for your comment 👍

[@johnwhitehead7374]

Hello mate fantastic video just about to start and sort mine out including replacing a few glazing units. Thinking about replacing on and do the hinges at the same time which will make the window lighter and easier to handle. Thanks John.

[@FixitwithFowler]

Yeah, it would make sense to do both jobs at the same time! Thanks for your comment 👍

[@sianscountrylife4925]

Hi ya ....id like to change over two side hung windows with a bar in between . Both sets of hinges are very stiff and are easy clean systems ....I'd like them to open to create a bigger opening so that they are 90 degrees open and closer to the actual casement sides . Would it be possible to do a video for that ? Thanks for this one ....its very clearly explained 😊

[@FixitwithFowler]

Hi, unfortunately I don't have such a window to make a video on otherwise I would.

[@sianscountrylife4925]

@FixitwithFowler Well hopefully at some point, you will . Thanks for your reply 👍 🙂 Much appreciated 👏

[@TheBigcarrot13]

Brilliant video mate, I have to replace a hinge myself. What size self tappers do you suggest for window frames?

[@FixitwithFowler]

Hi, the self tappers will come with the new hinges. Thanks for your comment

[@craigedwards7785]

Great video. Gave this a go today and made things worse. Can't for the life of me figure out why the window won't close despite all measurements being perfect, spacers used etc. :(

[@FixitwithFowler]

That's strange. Did you but identical hinges?

[@craigedwards7785]

@@FixitwithFowler universal ones but correct size and used the spacers. Could use one existing hole but might be better I treat as a new window and put all new holes in. Very frustrating but I've not given up yet 😁

[@FixitwithFowler]

@craigedwards7785 that's frustrating. Does the window catch on the frame?

[@craigedwards7785]

@@FixitwithFowler Yeah its catching at the top.

[@FixitwithFowler]

@@craigedwards7785 have you tried reducing the packers on the hinge?

[@christinestewart2472]

Hi there just subscribed to your channel very clear instructions on how to change the hinges but wondered if you could help me. Haven't been able to close my bathroom window for months don't think it's the top hinge it's the bottom one, the problem is the windows were meant to slide into the middle enabling cleaning of both sides can I just replace with normal hinges for double glazed windows any help appreciated thanks 👍

[@FixitwithFowler]

Hi, firstly thanks for subscribing!!! The hinges you are describing are easy clean hinges that are designed to allow cleaning of the outside of the window. You can get replacements on a like for like basis like these amzn.to/4cYPm5w alternatively you can fit standard hinges but you need to replace both hinges!

[@christinestewart2472]

Thank you

[@FixitwithFowler]

@christinestewart2472 no problem, just make sure you measure the window hinge so that you get the correct size

[@barryspiers6956]

Thank you, very clear, sub’d and liked. Can you recommend a supplier for the hinges in the UK, I need to replace some top window hinges. Thanks again!

[@FixitwithFowler]

I would suggest screwfix or amazon! Thanks for your comment 👍

[@barryspiers6956]

@@FixitwithFowler many thanks

[@FixitwithFowler]

@barryspiers6956 no problem

[@gavinstone3769]

I know screwfix hinges come with the little packers for stack height

[@ronaldhilario1574]

Your new subscriber from Croydon can you replace our double glazed glass windows

[@FixitwithFowler]

I would love to, but it's a bit to far for me! Thanks for subscribing 👍

[@ronaldhilario1574]

@@FixitwithFowler oh dear thank you gbu

[@FixitwithFowler]

@ronaldhilario1574 👍

[@Brera73]

Hi what size self tapping screws are they. Cheers

[@FixitwithFowler]

They come supplied with the hinge. They must be a standard size.

[@Brera73]

@@FixitwithFowler oh ok that's fine then, I misunderstood, I thought you were recommending getting some additional ones. Cheers ...I'll let you know if I drop the window from top floor :) hah!

[@FixitwithFowler]

@Brera73 blimey, I hope not! 🙏

[@ChapuGrg]

Hi, at 4:51 , you said to use self tapping self drilling screws. The screw you are using is pointed at the base. But when I checked on the website to buy, self tapping self drilling screws are a bit blunt/ flat at the base. Why is it different than yours the one I am trying to buy? Thanks

[@FixitwithFowler]

Hi, these are self tapping screws which are hardened and came with the new hinge. You can use self drilling and tapping screws but it is only upvc it is going into. Something like these would be ideal but you would need to compare with the old screws amzn.to/4cYwbt4

[@ChapuGrg]

Thank you very much😊. I have managed to change my bedroom window hinges just by looking your video. It was so heavy that I had to get help someone to hold it. However one of the middle screw kept spinning which is underneath the window (not the frame).

[@FixitwithFowler]

@ChapuGrg that's really good to hear, im glad the video helped you changed the window hinges! Please consider subscribing for more great DIY videos 😁

[@ChapuGrg]

​@@FixitwithFowlerOne more thing. I also managed to change the window seal as well just by looking your video. When I took the window out, I found the old seals needed replacement as they were mostly damaged. Luckily, I had seen your video of "how to change the window seals" while watching the window hinges replacement video. The link was in the video. I rushed to Screwfix and got the UPVC seals. I managed to change it without any difficulty. The window is tight now.😊

[@FixitwithFowler]

Brilliant, thanks for your positive feedback and comments I really appreciate it!

[@RandallHart-nv6ti]

Wd40 will loosen that right up if you cant afford new

[@FixitwithFowler]

That's true but I'm replacing them as the plastic locator on the hinge is broken, hence the gap in between the frame and the window

[@RinzSach]

It's short term as in weeks, and also if you spill with your nozzle it will make the frame outside shiny. Once is fine, if you carry on you will damage the plastic seal and ruin the outside PVC if spilt, change to wd40 silicone as that's the step up and will last 1-2 years.