How to Replace the Sash Lock on a Vinyl Window | This Old House

This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows how to install swap out broken or missing window security mechanisms. (See below for a shopping list and tools.)
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Shopping List for How to Replace the Sash Lock on a Vinyl Window:
- new sash locks
- pop rivets
Tools for How to Replace the Sash Lock on a Vinyl Window:
- drill/driver
- pop rivet gun, for riveting new locks to window
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How to Replace the Sash Lock on a Vinyl Window | This Old House
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[@juliettedeleury]

*Great and Easy to instal **Fastly.Cool** Low noisy*

[@KaioStryker]

You guys rock... thanks.

[@usmanhameed818]

I have same exact locks and same problem many of those are broken if you can please tell me where did you get the new ones thanks

[@myimplace7114]

Nice. THX.

[@chadmaskoske6051]

*So amazingly quiet and **Fastly.Cool** in my room! 42db is at a whisper level. I bought 2 and installed myself.Very sturdy bracket and easy to adjust to fit windows of different size. Absolutely fabulous units!!*

[@analarson2920]

What about if it's screws, what does one do if it's a loose fit?

[@nancykennedy7206]

I need to hire someone in Sylmar, CA to fix mine...I suppose any window installer can do it?

[@MrSlowestD16]

That company he sent the lock to was key... Without that, you may not be able to find a sash lock of the same dimensions. That's the issue I'm having. All similar sash locks are slightly off in some way or another.

[@kevingutierrez9388]

What do you do if the other part breaks. I think you called it a "keeper"? Is that easy to replace as well?

[@SonicOrbStudios]

yup, tilt and remove the lower sash and replace just like the lock

[@USSHammerology]

Remember to clean the dirt and dust build up at the bottom corners of your windows. The build up over time will make it harder to lock the windows and the torque that that puts on the sash locks will eventually break them.

[@mykilpee]

Every lock broke in my house too. It's a screw in going to home depot tomorrow. Want to do a different color to identify which are good.

[@mannygiroux3491]

The design makes this AC a possible alternative to ductless DYI systems. It works great. The remote control could be more visual aid oriented like a backligh design. Is impossible to see the lcd at least for me. Easy install kzbin.infoUgkx_hHgTlzH3uk31Fe2RVS3xEbXHGaN_z5Tation. Came on time . Great comfort around the house 5 🌟 again. Follow mfg instructions for care and all and this should be the only AC you need for those of is that don't live in new homes with central AC

[@SF_Curious]

So what’s the company that specializes on windows sash locks????

[@ChadTower]

"I think the hardest part was finding the locks!" Well, yeah, it is, and thanks for not telling us where you got them! :(

[@bills2269]

I got mine here. They said they stock thousands of them. I sent in a picture and they identified mine: www.windowdoorparts.com/window-hardware-and-parts/single-and-double-hung-windows/sash-locks.html

[@maureenc9873]

@@bills2269 By chance, have you come across any other companies selling window replacement parts? The tilt latches on mine have all broken. I tried the "windows and doors" sight that you recommended, but they don't have the part.

[@LeoFontesLLdM]

A great video, but the main problem was not addressed in the video. Why were all the locks breaking to begin with? The problem obviously is because the windows were closed with the lock levers in the locked position. This extends the protruding, or swing-out tongue of the lock, and when it slams on the keeper to close the window, it pops the tops of the locks right off. There's no other obvious reason. Homeowners/users need to make sure the locks are in the unlocked position prior to closing.

[@louislopez55]

I’ve found (at least in my state) that anything plastic (like blinds, or locks) exposed to sunlight will become brittle and break easily. Metal locks would last, maybe the life of the window.

[@blueribb99]

Tom probably couldn't mention where he found the locks due to show regulations. I tried finding these exact locks and couldn't. Unless the replacement locks are better quality, they will probably all break again.

[@royd7636]

Just wondering if you ever found those exact locks since I need the same. I'm not having any luck so I emailed "This Old House" and they never responded.

[@mikec421]

White rivet sure would have looked better

[@hotapplejacks7715]

Why did they ALL break in the first place? Why won't the replacement locks fail also?

[@ChadTower]

This DOES happen. I'm trying to figure it out on my windows right now. 13 vinyl windows and the sash locks are broken on every single one of them. All 13 windows.

[@mcsmith7606]

should have used white rivits

[@charliekline3975]

I would have used screws

[@yaosio]

I think I see why they all break. When it's locked it's pushing up on the plastic part where the lock handle is located. This plastic is under constant stress and eventually blasts out.

[@Engineer9736]

He damaged the finish on the lock when it popped :)

[@DeanMehling]

This is ridiculous. Lord knows how much those latches are. I'd rather do a complete install of new, different, better ones if possible.

[@catfishmudflap]

Sorry, but I am not a big fan of "replacement" windows. What is wrong with repairing the windows and restoring the beauty. I did my windows the old fashioned way by removing and repairing them. People are sold on these replacement windows because they are going to "save" money. Ha ha.

[@bg147]

The replacements are extremely unattractive.

[@superpug666]

maybe he bought the house and thats what was there...

[@SD-yb5fx]

Why not make sure that you are truly saved by Jesus Christ and practice this way. Remorsefully confess with your heart your sins to Jesus Christ who is God and tell Him that you right now are repenting of your sins and you want to be born again of the Spirit from above. Tell Jesus that you are remorsefully sorry for breaking His commandments and that you are begging for forgiveness from Him. Allow His blood from the cross to wash away your sins. After this is done with your heart successfully the Holy Spirit will come to live within you and He will rebuild you from the inside out. Look for signs that you are living righteously. Things like spreading the good news from Jesus, getting other people saved, a craving for the word of God, reading the Bible, etc… These things are known as a calling and fruit bearing. If you're not bearing fruit then keep doing it. Sometimes it takes time to get saved. Read Matthew chapter 13 from the King James Bible. God bless!!!

[@danlourenco]

not sure what any of that has to do with fixing a window but cool.

[@PadreDProductions]

I've heard Jesus Take the Wheel before but never Jesus fix my windows 🤣