Trying to FIX a Broken Anglian UPVC Window which Doesn't OPEN!

Hi, I saved this job for last as I dislike the idea of it. Anyway, the toilet (WC) window no longer opens, the security shoot bolt which goes into the frame has broken and lodged itself shut so the window refuses to open, not ideal in a WC with no fan 💩
In this video I attempt to fix it. It was certainly challenging!
Remember that this is just for entertainment and I am not an expert in these repairs. The processes in the video may not be the best way, the correct way or the safest way to fix these things. I do love fault finding and trying to fix broken things, so I hope that comes across in this 'Trying to FIX' series. Many thanks, Vince.

[@BoiledOctopus]

Never thought I'd be watching this on a Sunday night. I miss the blue tray. I spoke too soon. I see it now. Life is complete once again.

[@99thompsi]

OMG. We had exactly the same issue with our Anglian bathroom window which has worked without issue for probably 20 years! Before calling anybody I suggested to my wife that we should have a look on KZbin for anything similar. We found your video! After watching it and having got to the "Wow it's open" point we dashed upstairs, put a chisel into the same spot and it opened instantly. Thanks for the trial and error before hitting on the solution. We didn't have to go through the same thing. We still have a minor issue with the handle but we can open and securely shut the window - cost to us nothing. Keep up the brilliant work!

[@matt--mun6797]

What an advert for Anglian Windows. Look how hard it is to break into your own home. Another beautiful fix.

[@andymees]

Superb step by step guide, thanks Vince... I think I probably just got as much satisfaction from simply discovering your channel, and finding this fix for my exact issue, as you did from actually figuring it out for the rest of us. :) Cheers, you've made my day.

[@RoStepMusic]

I battle depression and Vince, you always make my day better. 🙏👍

[@Mymatevince]

Thanks RoStep, I hope things start to improve for you 👍👍👍

[@RoStepMusic]

@@Mymatevince Thank you ❤️

[@MichaelBritt23]

Using random pieces of junk to fix something is why I like these videos! Great job Vince.

[@paulrooster2108]

Howdy Cuz , US here It's great to see how different parts of the world go about designing & develop things differently especially if it's a mechanical operation. When I do a repair an end up repurposing something that's totally unrelated to what I'm working on to fix it . You knew someday you where going to need that shiny lil bit , like it was a nugget of gold . I call it Field Engineering

[@MrABCLynch]

I had something similar. Double patio doors with the hook and roller no longer retracting. Managed to get enough space to force them to retract. Like you, I had a reference by looking at the more open top half of the door, similar to you looking at another window. Not sure it would have worked without it. Took everything apart, WD40'd the hell out of things, back together, working lovely now. Like you, nothing on YT showed my exact problem. Wish I had documented it now. Still, I now have a working knowledge of our UPVC door locks function :D

[@GadgetUK164]

Great watch Vince! I can relate to the pain 100% there - several years ago our front door handle broke - the bolts inside that go up at the top and bottom were out, and the handle would not actuate the bar at all... I had to get super creative and remove the handle on both sides, drill inwards into the mechanism (after examining a replacement I ordered to see where to drill) - and then with a little prying I could actuate the bar... It took a few hours but I was able to replace the handle and mechanism! Pup painting is awesome!!!

[@stuartleckie]

This is what I do for a living. Fixing doors and windows, all day long. Interesting to see your quite methodical way of going about this. I was screaming pop the glass out from the start, but once you got that, easy enough to fix.

[@mlight6275]

usually i remove long piece of beading trim first

[@peterthebricky]

Longest first start in middle tilt the scraper blade 45° to glass one of the plastic levers is a great help too

[@StezStixFix]

Can't wait until something else breaks in your house 🤣🤣🤣... I love these type of videos! It's always super satisfying fixing something up with a few random bits and bobs that have been in your toolbox for years! Great job, Vince 👍

[@Mymatevince]

Noooo, I need to get back to fixing eBay junk! Cheers Steve 😂👍👍👍

[@BlazingMediic]

I can't wait to see him do the leaking roof lol, I was laughing when he flooded the bathroom,

[@chrisrobson8540]

never throw anything away lol that 35 year old spring will be essential the day after you throw it away!!!

[@thomasedward9065]

I'm so glad I found this video even if just to see how to remove the stubborn plastic bits

[@fouroakfarm]

So satisfying to see a fix that doesnt involve buying a replacement part :) You give a lot to the world by publishing these videos and showing that repairs are possible! Thanks Vince!

[@Br4nd0n92]

Wow, I’m so glad I managed to find this video! I’ve been racking my brain on how to go about this task. My issue is that the handle no longer moves the middle ‘U’ piece and it’s stuck shut. In this heat my daughters room is crazy hot too! I’ve been resorting to leaving the glass out when I can until I’ve sussed a solution. This video has confirmed exactly what I was thinking of doing and now I have the confidence to tackle it! Great video mate. All the way through the commentary I was saying, “this guy is on the same thought process as me!” Fantastic to follow. I’ll be checking out a few other videos of yours after I’ve fixed my window! But first I have to actually pry it open, here goes… 😂

[@Mymatevince]

Thank you, good luck with your one. Have a read of the comments section on this video because there are some good ideas from others that may be easier than the way I did it in the video 👍👍👍

[@pherman8852]

Your videos make my wife and I so happy! I hate doing things around the house that I’ve never done before. I’m so glad that you like to tinker.

[@chrisred87]

Great fix Vince I love fixes like that where a little piece you've saved for years comes to the rescue and turns it into a free fix.

[@utubeb14]

Honestly these house repairs are my favourite.

[@HavingFunRepairs]

Comedy gold 🤣 (the sneeze and breaking glass). The bungalow we rented and lived in for three years in England had the same style windows. This was a very interesting video.

[@Mymatevince]

👍Cheers HFR

[@colintx800]

OMG! I thought you actually broke the glass for a few seconds, You got me 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@stephenhartley7219]

Great video Vince - can I stress the importance of fixing any window opening as soon as possible for safety in case of a fire as you can shout for help. The bathroom is also the go to room if you can't get out of the house. Stay safe everyone

[@ravv3656]

I've been waiting for the puppy painting!!! I love it. So much detail. Well done😁

[@coffeekatk4067]

This is such a great example of sometimes you just have to take it apart to find out how it works! Fantastic job! Well done you and the Mrs!!

[@IM-zx9ky]

Brilliant honest video. Well done 😊 you’ve inspired me, I have 2 windows to fix. Thank you.

[@quantumleap359]

Vince, you are just as handy as a pocket on a shirt! Your videos give us so much courage to tackle almost any problem! Cheers!

[@TheSkaldenmettrunk]

What a great repair. Great job! Also the painting of your son turned out really nice, so great job there from him too!

[@TardisMarch]

I have really enjoyed this little series of you fixing things in your house Vince, hope to see more content like this again, take care and all the best 👍🏻

[@89ludeawakening1]

I've opened one of these similar to this one that had the same issue. I used a really strong neodymium magnet on the outside of the frame to pull the bolt back.

[@Mymatevince]

That is a great idea. I have some of those magnets as well that I went magnet fishing with 👍👍👍

[@Psyrecx]

That was my initial thought of what would work. If it sheared, it would just be a floating bolt that would be easy game for a magnet.

[@VOLTRONDEFENDER4440]

just a simple hole that is not secured in the middle can cause one side to not actuate properly! Also ben is great at that pup painting!

[@thinlizzysupporter]

I wish you’d made this video 6 months ago when I was having the exact same problem ! I paid a professional to come out and look at it and he struggled with it for ages too. The only way he said he could fix it was to remove the stuck bolt from the one side. Good job Vince 👍🏻👏🏻

[@electrickal1]

To remove those glazing strips start in the center of the longest ones, insert two paint scrapers one at a time on top of each other, insert a broad screwdriver between them and twist it, that pops the strip without damaging either the window frame or strip. To reinsert them, start with the shortest two, give them a light spray with silicone to reduce the friction and tap them in with the rubber end of a hammer, then repeat with the long ones.

[@Mymatevince]

Thank you 👍👍👍

[@january39]

Love these videos because I have a few windows like this. Great stuff. Keep up the variety. Love the dog as well.

[@kiphakes]

I love the slow motion Vince talking you've had recently.. it's like getting an insight into what drunk vince sounds like!

[@Mymatevince]

Hahaha 😂👍

[@cwarbu01]

Thank you, i had a similar issue with this type of lock and the centre element that did not open. Seeing the mechanism and issue helped me to unlock and hopefully resolve.

[@rusty4053]

Don't have these windows, still watched the entire video. Fun watching broken stuff be fixed.

[@PaulsRoadshow]

I do love your videos the way you persevere to get the job done I would’ve been scratching my head for ages trying to work out how to dismantle that window frame im so I’m glad I’ve watched your video and luckily my windows don’t have those bolts on the sides but the handles are the same :-)

[@anthonym9754]

Vince for future reference the side beads come out first, they are angled to keep the top & bottom beads in place. Great video, hope that helps

[@krisshepherd1667]

Been loving the home repair videos mate

[@marcianzero_yt]

As stated on another video, this motivated me to take a shot at my garden door in the living room. Door war too low, hanging on one side and the lever/handle was always angled in shut state. Someone has tried to fix the lever with pure force (when I wasn’t there) and since that day it was angled even worse. After opening the assembly on the side I suspect that where two pieces are connected with teeth/gears there was so much force that the mechanism jumped. I had to buy extra long Allen Keys (or Inbusschlüssel as we call them). Now I feel a lot happier with the door. It is 33 years old and there is wear and tear and bent elements in the mechanism, but it works well now. Thanks for the inspiration. :)

[@leem4017]

Enjoyed this one Vince, nice repair. We’ve not long had every window and door replaced in our house, that was some experience! :)

[@RugbyD0g]

Vince... You both inspire me and amaze me! When you decided to take that window out, I laughed out loud... Literally! I always enjoy watching your videos. If ever you decide to come to the states, contact me and we'll swap stories!

[@gordons8843]

Thanks for doing a video on repairing your window locks Vince as I’ve got two that are faulty one doesn’t unlock and the other the bolts are stuck in so can’t be locked.

[@paultasker7788]

Wow! Impressively secure. If I was looking to get into your house and saw this I'd definitely decide its not worth it if all the windows are like this one. 😁

[@Mymatevince]

Hahaha I think a quick brick through the window would be the easiest route 😂

[@samuelfellows6923]

And if the house was occupied in the burglary attempt = they would hear it and would be dialling 999 into their smartphone and calling for the Police, if the house had a burglar alarm = that in itself would be a deterrent - the criminal seeing the bell-box on the outside, even fake ones are a effective deterrent. The burger would be making soo much noise that there would be no point in breaking into the house, that someone will hear it

[@UltimatelyEverything]

I'm really impressed with those windows they're really strong and secure i'm glad you fixed the faulty window.

[@borisarchby2]

Great video , love that a hammer was introduced to the blue mat work area :)

[@Mymatevince]

😂👍

[@emmarogers2573]

Noice! Thumbs up for a job well done and for Ben's puppy artwork!

[@vidsofyermom]

Proof VINCE never broke into houses as a kid. :D

[@oldbatwit5102]

You have discovered the well-kept secret of double-glazing. The locking components and mechanisms are rubbish, both in design and manufacture. This, I believe, is not entirely accidental. Edit.... Another great video, thank you.

[@MrRustynutts]

Great fix, love it.

[@simonspencer7017]

The only thing you forgot was to put a little grease in the gears to stop it happening again Vince. People forget to service the locks on the replacement windows and doors. We live on an island and the metal in these locks is mild steel.

[@eddie1173]

This was like watching myself 😆but did help give me the idea of leveraging the side that was stuck to just gently ease the bolt over the part it goes into. I had two windows same problem, worked exactly the same on the second. I then simply removed the part the bolt goes into for a temporary fix (became permanent as I've never got around to buying replacement parts). Locks in the middle and on one side. Very secure still and probably won't buy new mechanism until . Both my windows are 1st floor so less of a security risk. I'm sure both sides will go eventually when I might have to give in. Cost of a locksmith to fix this problem with new parts, quoted £300. Thanks for giving me the extra umph to give it another go.

[@depniff]

Mine was the same make but the rods were connected directly to the mechanism. I was lucky in that I could get a screwdriver in the lock hole but couldn't grip onto the rod however with a bit of banging on the frame and force on the rod, it came free. The locking mechanism on mine was made of poor quality metal which had corroded and fell apart when I got it out so I had to replace they only cost £6 delivered. It's worth lubricating through the bolt ends regularly so that it puts as little pressure on the mechanism as possible. Great video which took enough time that it will help solve a lot of similar issues.

[@seguramlk]

Nice. Going from electronics to analogic stuff. Great video my friend

[@treenamcgowan7652]

That was a good fix! Glad you managed to get it working again. Also Ben's painting is amazing!

[@Mymatevince]

Thank you Treena 👍👍

[@solm67]

Excellent video Vince 👍.

[@stefantrzoska]

thats brilliant i have the same problem with my windows.this video will be of great help.keep up the good work.

[@mickcurran4201]

Another job well done 👏

[@sepgorut2492]

Superb fix. Why restrict yourself to electronics? These repairs are just as great to watch.

[@Alfapash]

Well done and an excellent video. Its the only one that actually shows the inside. No wonder they changed to the 5 point mechanism which is installed differently. Its a good idea to open and close windows regularly and give them a spray with silicone or WD40.

[@strgsl]

I'm waiting for the my mate Vince fan fiction where you've got a Robocop leg with a soldering iron and drill in it. Love these vids.

[@Mymatevince]

🤣🤣👍

[@pedrojmorais]

One of the pins is connected directly(doesn't get stuck) the other via that tube that you've repaired, the piece of metal in the bottom is connected to the other pin , so one should have room to slide the piece of metal and bring the pin inside, this could open the window in more jammed cases.

[@force4200]

Great work!!!!

[@M1LAD81]

Great job, Vince. 18:52 Vince after knocking back too many beers! 🍻

[@Mymatevince]

🤣👍👍

[@phillipmoxley2444]

As a maintenance man I'd call a window expert. lol

[@davesmith7671]

Jb weld. Or metal epoxy putty vince sets hard enough you can mill the stuff . Used it on engine repairs in the past. It's about a tenner from Halfords cheaper online though

[@PaulsRoadshow]

Yes it’s called mili put I have some great stuff For those sort of repairs :-)

[@ratchriat1716]

found this video very informative and useful

[@alexbartles]

Great video!

[@GarthBeagle]

Wow, nicely done!

[@Mymatevince]

Thank you Garth 👍

[@hervegabet]

Well done !

[@davidsmith-ih2kk]

Weird window lock impossible to open if the handle mechanism breaks surely there must be a way to open it if this happens of the millions of windows like this in the UK someone must have devised a way to fix it if this happens A bit strange a locked windows impossible to open if it breaks but all praise to you for your efforts Me thinks you have a very low opinion of us watchers well me I certainly get no joy out of watching you break anything and I definitely don't want to see you break the glass in this window I love seeing you fix something without making any mistakes

[@marcuskobel6562]

I wonder if the lock was forced when locking the window by some reason and broke apart internaly, thus nobody was ever able to open the window since. Great job Vince!

[@Mymatevince]

Yes maybe it was forced at some stage which weakened it 👍👍👍👍

[@sdavifcom]

Vince, if there ever was a time to wear safety glasses, that was it !

[@abdulhkeem.alhadhrami]

You fought well window but the victory goes to Vince.

[@brianjames6890]

Well done good video to have watched👍👏👍

[@davidc6459]

Great video 👍

[@DEmma1972]

Great fix. Not a bodge really and I think it is a design flaw.

[@adelestevens]

The shootbolt gearboxes are on eBay for about £17. There's me going..."Take the glass out, Vince!" And then you did, lol

[@yusufh741]

FANTASTIC video

[@PantsManUK]

Just started watching the vid and want to "chime in" afore you get to actually fixing it. Not sure if Anglia will have warded against it, but my thinking (given your description of the Saracen shoot bolts) is a great big Neodymium magnet (or equivalent electromagnet), starting just at the back end of the shoot bolt and pulling back toward the handle dead slowly. Now to see what you actually did :D

[@colinfielder6695]

Nice one Vince

[@jay26cee]

Great video. Thanks! I have a similar window locking mechanism, but instead of the sliding bit in the centre directly below the handle, mine is like a rectangular latch/bolt that goes down into the frame, and otherwise retracts totally into the window when unlocked. Now the challenge I have is - 1) the handle to lock/unlock the window stops at about 70 degrees (so not quite vertical) meaning the window doesn't get fully unlocked. I have removed the handle and it works fine, so something is up with the lock and I have no way to get at it as there are no catches that I can 'jimmy' through the sliver of a gap. :(

[@daveflanagan8715]

This is what I deal with everyday m8. I’m a window service technician.

[@Gethurted]

Yep me too gotta say anglian Windows are the worst

[@user-te1le7ck6b]

Makes zero sense to use metal bolts going in to plastic 😭😭😭

[@TheCod3r]

Awesome stuff vince, love the fixing around the house videos. Just FYI, I'm going to come and break in just to fix all your stuff 🤣

[@Mymatevince]

Hahaha, a true friend 👍😂

[@TheCod3r]

@@Mymatevince haha yep, I wish someone would break into mine and fix all my jobs 🤣

[@The-Weekend-Warrior]

I havent yet seen what you did, but I would try using super heavy duty magnets to drag the bolt back. Now I'll watch on and see what you came up with... :)

[@professormoriarty703]

Another great video

[@Marcel1984nl]

Hi Vince, it was a complicated repair with a lot of work, but you managed it! Also nice to see you on camera again so you get a better picture of someone who makes these videos (for the newcomers). The painting that your son has finished is beautifully done, I could never do that myself. I'm going to watch your thermostatic mixer SHOWER video soon ;)

[@Mymatevince]

Thanks Marcel 👍👍👍

[@rfr653]

good job mate.

[@applesid239]

top marks for battling on , and no swearing or flying tools

[@KorAllRBare]

I have one thing to say about these window locking handles and that is to avoid them at all costs, be they cheap or top of the Range they all fail within a few years. Homes over the seasons move and therefore warp the windows, and after a while they jam up..

[@Christopher_T_Paul]

To reattach the glazing beading, I always use the rubber butt of a claw hammer, sliding it down the glass to strike the beading into place. The rubber handle is ample protection against the glass breaking. Looks like a solid repair, but the window gearboxes can be bought for about £10 at your local UPVC supplier, maybe a little more on Ebay.

[@Christopher_T_Paul]

Oh and if you get a sliding bolt stuck again, an SDS drill with no bit and a load of padding inbetween the chuck and the frame usually vibrates the frame enough to get the pin sliding back enough.

[@Mymatevince]

Great tips, especially the drill one, I would have never thought of that. I'm sure that will help many others out there. Nice one for sharing it 👍👍👍

[@CrazyMan_Engineer]

That was an interesting issue with the lock mechanism. So i do recommend everyone do this fix to repair the design flaw.

[@The-Weekend-Warrior]

Nice one there! I honestly wonder why there wouldn't be an opening below the window to access the mechanism in case of a failure... if you're able the remove the glass pane, the whole security argument is already irrelevant, so they could have easily put two covered openings on both sides for cases when the bolts would not retract... lousy design... Now I started to be afraid of my front door... that thing has 8 of those in just about all directions and I can't think of any way getting out of here (only windows) if that mechanism would fail... definitely an eye-opener :) Thanks Vince!

[@marcianzero_yt]

That was really interesting. :)

[@CLC-1000]

Thumbs up for the fix. 👍

[@Mymatevince]

Thanks CLC 👍👍👍

[@CLC-1000]

@@Mymatevince Anytime Vince. To me, you are a great fixer. Keep up the good work.

[@simonrapley1126]

Still not at the end, but just think it's 17 quid on ebay for new gearbox thsts going to work for a long time, sometimes fixing everything isn't the answer, how long will your fix last, been there myself multiple times with my rubbish windows, just replace bits, still makes an interesting video

[@chronicgaming3280]

Films spacer locations... Has 2 spacers left after reasonably.. I assume you had atleast 1 screw left too as er the DIY handbook? Keep up the great content Vince. 😃👍

[@Mymatevince]

I know!!!! I normally hate having screws left over... but I wasn't messing with the glass on this one again! 🤣👍

[@CBitsTech]

I have the same problem with the upstairs hall window. Think I'll leave it to the professionals. Interesting though, thanks.

[@jeffers2923]

Hi vince ,well worked out the only comment I would make is that the glass has a patterned piece which goes on the outside because of the low.e film is on the clear side to reflect heat back into your house 👍

[@Mymatevince]

Ohhh, I never knew. I think I put it back in the way that it came out but I might have to watch back the video to make sure of that. Cheers Jeffers 👍👍👍

[@samuelfellows6923]

😉🌿

[@roy2689]

I had a similar issue, but the problem was I needed a new mechanism, so I had to put a week day aside so I could buy a new mechanism and fit it all in the same day so the window wasn't left unsecured during the night..

[@sharfold]

Fantastic, thank you so much for this, will help me get my window sorted, although being a big vertical window, might be a bit more of an issue. Thank you so much for going through the pain of working it out and recording it to help others go straight to the solution! *****STAR*****

[@allanmanley6340]

With that modification the "bad lock" will work far better than the "new lock" ever did.......