Window Crank Repair Trick (for cranks that slip out when closing a window)

Hi everyone. My brother and I discovered a cool trick to repair a window crank that slides/pops out every time you try to close your window (a common problem, it seems). We're not experts and are not sure if all window cranks / operators are built like ours with the same hole...so for that reason, this trick might not work in all instances. However, we thought we would share it on here regardless as it's stressful trying to repair these things, and we figured any information might be helpful to someone. Below, we've included links to other videos that offer fixes as well (these helped us a lot). Please like and comment if this worked for you!
Quick repair for a window crank with a metal cover: • How to repair a window...
Fixing a window crank (more in depth for understanding): • Window Crank Repair
Chapters:
0:00 - the problem
0:46 - what other videos said to do
1:04 - our general fix idea
1:48 - what you need
02:20 - UP CLOSE VIEW
03:10 - quick test to make sure
03:32 - bending the metal
04:48 - final test: works great
05:18 - other options: fully replace the crank
06:01 - putting the plastic cover over it
06:23 - example of a metal cover
06:58 - final thoughts

[@johnmccrackin1935]

Seriously. That's all I needed to do to fix my window? It's been broke for 10 years, and now works like a charm. Thanks!

[@danionescu938]

After 2 hours of frustrating search I found your video; couldn't believe that anybody else faced the same issue AND figured out a way to fix it! THANK YOU GUYS (from Canada too)! It worked for me.

[@JohnnyFiacconi]

Really glad it could help! Appreciate the comment

[@Tko_Seven]

damn good for you..my Andersen casement window model doesn't have enough side opening to slip the wire between the frame and the first thread like this video. If I put the wire between first and second thread, it gets stuck. Imma replace the whole operator at this point but save the part and see if I can scrap the opening a bit so I can use it later for another window. This house has about 20 Andersen casement windows as we moved in like 5 years ago, and there is NOT a single window that operate normally.

[@camtekinspections]

Thanks from Stoney Creek. Same thing happened to me this weekend. Was not looking forward to a big repair.

[@Bdlawless]

Buddy I know exactly how those were broken, because I'm Canadian too 😂 damn ice

[@MECLLC]

Yes!! Thank you have had 3 of these broken for 5 years and have had to take the screens in and out because the window guys all said we had to replace them to the tune of 1500 for each window! Now they are fixed. Even if temporary, this cost me NOTHING. Thank you!!!❤

[@VagalexTamara]

Thank you guys! Couldn't believe how easy it was for me to fix my window. It's good to know there are heroes without a cape somewhere. Greetings from Ontario.

[@stevekelly856]

I simply cannot thank you enough for this hack! I was dreading an "all-day-event" involving sharp knives, scoring, woodwork, stripped screws, rotted wood, reclaimed cranky hardware, nails, paint, locusts & pestilence and of course, the "ever-present estrogen-based knowledge-dispensing device" that I really do love, and have done so for 35 years. Literally took 4 minutes once I found a suitable hangar for use. She op-checked it and hasn't broken it yet, so I'm calling it good! Again, thanks!

[@JohnnyFiacconi]

YES! Really glad this could help you! Honestly, as soon as my brother and I figured out this hack on the first window crank, we thought that we just HAD to share this trick with the world... glad it was approved by your other members of the household haha! Cheers Steve!

[@rogerreece5918]

Thanks for sharing. It started about three years ago they were breaking one by one and approx. $50.00 each for a new one on a fixed income was not affordable. I saw other videos but i didn't try them, then i came across this video and fixed 4 of them in less than 1 hr. and they work great. Thank you so much from Ontario Canada

[@JohnnyFiacconi]

Really glad to hear that this trick worked for you…it can be so frustrating dealing with this kind of thing! All the best!

[@aot9339]

I love the details in your video. This will save me at least $50 bucks and a couple of hours replacing for a new part. With your video I only need to get one old hanger. THANK YOU GUYS! We love you!

[@JH-bf7be]

And one year later your video is a lifesaver to another Not A Window Guy. Thanks

[@ericofottawa7433]

Yes! This worked. This is golden. Used on 2 windows - fixed both with the same coat hanger and both in under 20 minutes, including the time to watch this video.

[@fahlmancomputing8628]

Beauty eh, great fricking video! Won't know if this will solve my problem until spring now, but even if all I learned today was what the mechanism inaide looks like and how it works, it's still priceless information!

[@baristasdelen3679]

I used to replace these cranks everytime one broke. Had I known this fix, I could have saved enough for a condo. Thanks

[@legrandewysardphillip9303]

Thanks guys. I had tried loctite on the pressed in shaft bushing. Worked for awhile. Thought I was going to have to spring for a new one. Found your very helpful video while searching for a reasonable price. I used a hardened Allen head bolt and locking nut, 6-32 I think or might have been an M4 from my junk drawer. 👍👍

[@ryanwilson8293]

Brilliant! Thanks a ton guys! It was a little hard to get the wire through but it worked great. Way better than drilling a hole and set screw. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@arcas8423]

Awesome fix! Looking for a repair video before I spend $44 for a new crank, not to mention tearing apart the window sill. IT WORKED!

[@learningtheory325]

It works! I For anyone having problems with the fit, I had to open my window most of the way to get the coat hanger into the groove. I only used pliers to bend the coat hanger back and forth until it broke, and used pliers to slide the piece of coat hanger in. I have truth casement windows, I think from the 80's but not entirely sure. Thanks for the video! EDIT: I also have anderson casement windows, this fix will not work for those.

[@tonysrares5321]

This is amazing guys, thank you so much! I also had the exact same issue on 2 windows… cheers from Mississauga! 👍

[@ronchilton3887]

Worked exactly as described. No drilling! Thanks.

[@OutFishing13Matthew]

I love your fix! That looks like an Andersen window operator. There is another way to fix these. The main issue is the swage that holds the worm gear in gets pushed out. I fixed mine by re-swaging that worm gear back in place.

[@TheLegionofgoons]

I have been trying to figure out that damn problem for longer than I choose to admit. I’m pretty handy but gave up a while ago. All I have to say is you guys are fucking brilliant! Genius! Thank you so very much!

[@slj5055]

Thank you so much, this is exactly what I needed to watch. The screws for mine is on the outside of the on the window of the mechanism. (And I could not drill or unscrew the back to get to the hole, to put the clotheswire through) There are five screws, the one in the middle is kind of blocking the round turn flat thing with the groove; that make the window open and close. Plus there are two tiny little screws on the other side so you're not going to get all of that. I'm done unless you take the whole window part. So after removing the window screen. 1. I just loosened 4 screws (maybe it wasn't necessary). I noticed that if I turn, with my right hand.... the handle to the right. 2. Then pull with my left hand forward...... just do that in increments. About four times, that made the window come back in. 3. Then you can get something like a curved, thin handle or string to pull it close....that last half an inch. Then lock it in place. To God be The Glory. I prayed for a video. This help me see what's need for my window.

[@marinagadayeva8197]

Thank you for such an awesome and helpful video. I appreciate your easy fixing technique. It really works. Now I can close and open my window. Thank you again🤗

[@user-iw9lf4dv5i]

Thanks for the tip. Better than searching all old hardware for the older window hardware 👍

[@windowmill]

I am a window repair guy and I did not know about this hack. Good going guys !

[@u2garloo]

This trick worked well on a 25 year old casement window with a Truth dual arm operator. Use only about 1-1/2 inches of wire, then bend the excess to the back instead of around the casting. This allows the original plastic cover to fit after the repair.

[@marilynschoberg1063]

Outstanding quick fix! Thanks so much!!!

[@spoopyknit]

This didn't work for Andersen crank windows I had, but you led me down the correct rabbit hole of videos so thank you!!

[@mikerusselljr]

Thanks, this video helped me so much, I have the same type of crank mechanism and it was an easy fix for sure, it was my day off from work so much better, thanks!

[@jamtiludrop]

Great idea. Very observant. My client has a whole house full of older Anderson windows that are doing this. NONE of the thermal barriers are broken on the sashes so it would be a shame to replace them just because of the openers. I was going to investigate replacing just the crank mechanism but this saves her even more dough. Good eye, gentlemen. This is the kind of stuff I do all the time but you two beat me to it! I'm going to subscribe as you seem to be as clever and humble as me! Keep up the good work. Anderson could have used you two when they designed the cranks in the first place!

[@maryannmattingly8215]

I love their honesty!

[@JohnnyFiacconi]

Thanks so much! I hope it maybe helped…

[@liangmaew]

Thank you brothers for the cool trick! It worked for me nicely.

[@georgerichchristensen2061]

Brilliant easy fix. Sadly mine is the metal cover variety so I'll be checking the video for that . Thanks for providing the link!

[@jLjtremblay]

Canadian ingenuity à son meilleur! Great fix! Thanks, guys! Greetings from Minnesota!

[@williamgokey9786]

Definitely worth a try guys that Anderson operator for my window is like $100.00 to replace here in the States, so Thanks. I will give that a try.

[@frankerling2175]

It’s a long term temporary fix, and I applaud your ingenuity. However, it’s pretty simple to replace the operator assembly. But your life hack costs only time. ❤

[@zwazovole]

Love it, your fix worked perfectly. Thank you for posting it. Saves me hundreds $$

[@omgitzkristi]

Thank you for sharing!!

[@chazbo2672]

Thx! Worked well (with two pieces of coat hanger for ours) for one of the old Truth Entry Guard window operators (circa 1980) we have which opened but did not close, like yours. The others we have which resist both opening and closing I think we’ll need to replace; hopefully just the crank operators, not the whole windows.

[@JohnnyFiacconi]

It's nice to hear that it worked for at least one of your window cranks! Good luck with the others. Thanks for the comment!

[@ZahiraBellydancer]

My crank failed last night. J hardly got any sleep, wondering if the window was still secure. I’m relieved that it only has to do with crank issue. Will give this a try. Thank you!!! 😃

[@scottmcdonald1239]

This worked super well! Thank you for this hack.

[@JohnnyFiacconi]

Really happy to hear that! Cheers

[@hkhan121]

You brothers are genius!!!

[@yingli1754]

Exactly what I'm looking for. Thanks.

[@melissadale2917]

This fix worked great! Thank you sooo much!

[@monicas-b1658]

Worked like a charm. Thanks.

[@matthiasweigel311]

Thank you - worked perfectly!!!!

[@sheaminklinger4217]

Thank you soooo much. I really enjoyed your video and your tip. Bless you guys.

[@Siddhisawsome]

Fixed 2 of my windows ‘BiltBest’ brand in 20 minutes, and I am not a handy type of person. Thank you guys - MA, USA

[@JohnnyFiacconi]

Really glad to hear this! Cheers!

[@jsd21hb]

Thanks guys! Worked on mine too. Used 3/16th stainless steel filler rod.

[@itzmrmo]

Thank you for your ingenious hack. I did the same but with a 1 inch brad.

[@trevord7659]

Thank you for the quick and easy fix! I wish I seen it sooner as last time I replaed the dual arm assembly and it didn't quite align properly with the window and now pops off the window halfway through opening or closing :( This fix works great.

[@MiBrCo4177]

"why is the camera so shaky?" now you two did an amazing job at DIY!! great work!

[@frankklaudusz7907]

Thanks guys metal coat hanger worked for me excellent fix!!

[@josephfeatherly5014]

This fixed my window. Thanks for the advice

[@JohnnyFiacconi]

That’s great to hear, glad we could help!

[@honeycomb1276]

This worked on my 30 year old Marvin cranks! Thank you!

[@JohnnyFiacconi]

Great to hear this! Glad we could help

[@andreafelton689]

Good job!

[@robertsilvarole1218]

Used a nail I had in a picture hanging kit. Works great. Thanks👍

[@MoiTSAetTDA]

Thank you so much ... I will definitely try this. 🤩

[@user-to6cu3xd7l]

Bet I'm going to try it!! 🤞 Thanks!!!

[@corylong8333]

Huge thank you!

[@Mike-gp9tv]

This actually works! I only wish I'd seen this video before I bought a new crank mechanism. Maybe I can return it.

[@timbates7851]

Amazing - thank you!

[@JayZoop]

I ordered a discontinued replacement Dyod Operator from Swisco. They have really good installation videos showing part numbers and suggesting minor parts to replace as well.

[@scottnorton4160]

Thanks so much you saved me time an money! Thanks for taking the time to share. Fellow Canadian Peterborough ont.

[@captsteve5839]

This rocks. Thanks fellas

[@JeanFrancoisDesrosiers]

Hey! I'm gonna try that tomorrow! In Montreal!

[@davidcarlson6397]

Wow! That is clever! I will try it!

[@gregjones8170]

Brilliant thank you

[@audigit]

Nice seluthing on that fix! unfortunately, this won't work on the condo windows at my cousin's condo. They opted for repacing the old windows, mostly because the wood frames were warped and the windows were jammed shut. Thank you for your time making this! 1

[@SgtPickledic]

This is great, what it is, there is normally a plastic bushing between there to keep it from moving in and out, they ware out over time from dirt and grime.. This is the same way I fix them. The one you fixed are older ones.. The other you looked is newer version. Those are casted, open the window all the way and you can removed it from the outside.

[@JohnnyFiacconi]

Thank you so much for the tips here! I appreciate you letting me know about the casted/newer cranks as well. Thanks for watching and all the best!

[@Pack.Leader]

I love videos like this. It helps train people to think outside the box and find things that will work in a pinch. I found this video while searching for a solution to my RV window crank problem. I can't find one that shows the crank I am in need of fixing so I will need to make a video showing my solution, once I figure it out. God bless KZbin.

[@anthonyturninggreen4736]

Any luck ;D?

[@Pack.Leader]

@@anthonyturninggreen4736 Nope. Stripped.

[@anthonyturninggreen4736]

@@Pack.Leader Dang, thank you!

[@chris10ab]

Awesome thanks

[@Beketh7077]

Thanks so much! It works!!!🎉

[@fzuray]

Perfect,thanks

[@johnkrueger8376]

Hole was two small but was able to use a trim nail. worked great. Thanks Guys! John from Wisconsin

[@cara8457]

Love these tricks! Saves us from hiring someone for every small fix. I need help putting the window track leg back on its track. The part that slides to the window opens out and comes back in fell off the track. Any advice?

[@veronicagarcia8851]

This video saved my life 🙏

[@JohnnyFiacconi]

I'm so glad it helped!

[@nootnoot5]

did anyone else think of the two moose from Brother Bear the whole time they were talking?

[@user-yj8bj2dn5u]

Hey. Great video. How do I find the ones for metal casings?

[@blakeiannelli8031]

Fellow Canadian Italians, thank you

[@ronski50]

A cotter pin would be an easier install than the clothes hanger wire. But thanks for the idea. UPDATE: I have a slightly different style of crank housing. I can't drill a hole thru both sides of the housing. I drilled a 7/64" (2.7mm) hole on one side of the housing. I hammered in the aluminum stud from a 3/16" pop rivet into the hole to pin the crank screw to the housing. The aluminum stud is malleable enough to be hammered thru the slightly smaller diameter hole and flatten against the shaft of the crank. I trimmed the stud to about 1/16" proud of the surface then flattened it with the hammer. Nail sett can also be used to further flatten the stud. Basically, the fix is a diy rivet. YRMV.

[@stormtrooper2010]

My exact same thought!!!

[@brianomoli4]

I have a different kind of window crank but the same process might help me. The other videos didn’t help at all. This one just might. Thanks.

[@Onestepcloser2rightpath]

Worked like a charm. I see a guy fixing this by a hammer, not sure how he was able to do that

[@mikecmassachusetts2020]

Good informative video: My broken crank handle is Ventarama, long out of business, with a similar problem. The crank handle opens a skylight. I'm unable to find the 'hole' but, in my case, the space on the shaft contains very thin spring/clamp washers, which I think have worn to uselessness. I plan to refill the space with several washers that I hope will stop the threaded shaft from spinning. The skylight is about fifty years old.

[@katiebrown4971]

So how do you find the brace outside?

[@lucythetiger]

Now I just gotta find a coat hanger!

[@eighteenin78]

I have a window screw that has done this. I wonder if there was a cotter pin or something in the original assembly that has disintegrated. It seems that might be the case. While I suppose I could replace the crank mechanism with one from a window that we rarely use, why not fix what you have. Thanks for this. And I think this is something I can do!! I also find these crank windows do not close very well. They don't fit tightly so they can be locked shut. That is probably due to the swelling and the window gaskets not fitting well. I end up pushing the window fully closed from the outside in the fall when I am closing them for the winter.

[@keithl4094]

How do you get the play out of the worm gear? Mine takes about 180 degrees before engaging.

[@GilbBonn7307]

Do you (or anyone out there) know if the operator shaft (that you're securing into the assembly) can be purchased separately anywhere? Mine's snapped off... below the first collar.

[@arushibajaj8756]

Hi! I have a weird issue - the arm thing that pushes out the window keeps detaching from under the wood and doesn't pull it in. What can I do to fix this? Thank you!

[@patriciakinnee8512]

Nice! I sure do recognize that accent!

[@randygrubba3774]

This might be a stupid question, but what's the name of the tool that's being used to cut the wire hanger? Thank you!

[@jeremyzabrinas]

Fucking rights boys. I needed this video. And you didn't have to mention you were from Canada, the accent was a dead giveaway 🤣

[@cara8457]

Need to find a video of how to get my crank out window back in the track. Several have slipped off and i cant figure out how to gwt them back on. 40 yo wood crank out windows.

[@alexc1921]

This is cool, although I was search for something different. For my condo window, the part that connects the outside arm and the window broke! Cannot fix it outside as it's a high rise building, haven't found a solution yet unfortunately.

[@MrBluesluver]

How about using a cotter pin?

[@marktaubensee3756]

57 thousand views ? Unreal. Can there be that many cranks that have failed? I'm going to try it myself. I am surprised to find the video but thanks in advance

[@outdoorsinoregon]

Worked for me; if I make it to Canada, I'll bring you a 2-4.

[@kathleenmarsman7746]

Works for me on my Dashwood crank, (a 1994 install) seems to be the identical mechanism as your video

[@sniperscrubb]

You are in Canada eh? Couldn’t tell.

[@gordova8633]

👍👍👍

[@monadnockhomeinspections]

I have about 30 windows that are doing the same thing I'm going to give this shot and repost afterwards

[@user-ne6jh1dw5i]

This worked great for my window except now I can’t get the casement cover to fit back on top because of the wire hanger! Help!

[@gregoryh8410]

There is a round washer that slides on and off. I believe that washer is the key. Have you thought about any glue that could hold it in place?