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View Full Version : OT: Help me with this Window Sash Lock (Pics)

Pegoready
06-12-2019, 10:05 PM
Hello folks, hot off hummus_quinas's HVAC thread (https://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=238730&highlight=hvac), I was hoping to crowd source this home wrenching question that has confounded me for the past couple of days. You all never cease to amaze with your depth of knowledge.

So anyway, I have bedroom windows with sash locks that look like this:

https://i.imgur.com/xo0deAAl.jpg

One of the cams was loose, so I got the bright idea to unscrew both the cam side and the fixed side. I fixed the loose the cam, screwed that side in, and it all went back beautifully. Then I went to screw in the fixed side back in and cannot for the life of me get the screws to bite into anything.

This is what the fixed side looks like:

https://i.imgur.com/AqTQMhCl.jpg

This is what the screw tips look like:

https://i.imgur.com/TAgbVNGl.jpg

This is what the holes look like:

https://i.imgur.com/LUqpknXl.jpg

After some research I discover there is a metal plate inside the frame with 2 threaded holes to accept the screws. Using a sharp spoke and a light, I can see the plate's holes and I can even manipulate it until it *looks* lined up with the holes, but the screws just won't engage!

This is what the top and back of the frame look like, so it's not obvious how to get in there to access the plate:

https://i.imgur.com/ziGqik5l.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/8CTSvO7l.jpg

Anyway, I'm at a loss here. I could always settle on using a stick to lock the windows or one of those wingnut locks, but it just doesn't sit right that I can't solve this.

Any thoughts? Thanks!
eddief
06-12-2019, 10:31 PM
no one in the rest of the world had the answer.

But for you. How about mushroom toggle?

https://www.walterswholesale.com/dottie-tb384-zinc-plated-steel-slotted-drive-mushroom-truss-head-spring-wing-square-toggle-bolt-3-8-inch-x-4-inch-458589?gclid=Cj0KCQjwxYLoBRCxARIsAEf16-ufCwCmqylTECwqBcAqKYIGFe1y64XY3IgPajimH6K6E3PYnTHU rJoaAoctEALw_wcB
Peter P.
06-12-2019, 10:54 PM
Try a magnet.
rwsaunders
06-12-2019, 10:55 PM
They look like self drilling sheet metal screws and they require pressure in order to get them to bite. Perhaps try a self tapping screw with the same length and thread since the inside plate should now be threaded from the original installation.

https://www.firstcallautosupply.com/self-drilling-screws-vs-self-tapping-screws/
eddief
06-12-2019, 11:05 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lDnjprBMYw
kramnnim
06-12-2019, 11:29 PM
Is the metal plate completely loose? Or does it slide back and forth in the frame? Seems like the holes in the metal plate are stripped or the screws are not going in to the plate.
Pegoready
06-12-2019, 11:51 PM
They look like self drilling sheet metal screws and they require pressure in order to get them to bite. Perhaps try a self tapping screw with the same length and thread since the inside plate should now be threaded from the original installation.

https://www.firstcallautosupply.com/self-drilling-screws-vs-self-tapping-screws/

Smart idea. Will try this. Makes sense that this is how the holes were originally created (the the self drilling screw) but why they won't reengage with the existing hole.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lDnjprBMYw

Yup, saw that, it's a band aid in my opinion but I'll try it if I need to.

Is the metal plate completely loose? Or does it slide back and forth in the frame? Seems like the holes in the metal plate are stripped or the screws are not going in to the plate.


The plate is roughly loose (maybe 3-4 mm jiggle in all directions). I don't buy that both holes are stripped. One, maybe, both, no. Yes, it's obvious my problem is the screws are not going in the plate. But, how to solve it?
oliver1850
06-13-2019, 12:58 AM
Perhaps get a longer screw with the same threading, use it to bring the plate up far enough to get the other side started with the right length screw.
kramnnim
06-13-2019, 06:31 AM
Try putting one screw in, without the hardware, check the other hole to see if the metal plate is in place?

Either the screws are spinning in the thin aluminum/vinyl and not engaging the plate, or they are spinning in the plate. Should be able to tell with the light if you do the screws individually without the hardware.

If they are spinning in the plate, you could get a larger diameter screw...
eddief
06-27-2019, 08:35 AM
i've been losing sleep over this since it was originally posted.
Alstra
02-02-2021, 03:55 PM
i've been losing sleep over this since it was originally posted.

I still wonder if he ever fixed it lol! My father had similar windows, and they were always problematic. Still Liz enjoyed fixing things in the house alone, and he never allowed me to call any definition or any kind of repair even for the hardest of tasks! He usually did well with any tasks be the sink replacement or even a roof leak fix. However, when it came to the casement windows (https://joinerysolutionssw.co.uk/timber-casement-windows/) we had in the living room that were made out of wood he didn't manage to deal with it,so we had to call people with real experience in such work. I was surprised that he didn't mind, and he was even cooperating with them and learning how it's done.