A window that won’t lock properly is easy to put off dealing with, but it leaves your home open in the most literal sense. Most break-ins through windows happen at the ones that were never properly secured in the first place.
The good news is that window locks are usually repairable. You rarely need a whole new window. Geoff at GRN Locksmiths repairs and replaces window locks and handles across West Sussex and into Hampshire, with no call-out fee and a price agreed before any work starts.
Most modern uPVC windows use what’s called an espagnolette mechanism. When you turn the handle, it drives a gearbox that pushes a long metal strip up and down the edge of the window, locking it into the frame at several points. There’s a fair bit going on in there, so a few things commonly go wrong:
Most of these are straightforward to resolve. Geoff will find out what’s actually wrong before doing anything.
This is worth saying clearly, because people are often told otherwise.
If your window won’t lock, it very rarely means you need a replacement window. Usually it’s the handle, the gearbox inside the mechanism, the window hinges (or ‘stays’) or the keeps on the frame being out of alignment. All of those are repairable or replaceable at a fraction of the cost.
Sometimes the window has simply dropped slightly due to a failed hinge or hinges on its hinges, so the locking points no longer meet the keeps cleanly. That can make the handle stiff or stop it locking entirely. GRN stock most window hinge types and sizes and can often replace on our first visit.
Geoff will diagnose the actual cause and tell you honestly what’s needed. Window repairs start from £60.
Most home insurance policies expect key-locking handles on accessible windows, meaning ground floor windows and any upstairs window that could be reached from a flat roof, extension or drainpipe. If a window can’t be locked, or the handle has no key, you may not be meeting the terms of your policy.
It’s a cheap thing to put right. Fitting key-locking handles is quick and inexpensive, and it makes a real difference to how secure your home actually is, not just on paper.
One thing worth thinking about. If a window is your escape route from a bedroom, you need to be able to open it quickly in an emergency. A key-locking handle is good for security, but only if the key is somewhere you can find it in the dark.
The usual advice is to keep the key nearby but out of sight from outside, not in the lock and not hidden somewhere you’d have to hunt for. Geoff is happy to talk this through when he’s out, so you get the security you need without creating a problem if you ever need to get out fast.
Geoff will look at how the window behaves both open and closed, since that usually tells him whether the problem is inside the mechanism or down to alignment. He’ll explain what’s wrong and confirm the price before starting.
Window hardware is very size specific, so occasionally a part needs ordering. Geoff carries common handles and mechanisms in the van and will tell you straight away if anything needs to come in. If GRN do not have the correct parts we can usually still secure a window in the locked position for your peace of mind. Before he leaves he’ll check the window opens, closes and locks smoothly.
GRN Locksmiths covers a wide area across West Sussex and into Hampshire. Geoff is on the road most days and reaches a lot of towns and villages across the region.
In West Sussex this includes Bognor Regis, Chichester, Worthing, West Worthing, Littlehampton, Arundel, Selsey, Pagham, Angmering, Goring-by-Sea, Barnham, Aldwick, West Wittering, Bracklesham, Midhurst, Petworth, Storrington, and Pulborough.
In Hampshire, Geoff covers Emsworth, Havant, and Hayling Island.
Not sure if you’re covered? Call or WhatsApp Geoff on 07889325487 and he will let you know.
Geoff is DBS checked, Checkatrade verified, and has been repairing and replacing locks and windows across West Sussex for years. He’s an independent, family-run business, which means you deal with the person doing the job from start to finish.
Bruce the Golden Retriever occasionally comes along for the ride too, if that helps.
No call-out fee. No VAT on labour. Price agreed before work starts. All work guaranteed.
Usually not. A spinning handle normally means the gearbox inside the mechanism has failed or the spindle has worn. It’s a common repair and much cheaper than replacing the window. Repairs start from £60.
Almost never. The lock, handle and keeps are all replaceable parts. Geoff will only tell you a window needs replacing if it genuinely does, which is rare.
Yes. This is often a failed mechanism locking in the closed position. Geoff can open it and repair or replace the mechanism.
Window handle keys are usually a standard type and easily replaced. If not, the handle itself can be swapped. Either way it’s a quick job.
Most policies expect key-locking handles on accessible windows. If yours don’t lock or have no key, it’s worth sorting. Geoff can fit key-locking handles quickly and cheaply.
Call or WhatsApp Geoff on 07889325487 or use the contact form below.






















Locked out? We will get to you…fast! There’s no call-out fee and no fix no fee.
| Cookie | Duration | Description |
|---|---|---|
| cookielawinfo-checbox-analytics | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". |
| cookielawinfo-checbox-functional | 11 months | The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". |
| cookielawinfo-checbox-others | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. |
| cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". |
| cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". |
| viewed_cookie_policy | 11 months | The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data. |
