windows sticking on locks?

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

I have Milgard Positive Action locks on my windows, and many of them are really hard to open --it seems to be catching up on the lock (they open just fine with the lock removed). it doesn't matter if I push up, down, out, in, it doesn't help. I just have to throw my weight behind it. the problem gets worse when the windows are warm (and presumably a little swollen). these windows appear to be fairly new.

I pulled the locks off and examined them -- they look totally fine, as far as I can tell.

does anybody have this problem too, and if so, how can this be fixed?

Featured Answer

User
Original Author

5 years ago

HU-591237522 - I fixed it! (and forgot to post an update, sorry!)

I had a window guy here for an unrelated project. he showed me how the inside part of the lock juts forward from the window frame a tiny bit. He removed one and shaved the sections that were jutting out. I went around and did the rest of the windows and voila! all fixed! it's not perfect, some still catch a tiny bit, but many of these windows no longer catch at all. I used an Xacto knife and worked slowly, shaving super thin slivers at a time. I took off about 1mm total. you don't want to take so much off that they no longer latch. (if you have a grinder, this would be so much easier.)

This might not solve your problem, but it's worth a look? before starting, you might want to be sure replacement pieces are available to order just in case it goes wrong.

This pic below shows the part of the latch I'm talking about. If you look closely you can see that my shaving is just a touch uneven. I literally never notice.

this is to outline the parts I shaved, just to make it clear:

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Comments (10)

PRO
Windows on Washington Ltd
8 years ago
When we used Milgard, when they were on the East Coast, we have a few issues with the PAL style locks and moved away from them. That said, a decent installer can usually adjust them up pretty well to where they work nicely. You said the windows were newer, how new?
User
Original Author
8 years ago
I don't know the age. they were installed in the house we bought. I just meant that they look pretty new. the previous homeowner didn't leave any documentation regarding these windows unfortunately. I'm hoping to find somebody who had a similar issue that can tell me how I might be able to fix it myself.
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PRO
Windows on Washington Ltd
8 years ago
BF,

Tilt the window in and take a look at the serial number that is either in the head jamb or on the side of the sash.

Start here and call them first. They are pretty helpful.
Hoai Phuong Nguyen
6 years ago
Hello. Did you ever get the windows fixed? I have the same problem. The windows are very hard to open. I need a way to fix them.
User
Original Author
6 years ago
no, unfortunately. I'm fairly certain the windows are getting hung up on the seals when you open. I imagine the only way to fix that is to have the seals redone.
HU-591237522
5 years ago
Same problem here, on numerous Milgard window locks, once they are locked it's impossible to open.
PRO
toddinmn
5 years ago
Never been a fan of the auto locks.

prone to problems and they dont draw the sashes together to form a tight seal. They tend to lower DP and raise air infiltration raring going from memory.
User
Original Author
5 years ago
my windows slide side to side, so they seem to be really well sealed. or at least, they make that "thwock" sound when opening, so they sound sealed to me, haha.

I like these locks now that they're working right. it's nice to be able to open them with one hand. what are some other types of windows that are one-handed like this, but perform better? (I'm about to get a bunch of these replaced soon.)
PRO
Windows on Washington Ltd
5 years ago
+1. We moved away from them early when we were using that window. Most of our window in this market are Double Hungs and they never seemed to work "quite right" when installed. I agree that it is a different operational feel on the sliders.