New window keys broken off within locks

[BlogOnTheTyne]

My builders managed to bend the new window keys in our new windows' locks, resulting in 45 degree bent keys. However, the keys still worked.

To my horror, I've just discovered that since the builders were last here and secured the new windows before leaving for the day, 3 of the 4 keys have now broken off in the locks on 3 of the 4 opening windows. So the windows can't be unlocked. The remaining key still works but is bent.

Will the builders need to replace the entire windows in order to get funtioning locks again?

They are on the verge of finishing a 9 week long development and have mostly been great - barring the odd hitch. However, I really do need the new windows to lock and unlock and have no idea how you might extract tiny metal broken off key stalks from within the very heart of a window lock?

These are not PVC windows but some kind of metal window that looks like the Crittal windows in the rest of the house.

Locksmith?

I'd have thought a locksmith would be able to get the buggers out, or replace the barrels of the locks, but OMG, either your builders have all the manual dexterity of a rhinocerous, or those must be the flimsiest keys in the universe.

contact the builders - they should have liability insurance for this kind of muppetry, you should not be paying for their damage.

you may be able to pluck out the bits of broken key with your nostril-hair tweezers. Replacement keys are easy to get; the name or number on the key will help. There are online companies that specialise in replacement window keys, they are usually very basic.

If you have the sort of locks where the cylinder is in the pivot of a lever handle, the handle and its backplate can usually be removed by taking out two screws on the backplate. They may have domed caps to hide the screwheads, that can be prised out.

If replacement handles with locks are required (unless you take them to a locksmith to winkle out broken key fragments) look at IronmongeryDirect.

if not locking handles, here are some examples of individual window locks

Traditional metal windows are likely to have the Chubb (now branded Yale), ERA or Ingersoll metal locks. Rola look like the old Ingersoll to me.

If they are bending/breaking them though it doesn't sound as though the window locks are very good?

Thanks. Will be seeing the builders on Tuesday and tell them to sort it. The lock keys were very flimsy indeed and the builders almost instantly bent all of them, as they clearly weren't sure what way to turn the keys and window handles to open them. They left me no instructions either.

I think the locks are integral to the handles and will have a closer look at whether it seems they can be taken apart or are also integral part of the entire window - which I feared they might be.

handles are always obtained separately from a handle-supplier.

Mostly white, brass effect, sometimes silvery

Would a magnet get them out?

The window suppliers can get replacement barrels fitted, at the builders' expense.