Window latch - how to open?

[itsmehere1]

Hi, we recently moved into a Victorian terraced house and our windows have the latches as in the attached picture. Some latches open by just twisting them sideways but other latches don’t twist as if there is some kind of a locking mechanism. However, can’t see any locks on them so not sure if the latches are stiff or indeed locked in some way. Please let me know if you have encountered such window latches. Thanks.

I don't see any pictures

Just checked on the app as sometimes photos posted there show up hours before they do on the website, but there's nothing.

Attached

Can you see it now?

Move the long part of the handle to the left.

Do you need to press the button at the same time if the the handle won't turn to left?

They are probably lockable, with an allen type key that goes into the hole beside the circular top of the handle.

Those are not Victorian latches 😁

They are probably locked

It's not original, it's a modern cockspur latch.

It looks to me as if it has a locking screw. Visualise it as a bird's head. The "eye" looks like a hole for the locking screw.

I don't recognise the make, so it won't be chubb, ingersoll, ERA, copydex, banham, yale.

The screw will be released by a special "security" key or tool, probably lost but might be in a drawer or hanging on a hook.

Luckily these keys get lost so often that there are companies specialising in selling replacement window keys. Have a look online and if you don't see one like yours, mail them your picture.

Update

If you can see a hexagonal socket in the screw head, then yes, an Allen key will probably fit. If modern it will be a metric size, if old it may be imperial (fractions of an inch).

You can still buy sets of each. Usually the Metric and the Imperial ones are in different coloured metal so you don't use the wrong one and damage the screw.

places like

example

another

www.replacementkeys.co.uk/house/window/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIm5Ov493P4QIVBrDtCh1CQAQ2EAAYAyAAEgIsRPD_BwE

For some reason barmy people moving house often take the keys with them.

Window locks are usually very simple and the same key will open all of them in your hopuse (or the whole street)

My suggestion is to put a cup-hook in the upper corner of the windowframe, furthest from the opening, where it will be out of reach of anyone trying to break in, and behind the curtain so casual visitors will not see it, but you will always know where it is and be able to get to it.

Often window locks are not operated for years on end. You can lubricate the type that has a cylinder by putting a little WD40 on a small paintbrush, and brushing it onto the key, then inserting, turning and withdrawing it repeatedly. The type that has a screw, if you open the window and turn the screw, you will usually see enough of the thread to brush WD40 onto it, then screw it in and out a few times.

(good door locks should not be lubricated, since dust and dirt blowing through the keyhole may stick to the oily surface and interfere with the mechanism)

Wow! Thanks a lot guys. I found this hexagonal key and it fits and I could finally open the window. I would have never guessed this was the key to the window. Can’t thank enough for pointing me in the right direction and that too with so much detail. Thanks :)

buy a few spares while you think about it and hang them on cup-hooks. I reckon you need at least one in each room that has a window lock (but don't leave the key in the lock) plus at least one spare in your concealed key cabinet.

If you can see a brand name they might be cheaper from a place like ironmongerydirect or from the maker. Usually I get two keys with each lock I buy. One company actually sent me a handful FOC as a customer service.

might be like this but I don't see a brandname. it's a cheap one.

Ah, Hampstead brand

But make sure it fits yours before splashing out.

Great tip pigletjohn. I will certainly buy spares. Thanks.

Oh PigletJohn.....you're my hero

I'm actually at little bit in love with Pigletjohn

You need to get Princess Sophia's opinion.