Casement Window Cranks

[Andy B.]

Has anyone had to replace the crank handle itself? I have one that has a stripped gear in the handle (female cog portion) and I cannot find a replacement -- or more accurately, I find way to many replacements.

How do I know that the handle I am buying will actually fit my window?

{if it matters, the handle is a "Truth" window product, but their website is no help}

[Ryan M.]

We shove steelwool into the handle or drill through the center and tap it with a small bolt.

[Account Closed]

It might be regional but our local Ace hardware has a decent selection of replacement parts for casement window operators, including just the handle. I've bought the whole operating rig more than once when they've been out of the handle. I think they are about $18. Sometimes I just use the handle, sometimes I replace the whole thing, especially after a new paint job and I want to reinstall fresh hardware. We are near the ocean and most window hardware finishes, except solid brass, look pretty bad pretty quickly.

Another note: those handles will re-strip in months if the window isn't moving 100% freely. Check the window panel and the frame for warping where they meet and close. Sand or plane if needed and lubricate all the parts so the window moves as freely as possible and so that the handle isn't doing the work.

[Ryan M.]

Ya you can find handles but it will cost 10 to 20 and I'm not willing to spend that, on rentals anyway.

[Andy B.]

Thanks for the info - I'll check with Ace (Home Depot and Lowes were no help).

This is for my Dad's new place, so the 10 bucks is not that big a deal.

I've done the steel wool trick for now.

[Account Closed]

I manage projects on an estate with at least 25 pairs of old funky casement windows, with every kind of issue you can imagine. The window parts/repair section at Home Depot is pretty lame. Ours has the operator assembly (on good days both left and right side) but no separate handles. Your "real hardware store" or lumberyard for contractors definitely has them. With the exception of some high end Anderson window handles (that were stripped the year after the warranty expired), I have found the handles to be mostly interchangeable.

Ryan M. Thanks for the steel wool trick. I've repaired a lot of 1950s cabinet hinges on that property with toothpicks and wood glue. I'll wrap teflon tape on just about anything. But I did not know about the steel wool. Thanks!

[Ryan M.]

No problem, I have one casement where the cops came through it, sketchy tenants prior. Cops will ruin everything they don't care and don't have to pay for it. Anyway, this was a nice pella window but they messed up the mechanics of the opener so bad I ended up installing a handle on it. It is now a window you have to open by hand, that one still irritates me.

[Dan V.]

I've gotten mine locally through a window repair company. I had to remove the crank handle assembly and take it to them to match up rather than trying to find something online.
After using this local window repair company I have found that they are very helpful in repairing or getting otherwise hard to find glass.