Most dragging, sticking and locking problems are fixed with an adjustment, not new parts.
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A tilt-and-turn sash hangs on two hinges: a corner hinge at the bottom and a hinge arm (the "stay") at the top. Both have adjustment screws. Around the edge of the sash, locking cams engage keeps on the frame, and they can be turned to change how hard the sash presses on its seals. When any of these drift, the window tells you: it drags, the handle fights you, or it won't lock at all. We put it back in line.
Signs your window needs adjusting
- The sash rubs the frame at the bottom on the handle side, or you have to lift it to close.
- The handle is hard to turn down, or stops short of fully closed.
- The window closes but you can feel a draft or hear wind whistle.
- The handle turns but the window doesn't lock, or it won't tilt.
- The sash tilts and turns at the same time and hangs from the top corner.
- There's a visible gap between sash and frame on one side, or uneven gaps all around.
- In winter, cold air or condensation along one edge only.
Why it happens
| Symptom | Common cause |
|---|---|
| Drags at bottom, handle side | Sash has dropped; bottom hinge height needs raising |
| Rubs on hinge side or handle side | Sash shifted sideways; side adjustment at bottom hinge and top stay |
| Stiff handle | Cams pressing too hard, dry hardware, or cams no longer lining up with keeps because the sash dropped |
| Draft or whistle | Cams set too loose, gasket compressed or out of its groove, sash not square to frame |
| Won't lock / won't tilt | Misaligned cams, worn keep, or the misoperation lock is engaged |
| Hanging from top corner | Handle moved to tilt while sash was turned open (misoperation), or misoperation device worn |
| Seasonal sticking | House movement; wood framing swelling in wet months |
If you need two hands and a shoulder to close it, it's out of adjustment. A good tilt-and-turn closes with one finger.
What happens at an adjustment visit
- Check how it operates in every position, and look at gaps between sash and frame all the way around.
- Set height and side position at the bottom hinge and top stay so the sash sits evenly in the frame.
- Set compression at the locking cams: firm enough to seal, light enough for an easy handle. Some cams have markings for seasonal settings.
- Check and adjust keeps so every cam engages.
- Clean and lubricate moving parts with a resin- and acid-free lubricant, as hardware makers recommend.
- Check gaskets and drainage, re-seat gaskets, clear weep slots.
- Test closed, tilt, turn and any night-vent position, and child-safety features.
If a part is worn (hinge bearing, keep, gearbox, misoperation device), we'll show you and quote replacement. Parts usually arrive in under a month. See hardware repair.
My window is hanging from one corner. What do I do?
This happens when the handle is moved to tilt while the sash is open in turn. The sash is then held only by the top hinge.
- Support the sash with one hand. It's heavy.
- Push the sash back flat against the frame, as if closing it from turn.
- Keep it pressed in. Near the handle, on the sash edge, there's usually a small lever or button (the misoperation lock). Press it, if present.
- While holding the sash closed, turn the handle to the "turn" position (horizontal), then down to closed.
- Open and close normally to check. If it happens again, or you can't safely hold the sash, stop and request service.
Safety: If the top hinge or stay arm looks bent or pulled out, don't operate the window. Keep children away and call us.
What you can check yourself
- Handle fully down? A handle stopped at a slight angle leaves cams half-engaged.
- Something in the way? A blind cord, a pushed-out gasket or debris at the bottom of the frame.
- Dry hardware? Put one drop of light machine oil on each visible locking cam and on the bottom hinge, then work the handle a few times. Don't use spray grease on gaskets.
- Clear drainage slots on the outside bottom of the frame.
Leave hinge screws, cam adjustment and covers alone unless you know the hardware. Wrong adjustments can lift a sash off its hinge. Our blog guide explains the adjustments for the confident DIYer.
Do you adjust windows from other suppliers?
Yes. We adjust European tilt-and-turn and casement windows and European sliding/patio doors regardless of who sold or installed them, including common hardware families such as Siegenia, Roto, Maco, Winkhaus and GU. Send a photo of the hardware stamp on the sash edge if you can.
Cost
We don't publish prices. Pricing depends on your distance from Seattle and the number of windows, so call (425) 678-5158 or send a service request with photos for a quote. We'll always tell you the cost before we start work. Parts, if needed, are quoted separately.
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If adjustment can't fix it, for example a warped or damaged frame, we'll quote replacement for that window only. If several windows need regular attention, a maintenance visit keeps them right.
How often do tilt-and-turn windows need adjusting?
Why does my window stick only in winter?
Can adjusting fix a draft?
My handle turns all the way round and nothing happens. The gearbox or handle spindle has likely failed. That's a part replacement. See hardware repair.