UPVC Window (UK) - it has no pins - how do I pick?

[markbrobinson3]

Hello,

Just moved into a new flat. There are UPVC windows - none of which have a key. However, imagine my surprise when I receive my shiny new lock picks through the post, have a closer look at the lock, only to find that there is no pins to pick! This should be really easy, I was expecting to see a single pin, but the barrel is completely smooth inside (on the locked ones and the unlocked ones).

There are no identifying marks for the type of lock. I have tried to uploaded a picture but the board attachment quota has been reached. They look the same as any UPVC window handle with lock that you see on the internet. They are cheap. When locked, a bar comes out the back of the handle to lock the handle in place. There are no pins. The barrel pushes in like a button, and then turns. How do pick this? Please help. P.S. I have looked long and hard on google and can not find an answer

Any help much appreciated.

M

[mhole]

Without a picture it's hard to say. Many handles have simple wafer locks, but some have even simpler mechanisms, which are not like a traditional cylinder lock. You may find that pushing a small screwdriver down and turning it (so that it engages the bottom of the slot, not the top) will open them.

[squelchtone]

how do you pick them?

You call the landlord and ask him/her to open them for you.

We have a basic rule in the lockpicking community. We are not criminals or hooligans; we pick because it is fun and a challenge, like solving a difficult puzzle. We only practice on our own locks, and never pick friend's locks, dormitory locks, flat locks, office locks, or any other locks which are not our own. Some folks who visit here believe that because they were issued a key to their university dorm room or to their apartment/flat, that they can practice their skill by picking those locks, but those locks are still the property of the school or the landlord, so it is not ethical to be picking them because sometimes things go wrong and next thing you know the building super has to come fix your locks and you may loose your security deposit.

good luck with your window opening, I'm sure your flat management will be able to help you.

Bastardizing the English language since 1986,
Squelchtone

[markbrobinson3]

Squelchtone, why are you going on about landlords and criminals? It's my flat, I own it. Protests too much, me thinks!

Mhole, thanks for your thoughts, I wil try.

M

[MacGyver101]

Protests too much, me thinks!

Well... in fairness, you should stick around for a while, and see some of the more choice "first posts" that we get from new members (e.g., "I just bought a new industrial building, and the former owners forgot to give me any keys. I'm presenting sitting on the roof, and would like to know how to pry open the roof access hatch as quietly as possible").

[squelchtone]

Squelchtone, why are you going on about landlords and criminals? It's my flat, I own it. Protests too much, me thinks!

Mhole, thanks for your thoughts, I wil try.

M

Perhaps my Queen's English is a little rusty, but as a typical stupid American I was always led to believe that a "flat" was a rented apartment that someone in their 20's or 30's would live in before they buy an actual house. All apologies if I am mistaken.

Cheers,
Squelchtone

[mhole]

A flat means an apartment. They can be rented or privately owned, both are equally common. In the UK we haven't got quite as much elbow room as you guys over the pond, so many people here live in flats their whole lives, as there simply isn't room for everyone to have a house, particularly in the big cities.

Mark - if you can pop a window open you may find the makers name on the edge of the espag strip which runs the edge of the window.

[EmCee]

What mhole said.

Hood or bonnet, trunk or boot, cookie or biscuit, cracker or crisp.

Given different words used, not sure if this will be helpful or boring but...

In the UK 'flat' can mean an apartment in a purpose-built tower block/skyscraper or lower rise building, or in a sub-divided former larger house/warehouse/factory/office. Flats can be rented or purchased.

Buyers of flats are usually leaseholders (especially in purpose-built blocks) - the mortgage or cash actually buys a long lease (often starting out at 999 years and subsequently reducing - so if you sell after 10 years the next buyer gets 989 years etc). This obviously means that towards the end of the lease the flat is worth less although sometimes the lease can be renewed. The freehold of the building itself belongs to a - whatever...private developer/trust/pension fund etc - who retains the right to the capital and can sell the building (suitable protection caveats). Owners of the individual flats pay a 'ground rent' to the building owner/manager to cover repairs to communal areas, the roof and any other services like security, in addition to their own mortgages.

Buyers of flats may also jointly own the freehold of the building (usually smaller buildings) in addition to their individual flats. They have to share maintenance costs of communal areas and they could jointly agree to sell the freehold and become leaseholders.

In all cases, if you buy a flat then in terms of 'ownership' you are essentially in the same position as someone who buys a house.

Cheers...

[Perrin]

It can also mean no air left in your tyres.

*ahem* Right, I'll go get my coat shall I...

[yono]

Hi guys..and Mr. Markbrobinsons3 please try to post us of the subj. lock picture. thats your best bet in getting some help. (i think) regards.

[EmCee]

It can also mean no air left in your tyres.

*ahem* Right, I'll go get my coat shall I...

I already called for a taxi...and 'ere's yer 'at

[Rickthepick]

There is a trick to opening these

They are simply a spring loaded plunger that needs to be retracted (i have never seen the key to one)

Make sure the handle is fully returned then whack the side of it hard with a bump hammer next to the button.It should pop right open

alternatively feel around inside the hole with a hook and find the notch that releases the tension and lets the button pop back out.

[Rickthepick]

Its hardly a security risk question is it?
These windows only open from the inside and the handles can be opened easily with brute force by a child if need be.

[79commando]

A top tip that may be of use. As all the windows in all the flats will be supplied by the same company just knock on a neighbours door and borrow one of theirs or get the details off it to buy your own. Job done. I've had loads of jobs where customers have called me out to open their windows and I just knock on a neighbours door.