How to Replace Window Cranks

Pull the crank handle off the spindle if the handle only spins. Turn the crank spindle clockwise with a pair of vise-grip pliers and open the window until the bushing on the end of the arm lines up with the notch in the lower window track. The end of the arm has a round bushing that travels along the track. There is a small notch on the track where the bushing will fit through to release it from the window.

Grab the outer part of the window with one hand and press it open slightly more than it opens normally. Push the end of the arm out of the track with your free hand.

Find the screws securing the trim that covers the top of the crank handle. The trim looks like part of the lower window sill. Remove the screws with a Phillips screwdriver. Older wooden windows might have the top trim nailed into place, requiring a hammer to pry the trim off the window sill.

Remove the screws securing the crank body to the window sill with a Phillips screwdriver. Fill each screw hole in the window sill with wood glue and stick wooden toothpicks into each hole. Allow the glue to dry and cut the toothpicks flush to the window sill with a utility knife.

Line up the new window crank mounting holes with the old mounting holes in the window sill. Secure the window crank to the sill with the securing screws. Reinstall the upper sill trim piece in place and secure with screws or new nails.

Turn the window crank clockwise to extend the crank arm to the window. Insert the bushing on the end of the arm into the notch in the lower track of the window. Turn the window crank handle counterclockwise to close the window.