How do you usually fix stuck or squeaky window locks?

I totally get the exploded latch chaos - had a similar mess with a crank handle last month. I thought a bit of WD-40 would do the trick, but it barely helped and just left everything smelling weird for days. What actually fixed it was noticing the sash was slightly tilted. Turns out one of the screws in the side channel had worked loose over time, making everything bind up. Tightened that up, realigned things, and now it opens smoother than ever. Sometimes it’s something small you’d never expect...

I’ve run into that same sort of thing with old casement windows in my place - funny how it’s rarely the obvious fix. I used to immediately reach for lubricant too, but after a few sticky situations (and a few ruined shirts), I started looking closer at alignment. One time, the lock kept sticking and I was convinced it was just gunked up, but when I checked, one of the mounting screws had actually stripped out from years of use.

Here’s what’s worked for me:
1. Open and close the window slowly to see where it catches.
2. Check all the screws - sometimes they’re loose or even missing entirely.
3. If things are still off, I’ll clean out any debris from the track with a toothbrush (seriously, it works).
4. Only then do I add a tiny bit of dry lubricant - never WD-40 anymore because it seems to attract dust and smells forever.

Funny how something as simple as tightening a screw can make you feel like a genius... or at least save you from replacing the whole latch assembly. Sometimes less is more with these fixes.

Not gonna lie, I’m still guilty of reaching for the WD-40 sometimes, even though you’re totally right about the smell lingering forever. But honestly, I’ve had mixed results with dry lubricants - sometimes they don’t last as long for me, especially in humid weather.

“Only then do I add a tiny bit of dry lubricant - never WD-40 anymore because it seems to attract dust and smells forever.”

Interesting you mention silicone spray - I've had better luck with that than dry lubes too, especially on older hardware. But I wonder, have you ever noticed any buildup over time from the silicone? Sometimes I feel like it leaves a bit of residue, especially if the window doesn’t get opened much. Also, do you usually remove the lock to clean it, or just spray in place? I’ve seen both approaches but not sure if one really works better.

I’ve definitely noticed that silicone spray can leave a bit of a film, especially if I get a little too enthusiastic with it (which, let’s be honest, happens more than I’d like to admit). On the windows in my living room that barely get touched, there’s this slightly tacky feel after a while. Doesn’t seem to attract dust quite as much as heavier stuff, but it’s not totally invisible either.

As for removing the lock versus spraying in place... I tried taking one off once and instantly regretted it - tiny screws, awkward angle, and then I dropped one behind the radiator. Now I just spray in place and work the mechanism a few times. Not sure it’s the “pro” way, but it saves me from crawling around on the floor with a magnet. Maybe if things were really gunked up I’d consider taking it apart, but so far, lazy wins.

Anyone else have a trick for getting rid of that residue? Or is it just part of the deal?

That tacky film is the bane of my existence, honestly. I’ve tried buffing it out with a dry microfiber cloth after spraying, and that helps a bit, but you’re right, it never really goes away. If it gets really bad, a little rubbing alcohol on the cloth takes most of it off without messing up the finish. I’m with you on not taking the whole lock apart - unless you really love chasing runaway screws under baseboards. Sometimes “good enough” is just fine.

That tacky residue drives me nuts too. I’ve tried a few different sprays over the years, and no matter what, there’s always some leftover gunk. I usually just live with it unless it gets really obvious. Once, I got fed up and actually took a lock apart - never again. I lost a screw in the vent and didn’t find it until months later. Now I just stick to the microfiber cloth and maybe a dab of WD-40 when things get really stubborn. Good enough is usually good enough around here.

I hear you on the residue - some of those sprays just leave more mess than they fix. Here’s what’s worked for me over the years: First, I use a dry toothbrush to knock out any dust or loose gunk from around the lock. Then, I’ll take a slightly damp microfiber and wipe it down. For the squeak, I go with a tiny drop of silicone lubricant (not WD-40, since it can gum up over time). Just work the lock back and forth a few times. No need to take anything apart - learned that lesson after dropping a spring behind the radiator once... Still haven’t found it.

That spring story made me laugh - been there with tiny parts vanishing into the abyss. I’m with you on the silicone lube; WD-40 just seems to attract more dust in my place. Ever tried graphite powder, though? I used it once and ended up with black smudges all over my hands and window frame... maybe I’m just messy. Do you find the toothbrush trick works for older, painted-over locks too? Sometimes mine are so gunked up, I wonder if anything short of a chisel would help.

I’ve tried the toothbrush thing on my old windows, but honestly, if there’s a few layers of paint or years of grime, it barely scratches the surface. Sometimes I feel like I’m just moving the gunk around. I’ve actually resorted to using a plastic scraper (gently) to get the worst of it off before even thinking about lube. Has anyone ever actually managed to get one of those painted-over locks working smoothly again without taking the whole thing apart?