Symptoms
- Lock lever won't rotate at all
- Visible paint around the lock base
- Lever feels gritty or crusted
- Lock was fine before a repaint
Likely causes
- CommonPaint sealing the lever to its base plateRepainting without masking the hardware bridges the moving joint.
- PossibleDried paint inside the cam mechanismOverspray can seep into the lock body itself.
- PossibleCorrosion under the paintMoisture trapped under paint can rust older steel hardware.
What to do
- Score around the base of the lock lever with a utility knife to break the paint film.
- Apply a penetrating lubricant to the pivot point and let it sit for 10 minutes.
- Gently work the lever back and forth a small amount at a time rather than forcing a full turn.
- If it still won't move, remove the two mounting screws and lift the lock off to clean paint from the back and the cam.
- Soak a badly gunked lock in a small container of lubricant or mild solvent, then wipe clean.
- Reinstall and test the action before repainting anything nearby.
- If the lever snapped or the housing cracked, replace the whole unit rather than repairing it.
Tools and parts
- Utility knife
- Penetrating lubricant
- Screwdriver
Window sash lockSearch: “window sash cam lock replacement”
When to call a pro
Call a handyman if the lever breaks off during removal or the mounting screws are stripped.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.