So if you’re familiar with these, please give me some ideas on how I might get a stuck latch to release when the release tab has apparently broken inside? This the most visible picture window in the whole home, and it’s really gonna stink if I can’t clean inside it.
Alex, I have done quite a few of these. While I haven’t encountered a broken latch, I have had them stuck shut from the painters closing them with wet wood stain. Are you sure that the latch is broken, or is it possible that it is unlocked, but stuck. Do you know if they were painted or stained, and if they’ve been opened since then?
Here is what I would try. You should know, from looking at the other similar windows, exactly where the latches are. Push the window in the location of each latch, and you should hear the latch click into place. Now you know the latch is engaged. Now, slide the release mechanism over this spot. As you know, you should feel the resistance at the latch, then the release mechanism should move through it and continue on, which means that the latch has been moved to the open position. If you can do this on all the latches, then they should all be unlocked, but the window is stuck.
Next step, make sure you are 100% certain which way this window opens. Don’t listen to the homeowner; I’ve had them swear to me they go one way when they really go another. You don’t want to be yanking on the hinge side by mistake. 
If you have some thin mechanics gloves (or even leather gloves), I’d recommend wearing them. This can be really hard on your fingers. Slide your fingers into one of the two corners on the “opening” side of the window, and see if you can get any of the window to release and start to open. The corners should be the easiest to start. Once you get it a little bit open, slowly slide your fingers inside the part you have open to continue to release the rest of it.
Be careful to not pull an open corner too far. You don’t want to test how far the glass will bend before it will break. I wish you luck. These new Pellas can be a real pain.
I forgot to mention. If you push the latches to engage them, but the release mechanisms really don’t release them, then I would call the local Pella store for a repair. I have not seen them break, but I suppose it could happen.
Thanks man. I’m 99.9% sure it’s not stuck. All the other latches have released and the frame pulls out freely, except on that one spot. When I slide the release thingy, there is no resistance as it passes by where the latch should be. In fact, there’s really no resistance in the release thingamabob, period. It slides without any friction, indicating the back portion of it has broken off. All of the functioning releases have a little more friction to them.
I definitely agree that it’s a matter for the Pella service department. And I sure hope for the Land-lady’s sake that it’s a free repair…
You can use a thin flexible piece of metal such as a feeler gauge or “slim jim” lockout tool to slide in there and release the latch. Spray it with silicone lube first that helps too. Oh, a Pella will probably charge $75 for a service call. At least that’s what it is here.
I use my paint can opener to put a little tension on the frame while sliding the release.
Sent from my Panasonic VCR. Please set the clock before responding.
If I understand correctly though the plastic release is broken on this window.
That’s what I thought but his second post made it sound like the release was there but the latch wasn’t engaging…?
Sent from my Panasonic VCR. Please set the clock before responding.
make the customer call pella for a service call. that’s their punishment for buying such a stupid product. shake head in mild disapproval while breaking the news to the customer for added effect.
Lol. I don’t think the customer had these installed. Newer construction, and I think the customer bought this property as an investment (high end rental condo). OTOH, they do have pella’s in their own house, too…
the suction cup tool works well too as an alternative to the painters tool
Oh… how much I LOVE this!!!
I’m pretty much with you on this, I follow your line of thinkng.
First though, ok, so maybe it’s broke.
Second thought, not broke, just not engaging.
Third thought, torque/tension.
Fourth thought: I can bust that out for you if you’d like, no extra charge. I’ve got my skeleton brick in the truck.
Hey, one word of clarification. While I do occasionally get these open with a feeler gauge. If it takes any more than minimal effort, I don’t do it. My policy is to not make their problem, my problem. Call Pella.
Sent from my iPhone using Window Cleaning Resource
“I’ve gotta get my tool.”
I was thinking Coolio’s song “My skeleton brick still works like a charm.” but Gone is 60 is a good one too.
