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How to Open Vertical and Horizontal Sliding Windows?dvslocksmith.com/2021/08/06/how-to-open-vertical-and-horizontal-sliding-windows

Sliding windows are one of the most widespread types of windows in homes. These

windows can also have a lock. However, homeowners can sometimes forget or lose their

keys and can not enter the house.

Therefore, windows can become a point of entry in this case if you know how to open it

from the outside. If you don’t know how to open it, contact Lockout Service in

Chicago to help you.

This article will help you to open locked vertical and horizontal sliding windows. We will

provide complete detail on how to open it from the inside (for cleaning) and the outside in

this article.

Vertical Sliding Windows

Vertical Sliding Windows slide upwards and downwards to close or open as per your

specific requirements. Most vertical sliding windows have two panels that are installed

vertically in the window frame. You cannot move the top panel because it is fixed in the

window frame. The bottom frame can slide up and down. However, in some vertical

sliding windows, both the panels can open and these are also called Double Hung Sash

Window.

Open Vertical Sliding Windows from inside

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Most windows use a Camlock. The Camlock has a latch that you can use to lock and

unlock by sliding it.

Slide the latch of the lock to the unlock position

There is a check rail at the bottom of the window. Hold it and move it towards the

top of the window.

The rail will open the bottom panel of the window

If you have a double-hung sash window, there will be a second rail where both the

panels meet.

The second rail will open the top panel by moving it in the opposite direction (top to

bottom) than the first panel.

Some windows can have catches that you can unlock with a key. After unlocking the

catch, there is a lever that rotates in the opening position.

Horizontal Sliding Windows

Horizontal Sliding Windows work just like Vertical Sliding Windows. The only difference

is that they slide left or right. There are two types of horizontal sliding windows. The

single slider only has one panel that will move, and the other is fixed to the window frame.

The double slider has two panels that will move.

Open Horizontal Sliding Windows from Inside

Unlock the cam lock by sliding the latch to unlock position (right to the left)

If the window is a double slider, you can also open the second panel in the same way

by moving the latch in the opposite direction (left to right)

If the panels of your window have a tilt-in feature, then you can rotate them

inwards.

Some windows can have a lock that unlocks by a key

Please make sure the window is unlocked before attempting to open it or tilt it.

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How to Open Vertical & Horizontal Sliding Windows from Outside

Tools Required

Pry Bar or crowbar

Thin razor saw or hacksaw blade. If you do not have them, you can use anything

long and thin that can enter the hole

Drill Machine with tiny drills

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Open Vertical and Horizontal Sliding Windows from Outside

Opening a vertical and horizontal sliding window from outside can be frustrating and not

that easy. It becomes more difficult if you are unfamiliar with the window.

Firstly, check if the window is locked or unlocked

If the window is unlocked, apply some force in pulling the window upwards (vertical

sliding window) or backward (horizontal sliding window)

If it still doesn’t happen, you will have to take the help of a pry bar.

Slip the pry bar between the window ledge or windowsill and the window panel.

Shake the pry bar but not with too much pressure as the window can break by

applying too much pressure.

If the window is locked, you will need an ultra-thin razor saw or a thin hacksaw

blade

Enter the razor saw in the window near the latch

Try to reach the lever with the razor saw and rotate it in the unlock position

Slide the panel upwards (vertical sliding window) or pull it backward (horizontal

sliding window) to open it.

If there is no place to enter the razor saw, you can use a tiny drill.

Drill the hole near the lock, and then enter the razor saw through the hole to rotate

the lever

The last option is to break the lock, but make sure to attempt it if you have no other

choice.

Conclusion

Opening sliding windows is accessible from the inside. You do not need special tools to

open them, and it will not take much time. However, it is different in the case if you are

outside. It would be best if you have the tools mentioned above, or you will not be able to

get in. Residential Locksmith in Chicago advises not to attempt this if you do not

have the right tools as you can cause damage to the window. In the long run, calling a

locksmith will save you money.