It’s happened to all of us at one time or another. You’re in the middle of a hot summer day, and you realize that you left your window open. But when you go to close it, you realize that the window is stuck and won’t budge. Or maybe you’re locked out of your house and need to get back in quickly. In either case, knowing how to open a window from the outside can be a life saver! In this article, we will answer some common questions about how to do this, as well as provide some useful tips on the best ways to do it.
Types of Windows and Window Locks
There are a few different types of windows and their locking systems that you may encounter, and each one has its own unique way of being opened from the outside.
Window locks
There are two main types of window locks: cranks and latches. Cranks are the type of lock that is found on most standard windows. To open a window with a crank, you need to push down on the crank while turning it in either direction. Latches are usually found on older windows or on windows that have been updated with newer security features. To open a window with a latch, you need to lift up on the latch and then pull the window open.
In addition to these two main types of locks, there are also a few different variations of each one. For example, some cranks can be opened by pushing down and turning them in either direction, while others require you to hold down the crank while latches can either be opened by lifting up or by pressing down.
Aside from cranks and latches, there are also a few other types of locks that you may encounter. These include key-operated locks, chain locks, and bar locks. Key-operated locks are usually found on windows that are meant to be opened from the inside only, such as basement windows. Chain locks are often used in combination with other types of locks, such as latches, and are designed to prevent the window from being opened more than a certain amount and improve the security. Bar locks are horizontal bars that can be placed across the inside of the window to prevent it from being opened at all.
If you’re not sure what type of window you have or how to open it, your best bet is to take a look at the locking mechanism itself and try to find out how it works. Once you know how each type of window locks and opens, you will be better equipped to deal with any situation that may arise.
Next, let’s take a look at the types of windows and their characteristics.
Windows
There are four main types of windows: casement, sash, sliding, and stationary. Casement windows are the type that is most often seen in homes. They have a hinge on one side and open outward like a door.
Sash windows can be single-hung and double-hung.
Single-hung windows have an upper sash that is stationary and a lower sash that moves up and down.
Double-hung windows have two sashes that move up and down independently of each other.
Sliding windows have one or two sashes that slide horizontally along tracks.
Stationary windows do not open and are usually found in showers or as accent pieces in a room.
The type of window you have will also play a role in determining the best way to open it from the outside. [2], [3]
Now that we’ve gone over the different types of locks and windows, let’s take a look at some tips for opening them from the outside.
Opening a Casement Window From the Outside
If your window does have a crank from the outside, then the easiest way to open a casement window from the outside is simply by using a crank. If your window has a crank, you can simply push down on it while turning it in either direction and the window will open.
Open it by levering the casement out of window frame
If your window does not have a crank from the outside, or if the crank is broken, you can still open it by levering the casement out of the window frame. To do this, you will need a pry bar or another sturdy object that you can use to push down on the casement and pop it out of the frame.
Once the casement is popped out of the frame, you can then reach in and unlock the window from inside. Be careful when doing this as there may be sharp edges on the frame that could cut you. [2]
Opening a Sash Window From the Outside
By levering the latch with a crowbar
The best way to open a sash window from the outside is by using a pry bar to lift up on a latch. To lift the window, just wedge a crowbar between the bottom of the sash and the window still. Push up on one of the sashes until it opens. The window should then be able to be opened from the outside.
This is one of the easier methods, but it is still important to be careful not to damage the window.
By using a knife or other sharp object
Another way to open a sash window from the outside is by using a knife or other sharp object to pry up on the latch. First, find the space between the two sashes and insert the instrument of your choice into that space. Push up on one of the sashes until it opens. The window should then be able to be opened from the outside.
This is a more dangerous method and should only be used as a last resort, as you run the risk of damaging the window or injuring yourself.
Opening a Sliding Window From the Outside
It’s also possible to open a sliding window by pushing it around the sash with your hands if it’s unlocked. If that doesn’t work, try jiggling a pry bar between the windowsill and the glass until it moves. However, if that fails as well, we have some more options for you.
By using a hacksaw blade
The other way to open a sliding window from the outside is by using a hacksaw blade. Just insert the hacksaw blade into the track of the window near the latch and saw back-and-forth until the window opens.
Keep in mind that this method may damage your window, so it’s best to be cautious when performing it.
By levering the sliding window with a pry bar
Another method we’ll cover is opening a sliding window with a pry bar. To do this, insert the prybar into the space between the window and the frame and lever it until the window opens.
This is another method that can damage your window, so use caution when performing it. [2], [4]
Methods For All Window Types
There are also some methods that work for all window types. These are the extreme measures that you should use only if you really need to get that window open as soon as possible.
Open it by breaking the lock
If you’re in an emergency situation and need to get into your home quickly, you can always try to break the lock on your window. This is obviously the most destructive method and should only be used if no other method helped you and you are short on time.
There are a few different ways to go about breaking a window lock depending on the locking system of your window. One way is to use a screwdriver or other sharp object to break the seal around the lock. The other way is to use a hammer or other blunt object to break the lock itself. The most effective way to do this however, would be by using a pry bar to pop the lock.
Once you’ve broken the lock, you should be able to open the window from the outside.
Cut a break the glass in an emergency
Last but not least, you may get inside your house by breaking the glass of your window. This should only be done as a last resort, as it will cause damage to your window.
The best way to go around this would be to use a special glass cutter to make a clean break. Just be careful not to cut yourself in the process.
If you have no access to a glass cutter, use a hammer or other blunt object to break the glass near the latch. Reach in and unlock the window, then carefully remove the glass from the frame and climb through the opening and into your home. Then, proceed to clean up the mess as soon as possible so that no one gets injured. [2]
General Advices
Now that we’ve gone over some tips for opening different types of windows from the outside, let’s take a look at some general tips that will help you no matter what type of window you have.
- If possible, try to open the window from the inside first. This will be the easiest way to do it and will minimize the risk of damaging the window.
- If you are using a pry bar or other tool to open the window from the outside, be careful not to damage the window.
- If you are using a knife or other sharp object, be very careful not to injure yourself.
By following these tips, you should be able to open any type of window from the outside with minimal difficulty. Thanks for reading! We hope this guide was helpful. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below.
Comparison of Methods for Opening a Window From the Outside
When locked out of a room or building, opening a window from the outside is a common way to gain entry. However, there are several methods available to accomplish this task, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. In this table, we compare the various methods based on the level of difficulty, cost, and potential damage to the window.
| Method | Level of Difficulty | Cost | Potential Damage to Window |
|---|---|---|---|
| Using a credit card or plastic shim | Easy | Low (assuming you already have a card or shim) | Possible scratches or bent card |
| Using a screwdriver or other tool | Moderate | Low to moderate (depending on the tool) | Possible scratches or dents |
| Breaking the glass | Difficult | High (cost of replacing window) | Severe damage to window |
The table compares three methods for opening a window from the outside: using a credit card or plastic shim, using a screwdriver or other tool, and breaking the glass. The level of difficulty is ranked as easy, moderate, or difficult, the cost is ranked as low, moderate, or high, and the potential damage to the window is ranked as possible scratches or bent card, possible scratches or dents, or severe damage to window. This information can help individuals choose the most appropriate method for their situation, based on the level of difficulty, cost, and potential damage to the window.
Check more guides about your home:
- How to Hang Tapestry on Ceiling?
- How to Install a Lock on a Bedroom Door?
- How to Open a Locked Window?
FAQ
Can you unlock a window from the outside?
Yes, you can unlock a window from the outside if it’s locked. There are a few different ways to do this, depending on the type of window and locking system you have.
For example, you can jiggle a pry bar between the windowsill and the glass until it moves, or you can use a hacksaw blade to cut through the track of the window and either loose or break the lock.
Is it possible to unlock the sash window from the outside?
Yes, it’s possible to unlock the sash window from the outside. There are a few different ways to do this. You can either lever up the window with a pry bar or use a sharp object to unlatch it.
Can I use a screwdriver to open a stuck window?
If the window is stuck and you can’t open it from the inside, you may be able to use a screwdriver to force it open. Insert the blade of the screwdriver into the crack between the window and frame and twist until the window opens. If the gap is too slim, you may want to use other instruments instead.
Useful Video: How to Take Off Screen and Open a Locked Window
Conclusions
We hope you found this guide helpful. That’s all it is! With these methods, you should be able to open any type of window from the outside.
In conclusion, yes – it is possible to open a window from the outside, though the best course of action is always going to be opening it from the inside if possible. There are a few different ways to do this, depending on the type of window and locking system you have. When using tools like pry bars or knives, take care not to damage or injure yourself and the window. If you are desperate and have no other options, you can always try to break the lock or the glass. Although other methods will be much preferable if you are concerned about keeping your window functionality as intact as possible.
References:
- https://www.championwindow.com/window-buyers-guide/types-of-home-window-locks/
- https://alluringhouse.com/how-to-open-a-window-from-the-outside/
- https://www.thehomehacksdiy.com/how-to-open-a-locked-window-3-types-of-locks/
- https://www.hunker.com/13413628/how-to-open-a-sliding-window-from-the-outside