If your house has older aluminium windows, then you may have some where the handle has broken loose from the base. This is an inconvenience, but all is not lost.
1.As long as the centre pivot stub has remained intact, here’s how to repair your latch. A missing centre stub is another story entirely. 2.Drill the hole out to 4 mm. 4. 3.Don’t take the tap all the way; just tap until the tip is level with the base. This will ensure that the capscrew sits tight in the tapped hole.Tap the hole using an M5 × 0.8 plug tap. 6.Assemble, using an M5 × 15 or longer capscrew. Tighten it until the handle pivots, but does not flop around. ( I happened to have a stainless capscrew in stock.) If you can get a buttonhead capscrew, those look better. 5.Drill the retaining washer out to 5 mm. 7. 8 a n d 9.If your capscrew is too long, use either a hacksaw or your Dremel to cut it flush with the underside of the base. Now centre-punch the capscrew to prevent it from coming loose. Finally, refit the repaired latch to the window and enjoy a rattle-free night.