Certainteed double paned window clip that allows window to be removed has broken off

Hello,

It sounds like you might need a replacement casement lock. If so, take a look at the ones we have available here, and let us know if you find one that might work based on the dimensions on our product pages. 

If not, please send us a picture of your part and we will do our best to point you in the right direction. 

Ah, I see. A casement window would use a crank and would open from left to right, like a door.

It sounds like you have a different window, a hung window, where the window sash slides up and down on channel balances.

Take a look at our plastic take out clips for channel balances. We have the common 16-023 and the uncommon 16-009. Could either of these work for you? If not, could you just switch to a metal clip and use 16-002?

If none of those clips will work for you, please send a photo of the clip you need. It may be a rare part that we can research.

I'm going to try a little trick I learned from Penn and Teller... a little magic trick.

Is this your clip?

This is the part of the magic trick that... well... isn't very fun. The take-out clip has vanished. Poof.

They stopped making it a while back. We looked around at all our options to replace it, like the stuff we mentioned earlier, but absolutely nothing works as a replacement, unfortunately. I'd encourage you to visit a local window shop for a second opinion. However, regrettably, I don't believe you'll find many options.

Thanks for coming to SWISCO, though. We wish you the best of luck sorting this window out.

Actually, you do have one option, but it isn't really great. A service pro might think up something like this in a pinch, though, so maybe it'll be helpful to you.

We have seen people use a long drywall screw to replace a take out clip. The general idea is that they run the screw deep into the jamb, right near the take-out clip slot, and leave it poking out about 1/4" to 3/8" to catch the top of the balance. You'd need to be mindful of the material and thickness of your window frame and wall, and mindful that you place the screw in a good spot to catch the balance.

I can't recommend this except as a last ditch effort to avoid replacing the window. I certainly can't promise it will work, but it's something to keep in mind. See what you're able to do, and consider consulting a pro before you make any modifications.