Besides making it difficult or impossible to open a window or door, a broken window crank or door handle makes your car's interior look run down. Replacement cranks and handles are readily available, both from your dealer or at auto parts stores.

Window cranks and door handles are held in place either by screws right through the middle of the crank or handle's hub or by ring clips on the back of the hub. Check the center of the hub there might be a Phillips, Torx or Allen-head screw, possibly covered by a piece of decorative trim. If so, simply use the appropriate tool to undo the screw. Then pull the handle straight off the splines.

If there is no screw, there will be a clip on the back side of the crank or handle. The simplest way to remove the clip is with an inexpensive, special flat tool made just for the purpose. Slip the tool behind the arm of the crank or handle, and then gently push. The shape of the tool will force the clip out of its retaining groove.

It's a good idea to buy a package of spare clips when you buy the tool and replacement handles. Chances are the old clip will fly off to the darkest corner of your garage. To reinstall a screw-mounted handle, push it straight onto its splined shaft. Reinstall the screw and tighten it snugly, but not overly tight. To reinstall a clip-held handle, first place the clip in its retaining groove on the back of the new handle. Then simply push the handle firmly onto the splined shaft.