Abstract: An actuator having a housing with a pivot opening therein. An actuator handle has a pivot pin extending from an end thereof for connecting the handle to a crank which includes a drive pin. The handle is assembled to the housing with the pivot pin extending through the pivot opening. A bushing may be disposed between the pivot pin and the pivot opening to take up tolerances between the parts and provide smooth handle rotation. The drive pin on the crank extends into a drive slot on a slider which translates within the housing to actuate a window locking mechanism. The drive slot is generally pear-shaped with, preferably symmetrical, opposed curved sidewalls along which the drive pin rides during rotation of the handle. The slider may further include a pair of fulcrum tabs disposed on a top thereof adjacent opposite sides of the drive slot for contacting a side surface of the crank during rotation of the handle to provide mechanical advantage at the handle.