Suggestions On How To Replace A Sash Cord On Double Hung Windows Without Too Much Trouble
Having a basic understanding of double hung windows will help when learning how to replace a sash cord. There are two sashes on a double hung window, the upper and lower. The framework that holds the glass in place is the sash. The two sashes slide up and down in the window frame. The jambs are the sides of the frame. Sash weights are heavy oblong shaped pieces of metal that connect to a rope-and-pulley system. They sit in a cavity behind the jambs. The windows are easy to open due to the counterbalance the weights provide.
A series of stops are attached to the jambs to provide grooves in which the sashes can slide. The stops that keep the frames separated and the inside stops can be pried off to remove a sash.
To begin this project, gather the materials and tools you will need to replace a broken sash cord. This includes new sash cord, a putty knife, a utility knife, finishing nails, a hammer, putty, paintbrushes and paint for possible touch-ups.
To gain access to the cord you need to remove the inside window stop from the sides of the frame. Position the putty knife at each nail holding the stop in place and slowly move it back and forth until you are able to pry the stop off. Be careful not to split the wood.
Once the inside stop is removed the window can be easily pulled out. With the framework out, remove the broken cord from its fastened slot. Remove the access panel if there is one. Removing the access panel allows accessibility to the weight. If there is no access panel, removing the window casing on the sides will be the only way to get to the weight.
Painted over access panels will mean chipping the paint to determine where the screws are that hold the panel in place. You may need to score painted edges with the utility knife in order to lift the panel out. Once the panel is removed, any remaining cord should be cut off. Thread the new sash cord over the pulley until it appears in the access panel. Tie the new cord to the weight making sure the knot is sturdy but not bulky as it can get stuck in the window frame. Place the weight back into the cavity. Tie a knot to the other end of the cord to make the weight suspend three inches above the bottom of the sill when the sash is in an open position.
Replace the framework and insert the moldings using finishing nails to secure them. Fill any gaps in the moldings with the putty. Paint any chips in the wood. The project is complete and your double hung window should work like new. Do-it-yourself homeowners can learn how to replace a sash cord by following steps found on the Internet or talking with professionals at our local hardware store.
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