Wednesday, July 6, 2011

How To Change A Broken Cord On A Sash Window Without Breaking The Bank

By Jason Wood


If you have older sash windows in the home and you find that the sash cord needs to be replaced, don't fret. Here is an easy guide on how to change a broken cord on a sash window. With some tools from the garage and a quick trip to the local hardware store, those windows will be working like new again in no time. This is a project that should only take a few minutes to accomplish and will have results that last for years to come.

First off, go to the tool box and make sure all the needed tools are there. A hammer to start, and a utility knife, flat bar and a screw driver should do the job. Also needed is some new cord, preferably quarter inch cotton cord, however, nylon will do just fine as well. The cotton shrinks less, but the nylon will work if no cotton cord is available.

Begin by separating the interior stop from the frame using the utility knife. Slicing the paint will allow the stop to come out cleanly without breaking. Taking the flat bar and hammer, tap the flat bar behind the interior stop and slowly remove it, being careful not to damage the frame or the interior stop. We will be reusing the stop, so we want to preserve it as best as possible.

Next we need to remove the tracks that the sash glides in. These are often metal tracks, and are easily removed with a screw driver. Once the metal tracks have come out, the sash should be free to come out as well. Attach a string to the old sash cord that is still attached to the weight. This will be used later to draw the new sash cord over the pulley.

There is a cover over the pocket in which the weight is housed. Remove this cover. Now the weight should be removable, as well as the old sash cord. Attach the new cord to the weight and guide it over the pulley using the attached string. Attach the other end of the cord to the sash. While the metal tracks are out, go ahead and replace both sash cords.

Now that the new cord is attached t both the weight and the window, replace the metal tracks, making sure it lines up properly in the track. Install the interior stops using a hammer and small brads or nails.

Now that the new sash cords are in place the window should move up and down again as if they were new. Now it is easy to understand how to change a broken cord on a sash window.




About the Author:



0 comments:

Post a Comment

Blog Archive