The sash weight in the rear of the pocket is for the upper sash, and the sash weight in front (to the interior side of the pocket) is for the bottom sash. Tie a tight and solid square knot in the sash cord at the sash weight, and make sure the mark in the cord is in the same place it was when you had the weight 2 to 3 inches above the weight pocket floor or bottom. WebSash Cord - Cotton and Nylon Rope - 5/16 Inch x 100Ft Rope - Cotton Rope with Nylon Core - Window Sash Rope, Clothesline Rope, Low Stretch Cordage - Synthetic Line with Add 6 inches to this height to get the needed length. If the old sash cord knots are still in the hole, remove them. Our Number-8 Cotton Sash cord with Galvanized Cable is typically used for counterbalance systems on double-hung windows. Remove any remaining pieces of sash cord. A stripdown of the window, replacing all 4 cords. Theyre not heavily painted, so I thought Id have it easy ha! Measure about 75mm from the end of it and loop at this point. 14 Hold top sash in window frame and cut new cords to length. A figure-of-eight knot in the sash cord will stop the weight slipping off the end. Put a piece of cardboard on the stool (interior sill) and set the first sash weight on the cardboard. After viewing product detail pages, look here to find an easy way to navigate back to pages you are interested in. If your window has one or more broken cords, or imbalanced weights, it can result in one or more problems such as the top sash unable to close properly, or at worst fall down, either sash sitting at an angle, sashes not meeting properly, or the bottom sash falling and unable to stay open. If you're replacing a lower sash cord, you'll have to take out your lower sash window. Nail the stop with a #6 finishing nail and use a nail set to set the nail head below the surface. WebSash Cord Replacement If your window has one or more broken cords, or imbalanced weights, it can result in one or more problems such as the top sash unable to close properly, or at worst fall down, either sash sitting at an angle, sashes not meeting properly, or the bottom sash falling and unable to stay open. Starting with the top sash weight first, run the rope through the eye on the weight and tie a bowline knot so that when in the pocket the weight is floating just above the sill. Then follow these step-by-step instructions. Your recently viewed items and featured recommendations. Source: Bob Yapp. Our Premium Spot Number-10 Sash Cord is typically used for counterbalance systems on double-hung windows. With the access panel removed, you should be able to see two cast-iron sash weights in the pocket. Vacuum off the sill area at the same time. If your window has any broken sash cords but is in otherwise good condition, then this service is for you. Before starting the restoration work on the lower sash, dont forget about the dividing boards, if the upper sash cannot be removed. 4 Pull out the window sash and set it aside. However I hit a snag in my own project, when it turned out I have interlocking weatherstripping on my double hung windows and its preventing me from getting the sashes out without destroying the weatherstripping. Remove any loose sash cord sitting in the pocket. When hanging sash weights for double-hung windows, our Ferrules (3/8-Inch) are used to secure a loop at the end of the sash cord. At the same time, it is recommended to replace both cords, because if one of them is out of order, it is likely that soon the same will happen with the second one. I love old houses, working with my hands, and teaching others the excitment of doing it yourself! Instead, you can make your historic window operational again simply by replacing the sash cord. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Most hardware stores sell sash cord. Hank Natural White, 1/4" x 100', Made in USA, Cotton, Tie Down, Camping, Rigging, Crafts, Theatre, Window Replacement, Entertainment Grade, Rope,DIY & Home Improvement, GREAT WHITE #8, 1/4" x 100' Black Sash Cord, 100ft. Copyright 2023 This Old House Ventures, LLC. Cut the cord 3 past the hole at the end of the channel and knot it. Is it possible to replace cord with sash chain? Now all that remains is to deal with the old cord by carefully lowering the weight to the bottom of the window. Use a narrow tip on a vacuum hose to vacuum out any debris on the bottom of each weight pocket. In this video, This Old House general contractor Tom Silva explains how to replace window sash cords. Price and other details may vary based on product size and color. Any advice? The cord may be broken on only one side, but its best to Im really happy someone is valuing and restoring old houses. It is suited for use on new construction, or for a worn or damaged system. Made of solid steel, this version is designed for #12 cord. https://thecraftsmanblog.com/how-to-cut-window-weight-access-doors/. This way you can easily remove it. WebSteps: 1 Score paint along stop bead with a utility knife. Plane or sand them if they're too thick, then tap them into place. Tie a figure-eight knot on the cord to prevent the weight from sliding off. To determine how long your sash cord needs to be, measure the height of the entire window opening from the sill area to the top of the jamb. Before replacing the lower sash in the frame, you'll need to refit the parting beads - unless you've taken out the upper sash, in which case you should put that back in first. Lift the sash weight into the weight pocket with the sash cord still running through the sash weight top hole. Score the edges of the trim with a utility knife to loosen the paint, then gently pry off the trim. Learning to replace ropes on window sash with broken sash cords is one of the easier repairs you can make to an old window. Ideal for cable-core cords, these sturdy fasteners enable the weights to stay in place. Later in the process you will insert this knot into the knot hole on the sides of the sash. 15 Tie new cord to each side of sash. Add 6 inches to this height to get the needed length. 18 Set bottom sash in window frame; reinstall the window stops.See products and services from this episode. Click here for an animation of the knot or watch my demonstration in the video above. Poke the other end of the wire through the sash cord about 1 inch from the end and bread tie this end as well. Made of solid steel, they are designed for long-lasting wear. 4 Pull out the top sash. Well, if you only need to replace one sash cord, youll be looking at between 68 78. Visit https://scottjameswindows.co.uk/sash-windows-repair-basildon/ to find out the cost to repair broken window sash cord. If you've removed both sashes, replace the cords on the upper sash first and fit it back in the frame. Made of quality cotton yarn, it features a polyester fiber core, giving it added strength and durability and an interlocked polished solid braid to resist rot, mildew,and wear. Check to make sure the sash weight is still hanging freely 2 to 3 inches above the weight pocket floor or bottom. Connect any leftover sash cords with the length of the string. Watch this video.). Before choosing a new item, pay attention to its diameter, it should be the same as the old one. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Cut off any excess rope and re-install the pocket door. I have an 1895 shotgun house in New Orleans with double-hung windows. Now youve got new ropes and if you used the right sash cord, you should never have to replace them in your lifetime unless your windows are attacked by a 4-year-old with scissors. This service includes: A stripdown of the window, replacing all 4 Our 3/4-Inch Chain Spirals are ideal for attaching sash chains to your double-hung sash windows. Made of premium-quality cotton yarn, its wire core adds strength and durability. The access doors on each side are located on the inner sash channel so its difficult to peek down into the outer channel. If necessary, rip them to fit on a table saw. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Use a felt marker to mark the sash cord at the location where it goes through the hole in the top of the sash weight. 6 Set each sash on a bathroom scale to ensure it doesnt exceed the weight capacity of the spring-loaded counter balance. Visit our other Wisconsin Historical Society websites! 6 Unscrew the access panel from the side jambs to reveal void inside wall. Required fields are marked *. Remove the old one and thread the cord through the hole at the top of the weight. But I cant see how even that will help me remove the sash, as the metal is like a three-sided cap on top of the parting bead. Cotton Sash Cord with Galvanized Cable - #8, Pair of Sash Chain Spirals - 3/4" Diameter, Cotton Sash Cord with Galvanized Cable - #10, Pair of Sash Chain Spirals - 7/8" Diameter, Pair of Small Open Asymetrical S-Hooks - 1", Pair of Large Open Asymetrical S-Hooks - 1 1/2", Pair of Brass-Plated Cord Clamps - 3/8"-1/2", Cotton Sash Cord with Galvanized Cable - #12. All rights reserved. Old houses can be daunting and that's why I'm here to help you figure them out. Use a drywall screw to screw the knot to the jamb at the pencil mark. 2 Unscrew and remove the stop bead. While if you repair the upper cord, you will need to first remove the lower and then the upper sash. The video above shows you all the good stuff but there are a few notes I need to include to help you get the right stuff in place. Use a chisel to prise off the pocket cover from each side of the frame. Ideal for new construction, or for replacing a worn or damaged system. Although they might look the same, they could be slightly different and if you put them back the wrong way round, your sashes might not run smoothly. Old double-hung windows have sash cords; new Pull down the knot at the pulley and insert it into the knot hole at the end of the sash cord groove. Happy restoring! Both types of windows contain some of the same parts, but each one will have its own unique needs. But if it's the upper sash cord, you'll need to remove the lower sash first and then the upper one. On this memorial day weekend, here is the last free excerpt from my new book Old Windows In-Depth that has just been released. Set the window down in an out-of-the-way spot. Sold by the foot. When this step is complete, remove both beads installed on the inside of the frame. 9 Pull through the access hole the sash weight and old cord, and the attached string and new sash cord. When hanging sash weights for double-hung windows, our Ferrules (5/16-Inch) are used to secure a loop at the end of the sash cord.