Project details
Skill
1 out of 5Easy
Cost
$10
Estimated Time
1 hour
Repairing window sash cords
- Remove the screws holding the stop beads with a screwdriver.
- Remove the sash from the window opening.
- Remove the screws holding the doors to the weight pockets using a screwdriver.
- Take out the old weights and broken sash cords.
- Feed a cotton line down the pulley hole and into the weight pocket.
- Tie off the bottom end of the cotton line to the old weight on each side and return the sash weight to the window pocket.
- Cut the opposite side of the line. Leave slack measuring about two-thirds the length of the window opening.
- Replace the door to the weight pocket using screwdriver and screws.
- Pull on the cotton line and lift the weight almost to the top of the jamb. Fish the line along the dado cut of the sash. Tie a knot where the line meets the hole in the sash.
- Put the knot in the hole and nail it into the sash using a hammer and nail.
- Repeat on the opposite side.
- Cut any excess cotton line using a utility knife.
- Place the sash back into the window opening.
- Replace the stop beads on the jamb using a screwdriver and screws.
- If the pulley squeaks, use a silicone spray.
Resources
Replacement sash cord can be purchased at a hardware store or home center.
The display window that demonstrates how sash weights operate was on loan from Boston Building Resources.