Window Sash Repair

Before

Materials and Tools:

putty knife
awl
utility knife
wax pencil
pry bars
wire cutters
hammer
nail set
power drill
window saw
screwdriver
safety glasses
wire
tape
chain

Steps:

1. Use the window saw to cut through the paint seams holding the window shut.

2. Since the sash cord broke, you will need to remove the window trim to retrieve the counterweight hidden in the wall. Begin by cutting the paint seam around the trim using a utility knife.

3. Remove trim using a stiff putty knife and a hammer. Place the blade of the putty knife in the seam and tap the knife with a hammer until you can work the trim free.

4. Remove the trim from both sides of the window so you can pull the window in from the top and remove it. Before removing the window, find the point where the old sash cord attached to the window frame and mark that point on the remaining trim.

5. Feed the chain you'll use to replace the old sash cords over the pulley in the window frame.

6. Locate the old counterweight and remove it from the wall cavity. Cut away the old cord and replace it with a length of chain.

7. Lower the weight back into the wall and position it where it would be if the window were closed. Insert a screw through one of the links and into the window frame to hold the weight in position temporarily. Use an awl to start the hole for the screw.

8. Find the mark you made on the window frame earlier and cut the chain at that point using wire cutters.

9. Put the window back, place the chain in the track or groove where the old sash cord fitted, then attach the chain to the window using a screw. Set the screws in the track so they do not interfere with the window's operation.

10. Pop the trim back into place and secure with nails. Drill pilot holes for the nails and use the nail set to drive the heads below the surface. Finally, attach your window stop.