How to Fix a Window-Sash Cord

If a window-sash cord has broken, you’ll need to remove the trim so you can get at the old counterweight and, this time, attach it to a chain instead. Here’s how to do it:

Materials and Tools:

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

Steps:

1. Cut the paint seam around the trim with a utility knife.

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

3. Remove the trim from both sides of the window. Find the point where the old sash cord attached to the window frame and mark that point on the remaining trim. Pull the window in from the top and remove it.

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

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

6. 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.

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

8. Put the window back, place the chain in the track or groove where the old sash cord fit, and attach the chain to the window with a screw.

9. Pop the trim back into place and secure with nails, drilling pilot holes for the nails and using the nail set to drive the heads below the surface. Attach the window stop.