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How to Replace a Window Weight

Old windows have counter-weight ropes that can weather and break. Replacing these ropes is necessary for proper window performance.

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Beeswax Fishing line Fishing weight Hammer Marker Paint Paintbrush Pry bar Sash cord Screwdriver Tape measure Utility knife

Clip Transcript For:

How to Replace a Window Weight

computer-generated transcript - may not be 100% accurate

" Older windows have counterweight hidden inside the window -- To hold the window in place when raised. When the rope connecting the window to the week breaks the window will no longer stay -- here's how to fix. To get access to the window -- you need to first remove the casing covering the access door. The casing is called front stop and it holds the sash in place. In this case the front stops are held in place by around headed screws. Before removing whiskers use a sharp utility knife to cut the paint along the edge of the front stop. Cutting the paint with a utility knife will allow you to remove the front stop with minimal damage to the paint. Using a hammer and a small flat pry bar where the front stop away from the frame. Work slowly to avoid damaging the finished. Once the front stops removed lift the lower sash and rotated out of the window frame. Remove the old sash -- By lifting the sash cord not out of the channel on the sash from both sides of the window. Under the front stop you'll see a pocket cover. Remove the covers to reveal the window counterweight. -- the counterweight out from the well. And said to decide. -- light fishing line to a small fishing weight and slide it over the pulley and lowered down into the well. When it reaches the leveled the pocket -- the new sash cord to the fishing line. And then gently pull the sash cord up and over the pulley and out of pocket. With the window disassembled. It's a good idea to replace both sash -- even if only wonders broken. Tie the end of the new sash cord to the counterweight. Pull the sash cord to raise the weight three to four inches from the bottom of the window well. And then mark the sash cord at the location with a sash cord leaves the pulley. You do this to allow for the stretching the -- preventing the window weight from hitting the bottom of the pocket when you raise the window all the way up. Next measure the distance from the top of the window sash to the space for the knot in the channel. At this -- to the length of the sash court. Market tie a knot just below the mark. And cut off the excess sash cord. Replace the welt pockets and screw them in place. You need help for this next it was somebody holding the window sash for. Push the sash cord into the channel in the sash. And slide the sash back into the window. -- bees wax over all the surfaces that the window sash slides against. The bees -- acts as a lubricant. Replaced the front stops by pressing them gently into position. And replace the screws. Raise and lower the sash the window weight should not hit the bottom of the well when the window is fully raised. And the window should rise and fall easily. Touch up the trim with a fresh coat of paint. And -- window will be like new."

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