How to Remove My Own Expander With an Angle Grinder
An expander is a vinyl piece located at the top of a window. It is also commonly known as a head expander. This piece is installed once the window has been put in against the upper part of the opening. It is secured along the inside of the house with two small screws, and helps to seal the window in the opening. If you want to remove your head expander without having to take out the entire window, you can do so by using an angle grinder. An angle grinder is a handheld power tool used for cutting and grinding with a disc on the end. It is easy to find in any local hardware store. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Locate the expander on the top of the window on the inside of the house. Run your hands over the surface of the expander and verify that it is secure in the opening. Some expanders are screwed in place, while others are installed with screws and adhesive, such as liquid nails, making them harder to get out.
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Measure and mark the direct center of the expander with a tape measure and black marker. This will be the location where you will remove the expander with the angle grinder. The center is the best location because it will allow you to easily remove each individual piece after it has been cut.
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Press the disc of the angle grinder up firmly against the mark on the vinyl expander that you made. Hold the angle grinder with your dominant hand in the back and your non-dominant hand on the front knob. Flip the switch located in the center with your dominant hand to turn on the angle grinder.
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Maneuver the angle grinder into the expander. Hold it firmly in place and continue working it in until you have cut completely through the expander. Do not go any farther, or you may cut into part of the window frame behind the expander. Turn off the angle grinder and set it aside.
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Pull down and out on either side of the expander to loosen it in the opening. Slide a putty knife between the expander and the window behind it and begin prying up the expander. Repeat the process for the other end of the expander, and pull them up by hand to remove once they have been pried loose.
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Tips & Warnings
An angle grinder can be purchased for about $79 at a local hardware store.
