How to Replace Broken Window Sash Cords

Older windows that use weights inside the window frame sometimes need the cords replaced. The job's not too difficult in most cases.

Things You'll Need

• Finish Nails
• Wood Putty
• Ropes
• Utility Knives
• Hammers
• Pry Bars
• Screwdriver Sets
• Slip Joint

Instructions

Replace the Sash Cords

1. Once you have the well open you can remove the sash weights. Remove any rope that's still attached to the weights. This would also be a good time to clean out the wells - they're a favorite nesting place for wasps and hornets. Remove any nests you find and give the well a good spray of an environmentally safe residual insecticide.

2. Set the sash weights back into the bottom of the well. Place them on a block of wood about 3 or 4 inches thick. (Once everything is back together this space will keep the weights from "bottoming out" when you open the window all the way; it will also compensate for rope stretch.)

3. Thread the new rope through the pulley opening near the top of the window jamb and down to the weights.

4. Tie the weights onto the end of the rope. The window sash end of the rope should extend about 2 or 3 inches past the pulley hole. It usually gets a single knot and is attached into a fitted groove in the side of the window sash. Sometimes there is an "eye" or metal bar that the rope must be threaded behind before it is knotted.

5. Repeat the process for the other side of the window if necessary. Depending on the size of the window, it may be a good idea to have a friend help you hold the window while you work on re-stringing the sash weights.

6. Replace all casing and trim with finish nails.

7. Fill all nail holes with wood putty, and paint or stain to suit the decor.

Get Into the Well

1. Purchase a package of 1/4-inch cotton or nylon rope from your local lumberyard or hardware store (cotton is better because it stretches less).

2. Remove the window channel molding on both edges of the window with a hammer and small flat pry bar. This will allow you to get the window sash out of the way while you open up the window weight wells. The wells are located inside an opening behind the casing (trim) on each side of the window. (If both of the sash cords are broken, set the sash on the floor for now. If one cord is still in operation, you'll just have to prop the sash out of the way as best you can.)

3. Open the well in one of two ways: Some windows have doors on the inside face of the side jamb. You will be able to see the outline of a long oval or rectangular cover held closed with one or two screws. With this door open you can look into and reach into the well.

4. Get into the well by removing the front piece of casing if there is no door. You remove this in the same way as the channel trim. Work slowly and carefully to avoid damage to the trim or surrounding walls.

Tips & Warnings

• If you don't open the casing up so that you can set the weights on a block, you'll just have to estimate by pulling the weights up a short distance and marking the rope with a marker. Then you can figure the added length you need for the knot and casing side rope.

• It's probably a good idea to replace both cords when you are working on a window even if only one side is broken. That way you don't have to go through this same process again if the other cord breaks.