Small sash weights

11 years ago

We have been trying to decide what to do about our windows in our 1920's home and decided to keep the 6 original wood windows that remain. (the rest were replaced by ugly aluminum in the 70's or 80's). I would like to repair the two sash cords that are broken, but thought I would first practice on a tiny double hung window in our closet that also has a broken sash rope. Overall the project has gone well...apart from nearly starting a fire in the wall while cutting access doors into 90 year old, dry wood...but after taking the window apart and reconstructing it again, I realized the current sash weights aren't heavy enough and that they bang onto each other and get stuck. I think this is because the window is so small, the original builders may not have been able to use a typical style weight. The window sashes are about 2.5 lbs each and the existing weights are .5 lbs each and donut shaped. I could buy new 1 lb sash weights online, but am trying to make sure I think this through as I don't want the new weights to hit one another either. Any suggestions about types of small, think 1 lb weights that I might substitute rather than 1.75 inch wide replacement weights?

This post was edited by nikolatta on Fri, Feb 1, 13 at 19:21

Comments (8)

columbusguy1
11 years ago
Sash weights are going to hit one another--it isn't a problem. They are tube-shaped, and will not catch. Tie the cords to them with a sash knot.

Not sure why you had to cut access--all the windows in my house have access doors in the jambs held in by screws. If they aren't there for some reason, you can carefully pry off the vertical side trim to access the pocket.
sombreuil_mongrel
11 years ago
There are these elongated modular sash weights that came to mind.
Casey

Here is a link that might be useful: modular sash weights Killian's Hdwre
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brickeyee
11 years ago
You could also replace the weights with pullman spring balances and then insulate the weight pockets.
Nicole
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks so much everyone, these are great suggestions! Columbusguy, yes most of the windows in our house have access doors too, but for some reason this tiny window did not. I chose to cut new ones rather than remove the trim thinking it would be easier...although I am not sure that was the case given the tiny plumes of smoke that resulted ;).
brickeyee
11 years ago
Once you learn how to remove trim without splitting or cracking it is is easy.

Nails are pulled out through the back to avoid damaging the show surface.

Start with an old 5 inch drywall knife driven into the joint of the trim to the wall at one end of the trim (for window casing the sill/stool is the best place to start after using a knife to score the paint joint of casing to stool) then a second one right on top of the first knife.

The use a cats paw between the knives to start leveraging the trim up.

When it has moved about 1/16 t 1/8 inch (depdns on legnth and strength of the casing) move up about 5 inckes.
You should be able to just remove the cats paw, and the knives.
Repeat driving and prying.

When you have enough clearance you can use a wonder bar with some backing (a pices of #10 steel plate about 12 x 12 works well to avoid damaging the wall) to pry the molding further.

Keep moving towards the other end prying a little at a time and them moving.

As the nails start to slip out it becomes easier and easier to pry.

Once the piece is off, clamp vice grips onto the protruding nails and pry them through the back of the trim (an wonder bar works well here).
Always pry towards the larger part of the piece, never towards a short end.

Be sure to mark the piece for location so you can put it back in the same spot.

I usually mark room, a window number, and then a side, and then another number or letter.

Put the same markings on the now exposed edge of the window casing.
columbusguy1
11 years ago
You know, I have never understood why removing nails from the back is better? What I've usually done is to drive them back through so that the heads project from the face, and work them out--or, if I'm putting the trim back in the same place, leave them and use them in the same holes to reattach. :)
brickeyee
11 years ago
"why removing nails from the back is better?"

It avoids damaging the show face.

Depending on the size of the nail head (a 16d finish nail has a pretty large head), how well the countersinking filing was done, and what filler was used you can end up with rather large divots in the show face in a detailed molding pattern.

Now you have to repair all the damage and make sure it looks good.

If the wood is going to be (or is stained) the repairs become much more difficult.

I have pulled and removed very old molding and trim (even built up) and then put it back and no one can tell it was removed.

The hardest part was matching the filler for the new nails.

Pulling from the back produces damage on the hidden side, so there is no repair work.

Using old nails in the same holes is an invitation for loose trim.

This post was edited by brickeyee on Sun, Feb 3, 13 at 11:58
Nicole
Original Author
11 years ago
In case anyone ever has this problem in the future, we ended up buying 1lb lead square cod fishing sinkers and threading them on key rings to fit the sash rope. These weights were the perfect size for our small window and don't catch on each other like the old ring-shaped ones did. the window is now all closed up again and working great! Now that I finished up my "practice" window, time to unstick the two larger ones in our guest room, fix their sash cords and strip paint off of the window hardware around the house!