How to Install a Rope in a Pulley-Type Window

Double-hung windows have both an upper sash and a lower sash. The window sashes slide within the frame of the window. At each side of the frame are the jambs, and concealed behind each jamb are heavy cast-iron sash weights. The weights are connected to the window with a rope which passes over a pulley mounted within the jamb. The weights provide a counterbalance by moving up and down as the window is opened or closed. Installing new ropes is accomplished with a few tools, materials and basic home maintenance know-how.

Flat pry-bar
Utility knife
Flathead screwdriver
Phillips screwdriver
1/4 inch polypropylene rope
Finishing nails
Hammer
Nail-setting punch

Instructions

- 1
  Remove the two thin wooden vertical strips that hold the inside sash in place on either side of the frame using a flat pry-bar. Be careful, though, not to damage the strips.
- 2
  Cut the old ropes with a utility knife if they are still attached. Be prepared to hear a thud within the wall as the weights are released from the severed rope.
- 3
  Remove the inner sash out from the frame.
- 4
  Remove the two thin vertical wood strips on either side of the frame which separate the two sashes using the pry-bar. Again, take care not to damage the wood strips, as you will be using them again.
- 5
  Remove the outer sash.
- 6
  Locate and remove the screws that secure the weight access panels on either side of the lower frame. Turn the screws counterclockwise using the appropriate screwdriver and remove the panels.
- 7
  Remove the weights out from the panel opening. Remove the remaining old rope with the utility knife.
- 8
  Install 1/4-inch polypropylene rope over the top of the pulleys and down to the open weight access. Loop the panel ends of the rope through the hole in the weights and tie them into a knot. Cut any excess rope with the utility knife.
- 9
  Insert the sash end of the rope into the corner edge slot of the outer window sash. Tie a knot in the rope at a point that allows the sash to travel its full height with the weight counterbalancing it.
- 10
  Install the outer window sash into place within the frame. Replace the weights into the access panel and check the sash for smooth, counterbalanced movement.
- 11
  Replace the weight access panels. Tighten the screws clockwise with the screwdriver.
- 12
  Secure the two wood strips which separate the sashes with finishing nails. Drive the nails into the wood with a hammer leaving approximately 1/8 of an inch of the nail head out from the wood. Hammer the nails the rest of the way in using a nail setting punch to avoid hammer marks.
- 13
  Repeat Step 9 on the inner window sash.
- 14
  Install the wood strips that secure the inner sash in place with finishing nails, a hammer and the nail-setting punch.

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