What Type of Sash Cord Should You Use for Old Windows?

Removing the Window

• Because the sash cord is concealed within the window frame, the sash must be removed to access the cord. Cut through any dried paint film on the window stops with a utility blade if the window has been painted shut. Two wooden stops are used to secure the sash in place. One stop is located on each interior side of the sash. Pry the stops away from the frame with a pry bar and lift the window sash out of the window opening carefully.

Accessing the Sash Cord and Weight

• Note that the sash cords are secured within a cutout along the sides of the sash. Pull the knotted ends out of the sash to release the window. An access panel fits against the bottom of the interior edges of the window opening. Access panels are secured with either a small nail or screw. Remove the fasteners and pull the access panels away to reveal the sash weights. The opposite end of each sash cord is tied to a loop at the top of its weight. Untie the cords from the weights and pull the cords out of the wall cavities.

Installing the New Sash Cord

• Measure the old sash cord and trim a portion of new cord to match. There are three points involved in installing the new sash cord: the end that attached to the side of the sash, the pulley at the top of the window opening and the sash weight at the bottom of the opening. Push a nail through one end of the new sash cord to act as a weight. Push the nail over the top of the pulley and lower the nail through the wall cavity until you can see the nail above the weight. Remove the nail and tie the end of the new cord to the weight. Tie the opposite end of the cord in a knot. This is the knot that will fit into the edge of the sash.

Reassembling the Window

• Place the access panels against the sash weight openings and tighten the screw or fasten the panels in place with new nails. Inserting the knotted end of the sash cord into its recess within the sash can be a bit difficult because you must access both sides of the sash. Rest the sash within the window frame and pivot the sash as needed. Press the sash cord knots into their recesses, then position the sash against the frame. Position the stops against the frame and nail them into place.