Historic HomeWorks Forum

johnleeke · Posted: Thu Apr 22, 2010 9:03 am Post subject: Sash Cord Replacement

Here is the basic procedure to replace broken sash cords:

-- Remove the lower sash, by taking off one of the interior stops that holds it in place.

-- Remove the upper sash, by running it down to the bottom of its tracks and removing one parting bead. If the sash will not run down, remove a parting bead first.

See the Save America's Windows book for detailed directions for removing sashes:
http://www.historichomeworks.com/hhw/reports/reports.htm#Windows

-- Remove the weight pocket door, which is located in the track of the lower sash. It is usually held in place with two screws, one at the top and one at the bottom.

Here is a discussion on what to do if there is no weight pocket door:
http://historichomeworks.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1859

-- Remove the old weight and cord through the weight pocket door.

-- String the new cord in through the pulley, down into the weight pocket, out through the pocket door, then tie it off to the top of the weight.

Here is the discussion on sash cord types and suppliers:
http://historichomeworks.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1228

-- Put the weight in the pocket.

-- Fasten the other end of the cord to the sash.

-- Put the sash back in it's track, then fasten the stop back in place to hold the sash.

Adjust the side stops so the sash is held loosely and runs up and down freely and then fasten them in place. Side stops are fastened to the frame jamb by brads, screws or stop adjusters. Stop adjusters are metal fittings set into the wooden stop that allow the stop to be moved closer or further from the sash and then held in place with a wood screws.
Here is a side stop adjuster discussion:
http://www.historichomeworks.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=6981

Window Specialists described their methods for determining the length of the cord:

"My process is to pencil mark on window frame jambs where the sash knot will be when sash are in closed position, send end of cord down through pulley (sometimes weighted with a piece of sash chain), tie cord onto weight outside of the pocket, pull on cord to lift weight into pocket, let weight drop a few times to tension knot and stretch cord, pull on cord to hold weight up off the bottom of the pocket a few inches, mark cord to correspond with pencil mark on jamb, making sure it will not bottom out (upper sash) or hit the pulley (lower sash) , cut cord a little past the mark to allow for knot, tie knot at cord mark, trip end of cord close to knot and insert knot into sash knot hole, sometimes I nail the knot to hold it in the hole with a 3d nail on upward angle if hole is shallow." -- Steve Swiat

"I take the end of the rope from the hank or reel and use sash chain to pull the sash cord over the pulley to the bottom of the weight pocket. I then knot the end of the cord to the weight. I then reach up beside the pully and pull the rope taught until the weight is just off the bottom of the pocket. I grasp the rope where it exits the pulley and cut just past where my fingers are grasping the rope. KNOT the end and I'm done. No measuring, marking or pre-cutting. The only time I found this method did not work was in some rather heavy windows with extra tall weights in which I had to leave a couple inches of extra cord to ensure sufficient travel of the sash. Try it, you will like it." --Dave Bowers

"If you still have the old cord, or both pieces of a broken cord, you can make your new cord the same length and it will usually work just right." -- John Leeke

Click on "post reply" to leave a comment or ask a question.

Skuce · Joined: 08 Nov 2009 Posts: 135 Location: Ontario Canada

Maybe add in there the addition of the Kilian/Harwick Stop Adjusters to facilitate perfect adjusting?

sschoberg · Joined: 29 Oct 2008 Posts: 541 Location: Plymouth, Indiana

I have a question. How do you guys and gals string the cord through the pulley, down the weight pocket to the weight pocket door?

I know how I do it, just want to know if there a quicker way.?

And what kind Kanott do you tie to the weight?

And do you assist the cord in anyway to hold in place, or do you rely on a kanott in the hole to hold?

WindowWoman · Joined: 14 Jan 2005 Posts: 53 Location: Topsfield, MA

I put a length of sash chain on the end of the rope (open up a link, smash it onto the cord) and thread that through the pulley. It gives it enough weight to let gravity do it's thing and I always have random bits of sash chain in my tool bag, vehicle, pockets.

sswiat · Joined: 01 Sep 2004 Posts: 230 Location: Cambria, New York

I am with Alison using sash chain over the pulley down the weight pocket. I tie a Boland(Bowline) knot which tightens under stress.

I mark the measurements on the jamb where my sash knot holes are in closed position, pull the weight up to the corresponding measurement , quick Sharpie mark on the cord where the knot has to be tied, cut the cord to the Sharpie knot plus enough to tie it and let the knot hold at the pulley, (unless it is a really heavy weight then I use a spring clamp for assistance).

I use a pair of electrician dikes to cut the cord as if I put the knot in the opening on the dikes it gives a good amount of tail that won't get in the way of operation but won't slip out of the knot either.

sschoberg · Joined: 29 Oct 2008 Posts: 541 Location: Plymouth, Indiana

Probably the best tool in my tool box are my dikes. Not the cheaper hardware type but the 35-40 buck pair of real electricians dikes. Mine belonged to my dad (the electrician) and they still look and perform as well as they did when he used them.

I assumed I was the only person that uses them (other than electricians of cours) Now I know your OK sswiat. haha!

sschoberg · Joined: 29 Oct 2008 Posts: 541 Location: Plymouth, Indiana

I use a piece of string with a small screw tied to the end. I use electrical tape to attach it to the sash cord. The only prob I have is sometimes the string gets off the pulley and gets tangled on the side. Dang, hate when that happens!

Jeff uses a piece of sash chain also.

I think the chain works better, but will stick with the string just so I don't look so high tech. haha

I don't think I even know what a bowland or bowline knot is?

johnleeke · Posted: Thu May 20, 2010 11:07 am Post subject:

sswiat · Joined: 01 Sep 2004 Posts: 230 Location: Cambria, New York

Very good John. You know the method!

I believe the bowline is a nautical knot for anchoring in a current(?) as long as the current is pulling the boat, the knot will stay tight. If you head into the knot it will loosen...ahoy mateys!

DBowers · Joined: 30 Sep 2004 Posts: 37 Location: Weare, NH

I do not cut the cord to length but take a loose end of the rope and using sash chain (similar to others in this post) to pull the sash cord over the pulley to the bottom of the weight pocket. I then secure (knot) the end of the cord to the weight. I then reach up and pull the rope taught until the weight is just off the bottom of the pocket. I grasp the rope where it exits the pulley and cut just past where my fingers are grasping the rope. KNOT the end and you are done.
No measuring, marking or pre-cutting. The only time I found this method did not work was in some rather heavy windows with extra tall weights in which I had to leave a couple inches of extra cord to ensure sufficient travel of the sash. Try it, you will like it.