old windows operable without weights
Hello:
Removed the old window weights to insulate the bays on a bathroom remodel. What is a simple system to keep the top sash up and the bottom sash operable? There has to be a simple way that is less obtrusive than a furring strip.
Mike
Replies
Mike,
We have used these clips.
http://www.hardwaresource.com/Store_ViewProducts.asp?Cat=1568
Also have made little teardrops or circles with an offcenter screw to match some old stuff.
KK
Hello KK:
Thanks for the idea. I will pick some up soon.
Mike
Couple of 16ga brads into the top pane,
cut a couple of sticks to length to hold up the bottom - thats what we used to do when the sash cord broke and did not want to replace it right away.
I work on low income rentals. The top sashes are always stuck in up position from too much paint. I have been installing barrel bolts to hold up the bottom sash. Section 8 doesn't allow the sticks anymore.http://dallasmartin.shutterfly.com
Hello:
Thanks for the ideas.
Mike
http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/video/0,,20051635,00.html
http://www.dkhardware.com/product-7739-h3871-tape-sash-balance-for-4-1-2-pound-sash.html
View Image
Hello Jeff:
Great simple idea. I will use these.
Thank you for the info!
Mike
You ever use those?
I've taken em out and they really were terrible.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations
PROUD MEMBER OF THE " I ROCKED WITH REZ" CLUB
I have no idea what brand they are, but there are spring lifts on some of the windows in my house that are very similar to the ones posted earlier. They've been in place since 1914 as far as I know and they still work pretty good.
Tape balance can be good if sized properly. You want to counterweight the window otherwise if it slips and crashes shut it can break the glass.
Jeff
The ones I've had to replace were brass tape, and they were unsprung like a tape measure gets. Replaced with an aluminum jamb liner that had a compression fit parting bead...I.E. it was friction that held the sash.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations
PROUD MEMBER OF THE " I ROCKED WITH REZ" CLUB
http://www.stanleyhardware.com/default.asp?TYPE=CATEGORY&CATEGORY=HDW+IH+WINDOW+GUARDS
Hello:
Another interesting idea. How do they work?
Thanks,
Mike
You drill a hole in one of the side stiles of the window sash and insert the spring-bolt. (5/16, I think.) It must be inserted from the outer edge, so it's neccessary to remove the sash to do the drilling and installation. You'll actually have to drill the insertion hole from the outer edge of the sash anyway cause you won't be able to get your drill positioned properly with glass in the frame.
Then you drill shallow holes in the jamb (wherever you see fit) to receive the end of the bolt which is what holds the window open at any given height or when fully closed. A dab of lipstick on the bolt-end helps locate where to drill those holes.
Once those are drilled, reinstall the sash for good and the stopping.
Once installed you simply pull on the exposed portion of the pin (the 'handle') to withdraw the bolt end from whichever hole it is engaged in and move it to the next available hole. When you let go, the bolt end springs back toward the jamb and into your hole.
Think of it as a spring-loaded dowel and you'll have the idea. Not fancy and doesn't allow the window to be held open in an infinite number of positions, but it is effective....and their inexpensive. (End of bolt is actually plastic so it doesn't chew up the jamb.)
(Probably best suited for older single-glazed sash unless your particular newer type double-glazed units happen to have enough exposed wood on the interior side of the glass to accomodate installing these.)
Edited 11/26/2009 10:26 am ET by HootOwl
Neat idea and I may use these due to the infrequency of opening this window.
Happy Thanksgiving
Mike
Happy Thanksgiving to you also.
If I understand you right you want spring balances like Jeff Clarke's post.
Edited 11/23/2009 9:24 pm by DanH
Hello Dan:
Thanks for the great thought and recommendation.
Mike