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I need some parts to repair some windows. These are wooden windows and the moveable sash rides in a plastic trough; the trough has two small steel clips near the top that snap out to catch a mechanism in the sides of the window and allows the sash to be removed from the frame. These windows were made in the 1988/1989 time frame and are supposed to be Hunt windows; however, the only markings on the entire window are on the lift-out mechanism, it says “BSL” and has some numbers.
In any case, it’s the mechanisms that are broken. They consist of an aluminum chanel (about 1/2″ x 1/2″) with a nylon clip at the top. Inside there’s a pulley arrangement with braided nylon string runing through them. One end of the sring attaches to a long coiled spring in the chanel, the other end has a clip that attaches to the window frame.
I have several mechanisms that need replacing; one has a broken spring, several have frayed/broken strings, and a couple have the nylon clip cracked or broken. It’s been useless to go to the local window supply outfits so far – if you don’t want to buy new windows, they don’t want to talk with you.
Does anyone know a reliable supplier who may have these parts ? Canadian would be super; I’ll go through the border hassals if I must.
Thanks in advance.
Replies
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I have no idea if this link will help or not. I also have no experience to tell you whether the quality is good or bad.
Blaine Window Hardware
Rich Beckman
*I have their catalog, but have not yet ordered the parts I need from them. (My windows still work without, so it's one those round tuit deals) I know that I thought I would a HECK of a time finding it, and the part I need is listed in several forms of size variations. My windows are the same/similar configuration, what with the channels and string and such. I have seen these channels in the catalog as well. So, they will probably have it, as I feel they have a great selection. Parts can vary immensely and still look exactly alike to nekked eye - say, 1/16" difference in any axis, flange widths, channel depths, etc... So they do reccomend mailing the broken/old part to them so they can match it up perfectly, 'cause of the slight variations on a theme. Kinda like taking a part to a hardware store to match up, mixed with the convenience? of mail order.
*Skip Keith, thanks for your messages; the "return to" address comes up "not a valid user" when I tried to reply directly (probably some server some where down for Monday maintenence).
*Rich's reference to Blaine is right on. The kind of window balance you mentioned is usually used on inexpensive alumnum sash and the usual mode of failure is the nylon or delrin clip breaking or the hook on the spring breaking. I only know from living in a condo years ago - Blaine parts kept the original piece-o-c*@p windows going til we could move on.Jeff
*Chin: thanks for your message (can't reply to you either, I think something's wrong with @home today); unfortunately, R-B Windows said they will only supply parts to the own installer network.
*Thanks Rich, (and to Jeff too), I've messaged Blaine and am awaiting a reply. I wonder why they used such cheapo hardware on what are otherwise expensive looking wooden windows ?