Sash window won't stay up

[Sylvain VAN DER WALDE]

Hello all.

When I raise that window, it won't stay up (no big deal), so I use a block of wood. I think that I can assume (correctly) that the weight of that "bit of metal" at the end of the cord is too low. Now, I'm fairly sure that I saw a website some time ago which supplied some "slide on" additional weights. I believe that they were circular metal discs with a slot (the slot ending at the centre of the disk). Am I imagining this? Can anyone come up with a supplier, or with some decent alternative solution.

Thanks in advance.

Sylvain.

[Stuart]

That "bit of metal" as you describe it is a sash weight ..usually cast iron with a loop at the top to take the sash cord. I'm trying to figure out why the window won't stay up as it won't have got heavier and the sash weight won't have got lighter ....It might be an idea to have a look in the sash box ( by removing a panel in the runner ) and check the condidtion of the rope anyway ( remember to support the window if you are removing the weight or lifting it up ) otherwise you might get a sore head or worse . It could be that one of the weights ( there is one per side ) has become detached and causing your problem . You can still get weights,pulleys etc and cord is easy enough to get . . I haven't however seen what you are looking for but look through these links and see

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[adder1969]

This is probably the case. Remeber that some sash windows don't actually have rope and weights but I guess this might be clear.

[Ken]

The sash may have got heavier by a change of glass. If this is the case and the sash cords and weights are okay, just cut some old lead piping (from scrap yard maybe) cut a slot in it and fit around the sash cord above the weight. Keep adding lead until the sash is right. Do both sides though.

ken

[deckertim]

I'm trying to figure out why the

There is a possibility that the window may have got heavier if the glass has been replaced as this could be a different weight to the original glass.

The other advice on things to look out for though is spot on.

This link may be of use.

is also a very good section in the Reader's Digest DIY Manual.

[Sylvain VAN DER WALDE]

I was being humorous. I nearly wrote "the weight of the weight (no pun intended)". As a matter of interest, I fitted two cords and parting beads to a sash window recently; and renewed 3 or 4 sash cords some years ago, which are still OK. So, I'm alright with actually tackling the job.

The window is a standard one, and hasn't been modified. The weights have not become detached, as I can pull on both cords and feel their presence. One theory: some "swine " wanted the original weight/s, and substituted some "near enough" bits of metal. I'll find out in due course. Thanks for the links.

Sylvain.

[Sylvain VAN DER WALDE]

It is clear. :) Please see my previous reply.

Sylvain.

[Sylvain VAN DER WALDE]

Yes, a fair possibility. One easily missed. I will look at the supplied link. Thank you.

Sylvain.

I use to own such a manual, but donated it to a charity shop. It must have been an early edition, which I decided was now redundant.

Sylvain.

[Sylvain VAN DER WALDE]

That _is_ a good idea. I won't need these "slip-on" disks, after all (which might not be available, anyway).

Sylvain.

[chris French]

In message , Sylvain VAN DER WALDE writes

Mightons are a good source for sash window bits, what you are looking for are called makeweights:

[Sylvain VAN DER WALDE]

Thanks, Chris. I will look at that website. Please look at my UPDATED message.

Sylvain.