Double hung window repair

On Jan 5, 9:18 am, hank wrote: ...

Probably not -- most things of that ilk are pretty much vendor- specific moldings.

About only chance would be to look around at various suppliers/ manufacturers in your area and see if they have anything close enough to be useful. Unfortunately, you're probably on your own to make up something to make do.

Spring balancing is non-standard. The classic mechanism was a sash cord running over a pulley to a counterweight that moves up and down in a channel hidden within the window frame (reached via a mitred wood hatch.) If your Lockwood springs break, it may be possible to retrofit the standard mechanism.

Try a plastics supplier like Cope Plastics. They will have rigid tubing or sleeving made from a variety of materials. Also, look at industrial supply places for plastic sleeving, Mc Master-Carr or Grainger. It may also be possible to survey the window display products at a box store and if a similar product is used on one of those, the customer service at that manufacturer could be persuaded to sell you some. Good luck.

Joe

Ah, the memories.

My old double hungs had the same plastic covered springs as you describe.

When I was ripping them out to replace with vinyl, I got real good at closing my eyes and ducking when I'd pry the spiral-nail out of the top of the window frame. The spring would retract violently and send pieces of brittle plastic flying in all directions.

It was actually the most fun part of the job!

They might not be the same but check with one of your local suppliers to see if you can retrofit aluminum spring balances. They are about the same thing, but are in an aluminum tube. I know I found some for my old aluminum windows at Jones Aluminum here in Tulsa. I know you don't have Jones where you are. They sell all kinds of aluminum products such as carports and awnings.

Who knows a place like that might have the original plastic ones. Take one out and take it with you when you find the place so you can be sure you get the right one.

Good luck Bill

Thanks for the suggestions especially joe with Cope Plastic lead. Still searching Hank

By the way, what you have is known as a "single hung", not double hung. Double hung has both panes moveable.

And double hung windows with that type of system gives you twice as much brittle plastic encasing the springs.

BTDT