Do you have a double-hung window that won’t stay open unless you prop it up? Most of the time this is caused by a broken sash cord. This is an inexpensive and relatively easy fix, but it does take time—you’re likely to spend the better part of your weekend messing with it.1) Remove the interior stops. To do this, you’ll probably have to slice the paint seal with a utility knife and then, using an old chisel, pry off the mouldings. If the window has weatherstripping, remove it. 2) Tilt out the bottom sash and remove the sash cords. Lower the weights carefully (if both sash cords aren’t broken). If you want to repair sash cords in the upper sash, you’ll have to pry out at least one of the parting strips to remove that sash. When you pry these out, they’ll probably be ruined, so plan to buy new ones at a lumberyard.
3) Remove the access panel covers located on the inner face of the window frame.
4) Pass new #7 cotton sash cord over each top pulley and feed it down until it drops into the access area. If necessary, use a bent coat hanger to pull it through the access hole.
5) At each side, tie the end of the cord onto the sash weight and then, with the weight sitting on the bottom of its channel, pull the cord taut and cut it off about 4 inches from the top pulley.
6) Tie a knot and push the knot into the top slot at the side of the sash. Tack the knot with a brad. Test the action of the window up and down.
7) Reassemble the rest of the window, reversing the order of disassembly. Be sure the stops are not so tight that they cause the window to bind.
