| Author |
Message |
    
ceejay
Citizen
Username: Ceejay1234
Post Number: 23
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 1, 2006 - 5:48 pm: | 
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When fixing old windows, is there any alternative to replacing the chains that are broken? I had heard of another option--replacing the chains with some sort of compression system. Has anyone done this? If so, who would you recommend? |
upondaroof
Citizen
Username: Upondaroof
Post Number: 576
Registered: 4-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 1, 2006 - 6:10 pm: |
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There is a product called "Tension Spring" manufactured by Ultra Hardware Products, which slips in between the sash and frame and holds the sash open in any postion and also eliminates rattle. Cost is a buck or two and saves big time on the chain replacement. Of course, if you're a purist, this is not the way to proceed, but for the average DIYer it's a no brainer. |
noracoombs
Citizen
Username: Noracoombs
Post Number: 135
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, March 2, 2006 - 1:42 pm: |
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We swear by the Pullman counterbalance ... http://www.pullmanmfg.com/ ... You take out the chains and the pulley and then fit this little jammie in the space left by the pulley. It's pretty easy to install. There's a spring-loaded ribbon that reaches down and attaches to the sash so you can move the window. What it does nicely is a) plug up the hole from the old pulley, and b) allow you to fill the window pocket with batting for insulation. And the windows work really well.
The downside is that they are a lot more expensive than the tension spring mentioned above. (I think we need to investigate those, actually.) Setting up a double-hung window (4 counterbalances) is $60 or so. But the Pullmans work really well. |
Pdg
Citizen
Username: Pdg
Post Number: 581
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Friday, March 3, 2006 - 12:39 pm: |
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noracoombs - did you do it yourself? Is it difficult? (I can do basic, easy repair stuff, but would never try to replace a faucet or even properly hang a door myself!)
We have a couple windows that need chain work that we've put off doing. |
noracoombs
Citizen
Username: Noracoombs
Post Number: 136
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Friday, March 3, 2006 - 2:33 pm: |
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Pdg: My husband did it actually--since he's forgotten his MOL password, I'm posting his response, which is:
I've done it myself and it's not that hard. Unlike fixing a faucet, if you mess up there won't be water all over the place.
The Web site has some instructions so you get a feel for how it works. The hardest part was when the new counterbalances didn't fit exactly in the hole left by the old pulley. I used a jigsaw to make the hole bigger (I suppose I coulda used a router) and then a Forstner bit (1 inch) on a drill to make a mortis so the new counterbalance sits flush. I learned this from This Old House.
Once I did a window where one sash was exceptionally heavy (16 pounds). And the window pocket wasn't quite deep enough for the new counterbalanace. So I used a Forstner bit and some chisels to hollow out some space. It was pretty ugly, but now nobody can see it.
Assuming you have standard sashes, you should be OK. If the sashes are stained glass or unusually large, you may have a more difficult job. The Web site shows you how to weigh the sashes to order the counterbalances. And if the sashes are like 13 pounds or less you should be OK. |
Pdg
Citizen
Username: Pdg
Post Number: 586
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Friday, March 3, 2006 - 9:18 pm: |
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Thanks noracoombs and husband! We'll look into it. |
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