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How To: Open Stuck Windows in 4 Easy Steps

Scott Sidler • August 21, 2012

If your house is old enough to have needed a new paint job in its life, then you might have a couple windows that have been painted shut. If your house is as old as mine (1929), you’d be lucky [...] Read More The post How To: Open Stuck Windows in 4 Easy Steps appeared first on The Craftsman Blog.

The Tools

You’ll need a putty knife and a box cutter (razor knife), or a Window Zipper (If you’re planning to work on more than a couple windows, you’ll want to get one of these tools. They make cutting the windows open a million times easier.

Step #1 Inspect

To determine if it is paint that’s the cause of your problems, we’ll need to check a few things. First, make sure the sash cords are still in working order. Pull on them to see if they are still attached to the sash weights in their pockets. If the pulleys turn and you can feel the tension from the sash weights, then you’re probably in good shape. If the cords are missing or they are no longer attached to the weights, then you’ll need to follow a more involved process which I’ll be outlining next week right here. So stay tuned!

 

 

 

Step #2 Free The Interior

Most old windows have been painted shut on both the exterior and interior, so let’s start with the interior. Be very careful not to cut yourself or gouge the wood while cutting the windows open. Use the razor blade to draw a straight line between the sash and window stops on both sides. Then, push your putty knife into the space along the line to gently break the bond. If you’re using a window zipper, simply cut this line in one step.

Next, do the same at the meeting rail (where the top and bottom sash meet when in the closed position.) You’ll need to have the sash lock unlocked in order to separate the two sashes.

 

 

Step #3 Free The Exterior

 

 

 

 

Step #4 Open Your Window

Once you get it moving a bit, gently keep opening and closing the window. It will continue to slide easier and easier. If you need to, you can also add some dry lubricant (like a graphite spray) to help things move a little smoother. Now, you can enjoy a little fresh air all thanks to your own effort and at no cost!

 

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How To: Open Stuck Windows in 4 Easy Steps

By Scott Sidler • 21 Aug, 2012
If your house is old enough to have needed a new paint job in its life, then you might have a couple windows that have been painted shut. If your house is as old as mine (1929), you’d be lucky [...] Read More The post How To: Open Stuck Windows in 4 Easy Steps appeared first on The Craftsman Blog.
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