Getting window conterweights out of the wall?

Question

OK... what is the best way to get window counterweights back out of the wall after the ancient cotton rope breaks? Go ahead, laugh...

Answer 1

counterweights are made out of iron, go to the hardware store and buy a magnet that will pick up to 150lbs.  Tie a heavy weight string to it, then drop it down thru the sash opening ( remove the board sash).

Answer 2

Not all windows were built with sash access hole.  Mine were not.  To get to the weights when there is not built in access you must remove the facing on the window.  That is the piece of trim that is laying flat on the wall.  If you are going to reattach the weight you will also need to remove the window stop to get out the window.  If it was the top window in a double hung situation you will also have to remove the parting strip (the narrow piece that is between the windows.)  It  usually is held in place by one nail near the center.  Cushion a pair of pliers with a rag and grab the strip and wiggle it until it comes loose.  When you remove the facing, first cut alongside it to separate it from the wall paint or you will pull off big chunks of paint.  When it is off pull the nails out from the back side to avoid making a mess of the front of the facing.

Answer 3

Ok here is what you have to do.Raise or remove the bottom window sash.With the window removed you will see rectangular access panel cut into the jamb.They are about 6" long or so.They are held in by a s***w at the top & bottom which may not be readily obvious if they have lots of coats of paint.But trust me they are there.Just remove the screws and pop the panels out and you will see the weights and the ropes connected to them.

Answer 4

underneath the roller where the rope sits should be a small wooden panel that can be prised out so that you can replace the

cord(rope) !

hope this helps !

Answer 5

erndog10 is correct. I have done that many times.

Answer 6

Girl,

Get rid of the old sash windows and go back with energy saving storm windows.

We did a window a weekend. Then two Sundays of patching the outside. The next summer we dashcoated the house. Everyone loves it to this day.

Not that it took a whole weekend to replace a window. Just a few hours. We just spread it out. That's how we are.

Answer 7

Have seen a few where you have to remove your trim to expose the pockets. If you can`t find the access in the jamb this may be your solution.