Your windows use spring balances to help you raise and lower the window sash and keep the sash in a raised position. When you have difficulty raising the sash, or it no longer remains open without the help of a prop, one or both of your spring balances could have a broken spring or cord and replacement is in order to repair the window. Repairing a window spring balance does not require any specialty tools, and you can accomplish this task on your own, unless you have an excessively large window that might require four hands instead of two.
Look along the top inside of the window frame for stops. The plastic stops snap into the frame to keep the window sash from rising too far inside the frame. When your window has stops, grab them with your fingers and pull them from the frame.
Pull out on the bottom of the take out clips inside the frame. These clips install about 6 to 8 inches above the sash. Slide a flat-head screwdriver under the bottom of the clip when you cannot pull the bottom of the clip out of the frame with your fingers. Some older windows may have screws instead of clips. When your window has screws, rotate the screws counterclockwise once or twice to back them out of the frame slightly. Do not remove the screws completely.
Lift the window sash. As you lift the sash, the spring balances will appear beneath the sides of the window, and you will begin to feel the weight of the sash in your hands. Raise the sash until you can pull one side of the sash from the frame to release the sash from frame. Carefully set the window sash aside.
Push down on the top of the spring balance to release it from the clip. The springs are under tension; the larger the window, the more tension the spring holds, so keep a firm grip on the spring.
Lower the top of the spring toward the opposite side of the frame as you slowly raise the bottom of the spring balance. Continue to raise the bottom of the spring until you release all the tension and can unhook the spring from the slot holding it in the window frame.
Place your balance on a table with the spring opening facing down. Measure across the back of the channel to obtain the width. Measure the channel height. Do not include the plastic attachments at the top and bottom of the channel. Purchase a channel that equals your measurements. Make sure to match the plastic attachments at the top and bottom of the old spring balance when purchasing a replacement.
Insert the hook attached at the bottom of the replacement spring balance into the slot cut in the window frame. Swing the top of the spring toward the window frame as you push down on the spring to increase the tension. Continue to push down on the spring balance until you can hook the top of the balance beneath the clip or screw in the frame.
Install one side of the sash into the top of the window frame. Push the sash against the frame until you can insert the opposite side of the sash in the frame.
Lower the sash until it engages with the bottom of the replacement spring balances. Push the bottom of the take out clips into the window frame or tighten the screws so they are flush with the frame.
Raise and lower the sash two or three times to ensure the window operates properly. Replace the stops in the frame if applicable.
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Things You Will Need
- Flat-head screwdriver
- Tape measure
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