Advice on replacing sash weights with balances

G'Day Brains Trust

I'm hoping for some advice, and haven't found it yet with a search.

I'm replacing the glass in my double hung windows with thicker heavier glass, and have to change the sash weights to account for the extra weight in the windows. I'm guessing my best options are either spiral or spring balances, like those from Whitco, to replace the current sash cord and weight system.

Can anyone recommend one over the other? Would anyone suggest just adding weight to the current weights/replacing then with heavier weights?

Any and all advice would be appreciated. I know how helpful you all can be from previous searches of other threads.

Thanks

Slice

There are plenty of sites on line, just google "replacing sash weights with spiral balances."
Its probably easier to increase the existing weights. To go over to balances you will need to groove your sash styles and fill your pulley holes. Seeing you will be reglazing maybe groooving is not a problem.

Thanks Rustynail

I've tried to find somewhere that will sell replacement weight here in Sydney but had little luck. Found a place that sells old ones and maybe will have to go there with my current weights and get some that are about 1.25kgs heavier. But I'd need 16 of them.

The other option is somehow finding some thing about 1.25kgs to add to the existing weights, while still keeping the size to the space within the cavity. I'll need to pull one window apart to check what size cavity i have to play with. Possibly a length of heavy pipe around the existing weight, or a section of lead bar added to the existing weight. Any suggestions?

All this is starting to make replacing the weights for spiral balances (which i now know are the right choice over spring balances for timber windows) the easier option.

Hoping for someone to point me in the right, and easiest, direction soon.

Those big ol' double hung windows are under-valued in my opinion and if you look at them closely they are a work of art. In my younger days I replaced more sash cords in them than I've had hot dinners. Replacing the glass is one thing but be cautious in replacing the weights. If you can, measure the difference before you start so you know what you have to work with. If the difference is minor, get some lead flashing from a second hand building supplier, or new if you must, and wrap half the weight difference around each sash cord immediately above the original balance. If the difference is significant, sash balances (as we used to call them) will be available. I don't recall a selection of weights in sash balances but they must surely have as some windows where I have replaced cords were only a few inches wide therefore need only a modest weight. Remember to put the timber separator back in before you close up, you may well hear some chiming if you don't.

These things are highly tolerant of neglect and will work quite satisfactorily for years with one sash chord broken. That being the case, and without knowing the weight difference, I'm not sure I'd be doing anything at all about adding more.

I have done as Dakotax suggests on many sash windows (ie wrapped old sheet lead off cuts around the cord above the weights). Works fine.
You can also get square steel bar, cut to length, drill a hole in the top, and make new ones. But this is a lot more work, and you will have to find a supplier and probably have to buy 6+m lengths.....
Also, 2nd hand weights are an option, as suggested.
Good luck
TM

As said above, just add weigh with lead sheet, before you do, try one of your reglazed windows you may not have to change them at all, you can also glue lead to the weights, you can also make them from galv water pipe and adjust the weight buy adding lead shot. Don't replace them with spring balances they are a curse on humanity.

Spiral sash balance hardware costs about 15 % of the cost of weights and pulleys and work about 15 % as well. When I do make a weight and pulley window I still get a buzz to see it work smoothly. With spiral balances you kind of wonder when they will need replacing, I hate them

Ben

Thanks to all the replies. I'm sticking with the weights. But have to increase them, as the new windows are 2kgs heavier and don't stay up with the old weights. (Old glass was 2mm thick, new glass is 6.5mm, that should help block out the noise and heat transfer).

I was worried i'd not find the right weights, and 16 of them as its a four window bay window (or need to give the lead wrapping a go). But as luck would have it i went over to a mates place to help move a lounge out before renos started and there were four windows ready to be pulled out and thrown in the bin. The weights i pulled out should be just right for my new windows, lets hope so.:U

Hi All,
I thought I would post my question here even though I do not want to replace my weights with balances. I have had to replace the sash cords in my double hung sash windows. The old weights are 4kg each and 53cm long. I have re-nailed the new sash cords to the top window and I am at the point of trying (failing) to re-attach the weights through the 370mm x 60mm opening. With the top window in the UP position I try to tie the knot so that the cord is as short as possible, however the weight is so long that i dont have enough room to tie the knot so that the weight is suspended. The end result is the weight bottoms out and the window drops. I have to somehow tie the knot inside the compartment. I am trying to tie a stopper knot, which is not really working...maybe a different know which i can slip towards weight hole. See pic. ThanksAttachment 403491

you should (using a mouse) thread the cord through the pulley (before it is attached to sash), tie the knot, put weight in compartment (do for all 4, or back sash first, if you want), then pull cord down (weight raised) and fix to sash, each side. Put in parting bead. Then do front sash.
Hope that makes sense.
TM

PS don't attach cord to sash until after you tie cord to weights, and have them in place.

What he said

I normally use a string line to draw the sash cable through the pulley. Slip the loop through itself to make a noose and pull tight on cord about 50 - 100mm from end. Then when pulled tight do a half hitch with string line right on end of sash cord. This will lead it nicely around the pulley as you pull it up the inside of the window cavity and through to the outside.

Dave TTC
Turning Wood Into Art

Thanks for the feedback. I think I get you.... So basically I have done it about. For me the 'fix to sash' is an issue. My cord is attached to sash window via 6 tack nails. I was thinking that to first attach rope to weight, then feed it back through pulley and then nail the sash to the 10kg top window whilst its in position would be a bit tricky. Maybe one side would be ok, but the other ? or maybe i have completely misunderstood. Many Thanks, Tom

Yes
Weight to rope
Weight inside window cavity
Rope up cavity and through pulley
Rope to sash (I usually only use 3 clouts each side)

Watch out clouts not to high on sash or will foul on pulley. It will stop window going to the top


Dave TTC
Turning Wood Into Art

You could prob chock the window up and nail one side then the other

Dave TTC
Turning Wood Into Art

Thanks Guys !