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Deleted member 174758
They used to tell you that they'd all be lead in college, but most of the ones I've worked on are cast iron and were presumably made by a local iron foundry (very commion in former industrial areas). The problem with cast iron is that it isn't as dense as lead, so the weights are noticeably bigger than lead ones and adding extra weights on top isn't always possible. With those the solution is often to replace them - Mighton sell steel and lead weighhts made to order, but you do need to weigh each sash, complete with glazing to find out the weight needed. (It's also worth the OP knowing tht Mighton are one of the two big firms selling sash repair parts, the other being Reddiseals who also do weights)
I'm with Opps on the DIY approach - it should be within the capabilities of a competent DIYer. The one thing I will add to what he says is that messing with old sash cord isn't worth the effort, so if you are doing the refurb replace the cord with a good quality waxed cotton type. It'll last decades and saves having to strip the window down again in the future if an old cord breaks.
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