help with adjusting weights on a sash window

[gansstraat]

Hi

I've spent the last couple of days stripping down and repairing an original sash window on my house as it had been painted shut over many years and the cord connecting the sashes to the iron weights had been cut.

Having now put it all back together, it appears that the original iron weights are no longer heavy enough to balance the sashes as the original windows have had double glazed panes inserted at some point in the past, thus increasing the weight.

I've read that it's possible to attach lead weights to the iron weights to balance things out again but am struggling to understand how the lead would actually be attached to the iron weight, as it's a long cylindrical piece of metal with no obvious attachment points.

Can anyone help with how the weights can be attached (and also where I might get lead weights from)?

Many thanks, CG

 

[big-all]

perhaps you could coat it with molten lead like a candle but neadless to say this can be highly dangerous and not to be consider lightly

try and work out the extra weight and try a reclamation yard for heavier replacements

you may have to adjust the exact length off sash cord on a longer weight

 

[mr_mike]

Hi G,

You're right in that the weights need to be slightly heavier than the total weight of the sash, glass and fittings (that's where the bathroom scales come in handy !)

You can make small adjustments by threading nuts or washers onto the sash cord as long as they don't affect the extent to which the window will open. I would try this first if the weight difference between sash and wieghts isn't too much. But as you say the sashes are now double glazed, the weight difference is likely to be more than a few nuts and washers.

If you want to be sure, then weigh the sash (which means taking it out and using the bathroom scales!), if you don't fancy that try guessing (!?) and buy new weights from :
http://www.reddiseals.co.uk/

Alternatively, get a specialist in like Ventrolla. But, you sound like you're more than capable of doing it yourself & enjoying the process. No reason why you can't.

Weigh the sash & fittings & buy slightly heavier new weights. If needs be, you can then make small adjustments by adding nuts or washers as necessary.......

 

[SASHWIZARD]

The lead weights will have a hole down the middle to thread the cord through and then attach to cast iron weights.
Bathroom scales will do the job just fine and as long as your weights are within a couple of pound of the sashes they will run fine.
The weights for the top sash should be slightly heavier than the sash to keep it up and the weights for the bottom sash slightly lighter so the sash stays down but a pound or two either way will do you.
Make sure the makeup weights you use are not alot bigger in circumference than your cast iron or they can catch on each or sides etc...also while your at it could be an idea to re-cord the the complete window would'ent take you much longer.
If you are in south or west london i can recommend places to buy your lead.

 

[big-all]

well there you are didnt realise you could get lead donuts

 

[mr_mike]

The lead weights will have a hole down the middle to thread the cord through and then attach to cast iron weights.
Bathroom scales will do the job just fine and as long as your weights are within a couple of pound of the sashes they will run fine.
The weights for the top sash should be slightly heavier than the sash to keep it up and the weights for the bottom sash slightly lighter so the sash stays down but a pound or two either way will do you.
Make sure the makeup weights you use are not alot bigger in circumference than your cast iron or they can catch on each or sides etc...also while your at it could be an idea to re-cord the the complete window would'ent take you much longer.
If you are in south or west london i can recommend places to buy your lead.

Hey there Mr. Sashwizard !

Can you recommend me where to get lead weights from in South London ? I've been using www.reddiseals.co.uk of late, but would be handy to know somewhere closer to home. I'm in Greenwich SE10 by the way......and apologys for hijacking the post !

 

[SASHWIZARD]

Hi Mike, i find www.leadsashweights.co.uk in wimbledon fair in price for larger orders but if its only make up weights your after try alloway timber they are a chain of timber yards not sure how close there nearest branch is to greenwich though.
Another method for makeups is to buy lead flashing and cut and roll it.

 

[mr_mike]

Cheers Sashwiz !