
So, sash cords are used by the building trade and DIY enthusiasts to fit or repair traditional sash windows. The cord is attached to the sides of a sliding sash window, housed in channels behind beadings, which has balanced weights. The weights hang from the cord that works over the pulley wheel usually sited at the top of the window frame.
What is a sash cord on a window?
Double-hung windows usually open via the verticle movement of the lower pane. A sash cord is a piece of braided fabric that is attached to the inside of a window. The term sash generally refers to windows with parts that move, either horizontally or vertically, to allow the window to open.
Can sash cords be replaced?
Replacing sash cords or sash ropes is a relatively simple procedure for a competent diy person. Should you wish to completely recondition a sash window or simply need to remove the sashes to get large furniture into the property then these guidelines can be utilized.
How does a box sash window work?
A box sash window operates by counterbalancing the weight of the sash against weights attached to a cord and passed over a pulley. These weights (usually cast iron, sometimes lead) travel up and down in a box, concealed within the window frame, hence the name Box Sash Windows.
What is the best rope to use for sash window trim?
My favorite is Samson Spot Cord which has a 150 lbs. working strength which works great for nearly every residential window. Anything larger than a #8 rope will bind in a lot of pulleys and is likely to have trouble fitting in the rope mortise on the side of the sash. Stick with the #8.

What is sash cord?
Definition of sash cord : the cord used to attach a weight to a window sash.
What do window sash cords do?
The cord is attached to the side of the sash and is fed through a pulley. It is also attached to the sash weight inside the box frame. Sash weight. The purpose of the weight is to counterbalance the sash to allow the window to open.
Is sash cord the same as clothesline?
Cotton sash cord is the upgrade from a clothesline and when used as a clothesline will last many years. This cord can be used as sash cords in windows. The typical thickness is 1/4".
What do sash cords run over?
The sash cord runs over the top of the pulley and along the top rail, and is concealed in the window frame so that it is not immediately visible. By concealing the pulley system of sash windows within the frames, homeowners are able to enjoy the aesthetic beauty of their windows without distraction.
How do you feed a sash cord?
3:215:31How to Repair Damaged Window Sash Cords | Ask This Old HouseYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUp almost to the top and back it down just a little bit. So now i push the rope in the dado. And iMoreUp almost to the top and back it down just a little bit. So now i push the rope in the dado. And i line it up at the bottom of the hole. And that's where i will tie my knot.
Is sash cord strong?
Cotton is durable, weather resistant and knots securely. Nylon sashcord in hanks or reels is regarded by many within the trade as the 'King' of all the sash cords. Nylon sashcord is strong, provides better shock absorbency and higher abrasion resistance than other sashcord materials.
What is sash cord made out of?
Our all-purpose sash cord is made of premium quality yarn with either a fiber or steel core that gives it additional strength and improved performance. Galvanized or stainless steel cable is used for the steel cores for added strength and durability.
What is the best cord to use for macramé?
twisted three-ply cottonThe most common rope for macrame is twisted three-ply cotton, which is both strong and fringes into a lovely wavy pattern. Some braided six-ply rope is also available, but I'd recommend sticking to three-ply options unless you need a lot of strength.
What is the difference between rope and cord?
Although there are similarities, there is one distinct difference that separates the two. Cord is lengths of fibers twisted together to create its shape, while rope is thick strings, fibers, or other cordage twisted or braided together to create its shape.
Why do sash windows open top and bottom?
"The trick to getting the maximum flow of air through the window is to slide the sashes so the window is open equally at the top and bottom. By separating the in-flow and out-flow, cooler incoming air efficiently flushes the warm air out of the room.
Do all sash windows open top and bottom?
Do all sash windows open top and bottom? Commonly, most window sashes do open top and bottom. Some styles of sash windows only open one way or the other, and other styles open both ways. There are even some examples of sash windows that open horizontally.
How do you fix a broken sash cord?
4:076:10How to Replace Window Sash Cords - Sash Weight to Cord - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBelow the mark I made and we're going to tie this into a knot. And we want the top of it not to beMoreBelow the mark I made and we're going to tie this into a knot. And we want the top of it not to be right that mark. So I tied a nice double knot on the end of the cord.
How long does sash cord last?
about 100 yearsQuality sash rope should last about 100 years and when you compare the price of rope to that of chain, rope tends to be a better value for a century worth of smooth operation.
What is sash cord made of?
Our all-purpose sash cord is made of premium quality yarn with either a fiber or steel core that gives it additional strength and improved performance. Galvanized or stainless steel cable is used for the steel cores for added strength and durability.
How do you change the weight on a sash window?
1:296:10How to Replace Window Sash Cords - Sash Weight to Cord - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou're going to have some held in place by nails. Or different types of screws. But I'll remove theMoreYou're going to have some held in place by nails. Or different types of screws. But I'll remove the screw. And now I'll pry at this. So for this door it's actually not so I had to pull this Center
How long does a Samson cord last?
Quality sash rope should last about 100 years and ...
What kind of rope should I use for double hung windows?
The best kind of rope for double-hung windows is cotton braided rope. Hemp rope isn’t appropriate. Full synthetic ropes tend to stretch too much and I’ve also found that they slide in the pulley tracks in awkward ways.
How to reuse a cord on a sash?
If the cords are to be reused: prise out the pins attaching the cord to the sash and tie a knot in the cord, slowly allow it to rest at the pulley. Remove the sash.
How to fix a sash that is inoperable?
If the top sash is inoperable it is usually painted shut, but also check for nails or screws fixing it in place. Carefully slice along any paint joints with a sharp knife, and tap the sash gently until it is free, often tapping upwards on the sash horns works. Remove the cords & tie knots as you did with the bottom sash.
How does a box sash window work?
How does a sash window work? A box sash window operates by counterbalancing the weight of the sash against weights attached to a cord and passed over a pulley. These weights (usually cast iron, sometimes lead) travel up and down in a box, concealed within the window frame, hence the name Box Sash Windows.
Why is it important to have a sash that slides easily?
For sashes to slide easily, it is important that the weights and sash are equally balanced. Whilst the weights would have suited the original glass, glazing repairs may have used thicker, heavier glass which puts the system out of balance.
Why is the opening distance of a sash shorter?
This is due to the long weights required to balance wide glazed frames.
What type of flashing is used for small weight adjustments?
For small weight adjustments, such as replacing 3mm glass with 4mm, lead sheet roof flashing can be used to form make-weights.
Can you replace sash cords?
Replacing sash cords or sash ropes is a relatively simple procedure for a competent diy person. Should you wish to completely recondition a sash window or simply need to remove the sashes to get large furniture into the property then these guidelines can be utilized. These guidelines are for the most common sliding box sash windows encountered.
