How can I close my sash window? It's stuck wide open.?

Question

This has happened once before and somehow I managed to close it (no trick that I remember - just a fluke), but this time I can't. It happens when I open it too wide, and then it won't shut again. I've tried pushing and pulling from above and below, but it is stuck all the way at the top. I can hear the weights still moving around inside, so they are not stuck. I'm not sure what the problem is. Any ideas? Thanks!

Answer 1

A long time ago we had the same problem with a window. It would absorb moisture and swell and bind in the track. We would bang on it until it freed up. You might try that tapping with the heel of your hand one one side and then the other side and see if you get any movement. good luck. With this cold spell we are having, you don't want an open window or you will freeze.

Answer 2

If Bill P's advice doesn't work then you may have a larger problem That click is troublesome. On the end of those (sash) cords are some weights that counter act the weight of the window. (That's the reason it opens so easily.) It sounds like one of the weights got stuck??? Or if you are lucky, the sash cord came off the pulley at the top of the window and wedged itself between the pulley and the side. If that's the case you just have to pry it out and put it back over the pulley. Good luck

Answer 3

This sometimes happens with the old counter-weight sash windows. What I've found was that something was catching around the pulley area -usually the sash cord itself is jammed. If nothing else works, you may have to pry off the edge molding on both sides, pull the window out from the track, then put it back in lower down. While you've got the edge moldings off, take a look at the edges of the window, the channel, and the sash cords. edges and channel should be smooth and free of dirt or old built-up paint. Cords should be smooth and flawless. If a cord needs replacement, now is a great time to do that! Rub an old candle along the window edges and in the channel, for lubrication.