Older windows

Question

Questions Topic 1: Is there any approved lubrication for the spring, or pulley "block and tackle")? Or for the window itself?

One window lifts up smoothly. Another window here is a bit tight but acceptable.
I hear candle wax is safe for window?
Would silicone spray be safe for the spring?
Silicone spray is supposed to work with metals and plastics/rubber - it's a common household and automotive spray - better than WD-40 IMHO.

Questions Topic 2: Sliding Screen Doors
Assume I can send photos or measure for a sliding screen door handle - it's very narrow and can't protrude.
Same goes for the actual glass door handle - needs to be precise.

Questions Topic 3: Older Windows, Doors
For other types of windows, I assume I can send more photos - or do you have a PDF like catalog?
I am fixing another house that has windows from 1950's and also 1970's - handle crank.

Do you have many types of screen and storm door handles?
What about locks and locksets?

Thanks so much for detailed, expert technical help.
I thought there was no way to fix these windows.

Dave

Emily · Accepted Answer

Thank you for contacting us, Dave.

Questions Topic 1: For old block and tackle balances and the springs, we don't recommend lubricating it at all. It'd be much better to replace the balance but if you need to, we suggest 3-In-One multipurpose oil.

Rubbing a candle in the track can indeed be a suitable and cheap lubricant. However, a silicone spray is usually better for window tracks due to the limited space. This tends to be better than WD-40, especially in applications where outside detritus can sneak in, such as windows. We don't recommend applying it to the spring itself though.

Questions Topic 2: Sliding Screen Doors

We indeed would need to see photos of the handle and hardware you're looking to replace. It'd also be helpful to know the distance between the two installation holes, measured from center to center, for the handle.

Questions Topic 3: Older Windows, Doors

We also need to see photos of the hardware you're looking to replace. Keep in mind, we may need more photos and information after that but we have to know what we're dealing with first. We don't have a PDF catalog but our online catalog can be found here.

Do you have many types of screen and storm door handles? What about locks and locksets?:

Our full selection of Replacement Storm Door Handles and locks can be viewed here.