Sash pull placement
Home Owner from Vermont
Jun 7, 2014 3:49 pm
I have a whole houseful of 400 series replacement double hung windows. I did not order them with sash pulls. I am small, older, and have a weak back. I now want to install sash pulls -- two on each window -- but at the outside tops of the lower sashes where I can get better leverage by pushing up to open and pulling down to close. (The windows are very stiff to open and close.). Can I install sash pulls there without breaking anything?
4 Replies
Paul from SWISCO
Jun 10, 2014 10:47 am
If the window is Andersen, then I think our 20-015 would be a good place to start. You may also want to use a silicone spray on the window tracks to help in the raising and lowering of the sashes.
Home Owner from Greensboro Bend, VT
Jun 10, 2014 9:21 pm
Um, you didn't really answer my question, which was about whether or not it was OK to install sash pulls at the top of the bottom-most sashes (rather than the bottom, where they usually go). I am concerned about drilling holes where no holes should go.
Also, I read mixed advice about silicone sprays on vinyl tracks. Some people say that the sprays will soften the vinyl. Is Elmer's Slide-All safe to use? Do you recommend something specific?
Finally, it would be nice if Anderson's maintenance advice for their windows would discuss what to do about windows that are very hard to slide up and down in their tracks, and not because the tracks are dirty-- even when new.
Also, I read mixed advice about silicone sprays on vinyl tracks. Some people say that the sprays will soften the vinyl. Is Elmer's Slide-All safe to use? Do you recommend something specific?
Finally, it would be nice if Anderson's maintenance advice for their windows would discuss what to do about windows that are very hard to slide up and down in their tracks, and not because the tracks are dirty-- even when new.
Dave Sr. from SWISCO
Jun 12, 2014 9:40 am
I'm sorry! I think Paul was implying that the lubrication would make the windows easier to open without changing anything around.
To be honest, it's difficult to say anything for sure without actually seeing the sash you're going to install these pulls on. If you want, you can take a few photos of the window and a close up of where you will be installing these pulls and we can see if there would be any complications.
Also, can you confirm that these windows are Andersen brand? Are the sashes made of wood or vinyl? Also, on the "hard to open" issue, how old are your windows? I'm thinking maybe the balances or springs inside the tracks could be wearing out, as well. I hope not, since it may make things a little more complicated.
As for the lubricant, I have heard a few ideas on what to use. The silicone spray could yellow the vinyl, but it is often the preferred lubrication since it does not gather debris or dust. WD-40 could dissolve some vinyls, as well. Teflon spray might be a good alternative, but I myself have used Silicone spray with great success in the past. It depends on the vinyl compounds used in the window, which is difficult to figure out, as you can imagine.
To be honest, it's difficult to say anything for sure without actually seeing the sash you're going to install these pulls on. If you want, you can take a few photos of the window and a close up of where you will be installing these pulls and we can see if there would be any complications.
Also, can you confirm that these windows are Andersen brand? Are the sashes made of wood or vinyl? Also, on the "hard to open" issue, how old are your windows? I'm thinking maybe the balances or springs inside the tracks could be wearing out, as well. I hope not, since it may make things a little more complicated.
As for the lubricant, I have heard a few ideas on what to use. The silicone spray could yellow the vinyl, but it is often the preferred lubrication since it does not gather debris or dust. WD-40 could dissolve some vinyls, as well. Teflon spray might be a good alternative, but I myself have used Silicone spray with great success in the past. It depends on the vinyl compounds used in the window, which is difficult to figure out, as you can imagine.
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