Sash windows have two cords (on the left and right) - and over time these can wear away and break.

This guide is an introduction on how to replace them.

Use any information in this guide at your own risk.

Removing the sashes

To begin with when replacing the sash cords you need to remove the sashes.

Start with lowering the sash so you can see the cord.

Hold the cord and cut it while holding on to the end of the cord with the weight. Slowly release it (don’t just let it drop) so its at the bottom of the frame.

Then you want to pull the side staff beads away from inside the main frame. You can use a scraper tool to do this without damaging the wood.

Once the side staff beads is removed, you should be able to lean the sash towards yourself and pull it out.

Remember which way it goes back in (you won’t want to try to fit it back to front when putting it back in).

You will then have remove the top sash. You will need to pull the two parting beans out (in the side of the frame).

Now you have taken the sashes out, you can focus on getting to the weights.

Pull out the pocket pieces (in the left/right side) which should come out easily now you’ve removed the parting bead. You should be able to reach in and pull the weights out (which will still be attached to the cord that you cut earlier).

You should now remove the attached cord from the sashes and the weights, in preparation of adding the new cord.

Adding new cord to the weights

Before we add the sashes again, we need to set up the weights/cord.

Get a piece of string and tie it to the new cord. Tie the other end to a small weight (add some screw bolts to it). Pull it over a pulley. The weighted string should pull the cord with it, and you should be able to hold it with your hand through the pocket pieces gap.

You can now attach that end to the sash weight. Put it through the hole at the top of the sash weight, and tie a knot. (Tip: check Youtube for the type of knot recommended to hold this. You don’t want this knot coming lose)

Attaching the new cord back to the sash window

Now you need to pull the weight up towards the pulley, and then let it fall down around 10cm. It is helpful to temporarily fix it in this position with a nail.

Cut the cord so its length (the part outside of the frame) will match up in length to what is needed to match where the cord was attached to the sash before. (Make sure the sash is in the bottom position). When the weight is at/near the top of the frame the sash will be at the bottom.

Now repeat for the other sash.

Once all 4 cords are the correct weight you can start putting it back together. Put the top sash in first. Nail the cord to the sash, and remove any temporary fixing to the frame. You will probably need to put 3 or 4 1 inch nails to attach the cord to the sash. You only need to nail the bottom 15cm or so (and not all the way up the grove for the sash cord).

Repeat with the bottom sash.

Refit the the staff beads.

Other tips

I highly recommend you watch a youtube video which will be much clearer than an article without pictures.

More coming soon.