3 Ways To Open A Stuck Window - WikiHow

Home » How To Open A Stuck Window » 3 Ways To Open A Stuck Window - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Open a Stuck Window PDF download Download Article Explore this Article methods 1 Prying a Window Open 2 Lubricating a Stuck Window 3 Removing a Window Sash Other Sections Questions & Answers Video Tips and Warnings Things You'll Need Related Articles Expert Interview References Article Summary Co-authored by Ryaan Tuttle

Last Updated: January 22, 2024 Fact Checked

PDF download Download Article X

This article was co-authored by Ryaan Tuttle. Ryaan Tuttle is a Home Improvement Specialist and the CEO of Best Handyman, Inc. in Boston, Massachusetts. With over 17 years of experience, he specializes in building home service businesses, focusing on creating scalable and efficient brands. With the help of his global team, the companies have achieved over 10+ million in sales and received recognition through magazine features, and enjoy partnerships with wikiHow and Jobber field service software. Boston Magazine and LocalBest.com have named Best Handyman Boston the Best Handyman in Boston. Ryaan holds Construction Supervisor and Home Improvement Contractor Licenses. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 416,221 times.

It can be quite frustrating when you want to open a window and find that the window won’t budge. Windows can get stuck for a number of reasons: wood frames may have warped in wet weather, the house may have settled or someone may have painted the frames shut. With patience and a few handy techniques, most stuck windows can be opened.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 3:

Prying a Window Open

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Examine the window. 1 Examine the window. Look at both sides of the window, interior and exterior.
    • Make sure it is a window that is meant to be opened. Some new office and home windows are not meant to be opened. If there are no hinges or the window is a single pane with nowhere to slide, it likely does not open.
    • Make sure that the window is not nailed or screwed shut for security or energy conservation reasons.
    • Check for any staples around the interior of the window where plastic sheeting may have been fastened. Carefully remove them with needle-nose pliers.
    • Make sure any locks are disengaged.
    • Look to see if the window frame has been recently painted.
    • Decide which direction the window is supposed to open: up, outward or sideways.
  2. Step 2 Loosen any paint that is sealing the window shut. 2 Loosen any paint that is sealing the window shut. Removing dried paint that collected between the window and frame will free the window and allow it to be opened.[1]
    • Use a razor knife to cut along the edge of the window and the frame.[2] Cut across all four sides of the window. You may need to check the exterior of the window in addition to the inside to make sure that it isn’t painted shut on both sides.
    Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Insert a putty knife between the window and the frame. 3 Insert a putty knife between the window and the frame. Wriggle the knife back and forth to loosen any dried paint between the window and the frame. Go around the entire edge of the window to loosen all sides.
  4. Step 4 Hammer the edge of the window to break the seal created by paint. 4 Hammer the edge of the window to break the seal created by paint. Use a wood block to cushion the blows from the hammer and prevent making dents in the wood of the window. Be careful to hit gently so as not to break the window. Hammer the wood portion of the window and not the glass.
  5. Step 5 Push on the window with your hands. 5 Push on the window with your hands. Try to loosen the window one side at a time. Then try to push the window down as if you were closing it. If it moves, make sure the window is straight in its frame and slowly attempt to open it.
    • Push each corner to see if there is any movement.
    • Press on the window gently to open it a little at a time.
  6. Step 6 Force the window up with a pry bar. 6 Force the window up with a pry bar. Place a small block of wood on the window frame to give your pry bar more leverage. Gently force the window up with the pry bar.
    • Reposition the pry bar along the bottom edge of the window to lift both sides of the window.
    • Using a pry bar may damage the wood of the window or window frame, use this method very carefully as a last resort.
    7. Advertisement
Method 2 Method 2 of 3:

Lubricating a Stuck Window

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Rub the end of a candle along the channel where the window opens. 1 Rub the end of a candle along the channel where the window opens. Spread wax from the bottom of a candle into the window channel. The wax will help allow the window to slide up and down and prevent future sticking.[3]
  2. Step 2 Remove moisture from the window frame. 2 Remove moisture from the window frame. Wood may swell due to humidity causing windows to become stuck. Drying out the wood may help the window open more easily.[4]
    • Run a hair dryer along the edges of the window frame for several minutes. After drying the wood, try opening the window.
    • Place a dehumidifier in a room with stuck windows. Lowering the humidity in the room should help reduce the swelling of the window frames.
  3. Step 3 Use a wood block and hammer to widen the window channel. 3 Use a wood block and hammer to widen the window channel. If the window is in a wooden frame, place a wood block along the channel where the window opens and hammer it gently to depress the wood. Make the channel wider to allow the window to move more freely.
  4. Step 4 Spray a lubricant such as WD-40 along the edge of the window. 4 Spray a lubricant such as WD-40 along the edge of the window. Be careful when using spray lubricants as they may discolor some surfaces or damage some types of paint.
    • If the window opens outward on hinges, spray the hinges with the lubricant for smoother operation.
  5. Step 5 Open the window repeatedly. 5 Open the window repeatedly. After you get the window to open one time, open and close it several times to loosen the action of the window. If it still sticks, check the frame to ensure that it isn’t warped or damaged from water. Feel for areas where the window meets some resistance and use a utility knife or sandpaper smooth it out.
    • Window frames with severe water damage may need to be replaced entirely.
    6. Advertisement
Method 3 Method 3 of 3:

Removing a Window Sash

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Remove the window stops. 1 Remove the window stops. The stop is a small piece of trim in the window frame that holds the movable sash in place. Examine the stop to determine how it is attached to the window frame.[5]
    • Use a utility knife to remove any paint that is sealing the stop to the window frame.
    • Remove any screws that are holding the sash in place.
    • Gently pry the stop out using a flathead screwdriver or paint scraper.
    • Be careful when removing the stops as they can snap easily. You may need to purchase a replacement stop to reinstall the window.
  2. Step 2 Unscrew any hardware on the sash. 2 Unscrew any hardware on the sash. Remove the locks or latches used to close the window. Check for any additional hardware from curtains or other additions that may be attached to the window sash or frame.
  3. Step 3 Tilt the top of the bottom section of the window inward. 3 Tilt the top of the bottom section of the window inward. Remove the bottom sash first by leaning it in towards the inside of the house. As you lean it inward, pay attention to the ropes connecting the window to the pulley inside the frame.
    • Remove the rope from one side of the window by pulling the knot down and out from the side of the window sash.
    • Remove the other rope from the other side in the same manner.
  4. Step 4 Smooth the edges of the sash. 4 Smooth the edges of the sash. Once the sash is removed, sand the edges to remove any paint or swollen wood causing the window to stick. Make sure to sand evenly to avoid creating additional bumps or uneven surfaces which may cause additional sticking issues.
    • Use a hand planer on the sides of the window if your sash has swelled.
  5. Step 5 Remove the upper sash. 5 Remove the upper sash. In double hung windows the upper sash can be removed as well. Remove any paint that is sealing the window shut to be able to move the sash.
    • Use a razor knife to cut around the edges of the window inside and outside.
    • Slide the upper sash down to reveal the pulleys in the side of the window jamb.
    • Pull the right side of the window in to free it from the jamb.
    • Remove the rope connecting the sash to the pulley inside the window frame and jamb.
    • Pull the left side of the window out and remove the rope.
  6. Step 6 Sand the edges of the upper sash. 6 Sand the edges of the upper sash. Check the edges of the sash for any paint or warped wood. Sand the sash smooth to allow for better operation.
  7. Step 7 Sand the track inside the window frame. 7 Sand the track inside the window frame. Remove any dried paint that has built up along the window sash with a scraper and sand the track smooth.
  8. Step 8 Replace the window sashes. 8 Replace the window sashes. Reverse the steps used to remove the window sashes to put them back in place.
    • Attach the ropes to the upper sash and slip it in place one side at a time.
    • Attach the ropes to the lower sash and place the bottom half in first. Push the upper half in place.
    • Slide the window stop back in place and attach it with screws or finish nails.
    9. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question What should I do if my window lock will not open? Community Answer Community Answer Spray the lock with WD-40 or similar product and let it sit for 24 hours. You could also see if the lock is attached to the window or frame and unscrew or otherwise remove the entire lock. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 3 Helpful 7
  • Question Can I just break my window? Community Answer Community Answer You could, of course, but you would have to replace the entire window, and you're risking an injury and/or property damage. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 6 Helpful 13
  • Question What should I do if my aluminum window will not open? Community Answer Community Answer Follow the steps in the article. If nothing works, call a professional to fix it. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 6 Helpful 17
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Tips

  • A cooking spatula or butter knife with a stiff metal blade can be used in place of a putty knife. Thanks Helpful 6 Not Helpful 2
  • Work slowly and carefully rather than applying a lot of force quickly. Thanks Helpful 18 Not Helpful 16
  • If you can’t get a pry bar between the window bottom and the frame put two small screws in the frame near the bottom of each corner, leaving the head of the screw sticking out a bit. Use these to put the pry bar under and pry up on. This can damage the frame a bit. Thanks Helpful 10 Not Helpful 15
Show More Tips
    • If your window operates with a crank, spray WD-40 or another lubricant on the frame and let it sit for 5 minutes. Have a helper carefully open the window while you crank it. Lubricate any of the other hinges while the window is open.
Show More Tips Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • Wear work gloves and safety goggles when trying to force open windows as the glass may break. Thanks Helpful 10 Not Helpful 5
  • Getting one corner of a window too much higher than the other when forcing open a window will probably result in cracking the window glass. Thanks Helpful 7 Not Helpful 3
  • If a house has settled a lot, or there has been damage from a storm or other disaster the window frame may be too warped to be able to open the window safely. The whole window may need to be removed and the frame repaired or replaced. Thanks Helpful 9 Not Helpful 5
Advertisement

Things You’ll Need

  • Thin blade putty knife
  • Thin pry bar
  • Hammer
  • Wood scraps
  • Work gloves
  • Safety goggles

You Might Also Like

Open Painted Shut WindowsHow toOpen Painted Shut Windows Remove a Vertical Sliding WindowHow to Remove a Vertical Sliding Window Unstick a Door5 Ways to Fix a Jammed Door & Stop It From Sticking Repair a Sliding WindowHow toRepair a Sliding Window Break Into Your HouseHow toBreak Into Your House Manually Roll Up a Power WindowQuick and Easy Ways to Roll Up a Stuck Power Window Glaze a WindowHow to Glaze a Window Replace a Window PaneHow toReplace a Window Pane Open a Stuck Car DoorHow toOpen a Stuck Car Door Fix an Off Track WindowHow toFix an Off Track Window Open a Window ScreenHow toOpen a Window Screen Clean Glue from WindowsHow toClean Glue from Windows Repair Electric Car WindowsHow toRepair Electric Car Windows Remove a Broken KeyThe Best Ways to Get a Broken Key Out of a Lock Advertisement

Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you'd like to learn more about opening stuck windows, check out our in-depth interview with Ryaan Tuttle.

References

  1. ↑ http://www.sunset.com/home/how-to-open-a-stuck-window-00418000072581
  2. ↑ Ryaan Tuttle. Home Improvement Specialist. Expert Interview
  3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RDvwKnoyXw
  4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpX_cTFj0Q4
  5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jaAkRT-WgdU

About This Article

Ryaan Tuttle Co-authored by: Ryaan Tuttle Home Improvement Specialist This article was co-authored by Ryaan Tuttle. Ryaan Tuttle is a Home Improvement Specialist and the CEO of Best Handyman, Inc. in Boston, Massachusetts. With over 17 years of experience, he specializes in building home service businesses, focusing on creating scalable and efficient brands. With the help of his global team, the companies have achieved over 10+ million in sales and received recognition through magazine features, and enjoy partnerships with wikiHow and Jobber field service software. Boston Magazine and LocalBest.com have named Best Handyman Boston the Best Handyman in Boston. Ryaan holds Construction Supervisor and Home Improvement Contractor Licenses. This article has been viewed 416,221 times. 14 votes - 57% Co-authors: 10 Updated: January 22, 2024 Views: 416,221 Categories: Featured Articles | Doors and Windows Article SummaryX

To open a stuck window, use a razor knife to cut along the edge of the window and frame across all 4 sides to loosen any paint that could be sealing the window shut. Alternatively, insert a putty knife between the window and frame and wriggle it back and forth to loosen any dried paint between the window and frame. Another way to open a stuck window is to rub the end of a candle along the channel where the window opens or spray a lubricant like WD-40 along the side of the window to help it move more smoothly. You can also reduce swelling that could be preventing your window from opening by running a hairdryer along the edges. To learn how to remove a window sash to help it move more easily, keep reading! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Spanish Italian Russian Portuguese German French Indonesian Dutch Arabic
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 416,221 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Colleen Bakker

    Colleen Bakker

    Jul 1, 2016

    "Very helpful tips on different ways to get the stuck window opened!"
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Ryaan Tuttle Co-authored by: Ryaan Tuttle Home Improvement Specialist 14 votes - 57% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 10 Updated: January 22, 2024 Views: 416,221 Colleen Bakker

Colleen Bakker

Jul 1, 2016

"Very helpful tips on different ways to get the stuck window opened!" Anonymous

Anonymous

Jun 11, 2018

"Great tips opened windows that haven't been open in 20 yrs." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

Quizzes & Games

How Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizTake QuizFinish the Phrase QuizFinish the Phrase QuizTake QuizWhy Can't I Sleep QuizWhy Can't I Sleep QuizTake QuizWould I Survive a Horror Movie QuizWould I Survive a Horror Movie QuizTake QuizHow Hard Has My Life Been QuizHow Hard Has My Life Been QuizTake QuizWhat Kind of Reality Check Do I Need QuizWhat Kind of Reality Check Do I Need QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Open Painted Shut WindowsHow toOpen Painted Shut WindowsRemove a Vertical Sliding WindowHow to Remove a Vertical Sliding WindowUnstick a Door5 Ways to Fix a Jammed Door & Stop It From StickingRepair a Sliding WindowHow toRepair a Sliding Window

Featured Articles

A Complete Style Guide for the Gamine Kibbe Body TypeA Complete Style Guide for the Gamine Kibbe Body Type Tell if You’re in LoveHow to Tell if You’re in LoveWhich Chaotic Evil Villain Am I QuizWhich Chaotic Evil Villain Am I QuizWhat Does It Mean If Someone Tries to Kill You in Your Dream?What Does It Mean If Someone Tries to Kill You in Your Dream?200+ Best Questions to Ask Someone You Like (Texting & IRL)200+ Best Questions to Ask Someone You Like (Texting & IRL)How Beautiful Am I QuizHow Beautiful Am I Quiz

Trending Articles

Let Us Rate You 1-10: Attractiveness Scale QuizLet Us Rate You 1-10: Attractiveness Scale QuizCan We Guess If You're Single or Taken?Can We Guess If You're Single or Taken?Make OutHow toMake OutAm I a Gigachad or Totally Chopped?Am I a Gigachad or Totally Chopped?How Rare Is My Birthday QuizHow Rare Is My Birthday QuizHow Nonchalant Am I QuizHow Nonchalant Am I Quiz

Featured Articles

13 Types of Hairlines for Men and Women (And How to Maintain Yours)13 Types of Hairlines for Men and Women (And How to Maintain Yours)Which of the 8 Face Shapes Do You Have? Helpful Tips & Style GuidanceWhich of the 8 Face Shapes Do You Have? Helpful Tips & Style GuidanceMental Illness TestMental Illness TestEnjoy the HolidaysHow toEnjoy the Holidays Get 250 Grams of Protein Daily: Best Foods, Meal Plans & MoreHow to Get 250 Grams of Protein Daily: Best Foods, Meal Plans & MoreAm I Girly QuizAm I Girly Quiz

Featured Articles

200 Fun, Flirty, & Deep Questions to Get to Know a Guy Better200 Fun, Flirty, & Deep Questions to Get to Know a Guy Better Tighten Skin Under Your Chin: Natural or Surgical OptionsHow to Tighten Skin Under Your Chin: Natural or Surgical OptionsWhat Would My Nickname Be QuizWhat Would My Nickname Be Quiz21 Common Hand Signs & Gestures (& What They Mean)21 Common Hand Signs & Gestures (& What They Mean)170+ Best Useless Facts That Sound Like Lies170+ Best Useless Facts That Sound Like LiesIs He Interested In Me QuizIs He Interested In Me Quiz

Watch Articles

Wrap a Round GiftHow toWrap a Round GiftSteam in an OvenHow toSteam in an Oven Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesHow to Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesClean a Silver NecklaceHow toClean a Silver Necklace4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of Soda4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of SodaPart Your HairHow toPart Your Hair

Trending Articles

180 Good Comebacks & Savage Roasts to Win Any Argument180 Good Comebacks & Savage Roasts to Win Any ArgumentAm I a Furry QuizAm I a Furry QuizHave I Met My Soulmate Yet QuizHave I Met My Soulmate Yet QuizRandom Fortune GeneratorRandom Fortune GeneratorWhat Should My Name Really Be QuizWhat Should My Name Really Be QuizWhat Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)What Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)

Quizzes & Games

The Impossible QuizThe Impossible QuizTake QuizAm I Smart QuizAm I Smart QuizTake QuizImpossible English TestImpossible English TestTake QuizWould I Be a Good Super Spy QuizWould I Be a Good Super Spy QuizTake QuizHow Lucky Am I QuizHow Lucky Am I QuizTake QuizWhat Should I Do QuizWhat Should I Do QuizTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Home and Garden
  • Home Maintenance
  • Doors and Windows
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

wikiHow Tech Help Pro:

Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve

Let's go! X --514

Tag » How To Open A Stuck Window