4 Steps To Open Stuck Windows - The Craftsman Blog

If you’ve got an old house then you’ve probably got a stuck window. Over the years, numerous coats of paint by lazy painters and slapdash landlords have typically sealed shut most windows on a historic home. But, you don’t have to live with that anymore. If it’s just a few coats of paint standing between you and some fresh air, then I can show you how to get things moving again.

The Tools

You don’t need a lot of tools for this project but here are the few that I use and recommend to get the job done right.

Step #1 Inspect Sash Cords

To determine if it is paint that’s the cause of your problems, we’ll need to check a few things. First, make sure the sash cords are still in working order. Pull on them to see if they are still attached to the sash weights in their pockets.

If the pulleys turn and you can feel the tension from the sash weights, then you’re probably in good shape. If the cords are missing or they are no longer attached to the weights, then you’ll need to re-rope the sash after cutting it free. You can learn how to do that in this post, How To: Broken Replace Sash Cords.

Step #2 Free The Interior

Most old windows have been painted shut on both the exterior and interior, so let’s start with the interior. Use the razor knife to draw a straight line between the sash and window stops on both sides. Then, hammer your 10-in-1 into the space along the line to gently break the bond wiggling it a bit.

You can avoid the cutting and prying by using a handy tool called a Sash Saw that is designed to saw thru the paint line and clear out this troublesome joint. You can see a Sash Saw pictured in the top picture of this post.

Next, do the same at the meeting rail (where the top and bottom sash meet when in the closed position.) You’ll need to have the sash lock unlocked in order to separate the two sashes.

Step #3 Free The Exterior

Do the same thing as the interior, except this time, you’ll be cutting between the sash and the parting bead (which is the square trim piece just outside of the sash.)

Then, move on to the underside of the meeting rail. After that, don’t forget to cut the paint and use your putty knife at the bottom of the sash where it meets the window sill. All these areas can also be cut using the Sash Saw as it’s designed to run flat against the surface while cutting the paint.

Step #4 Open Your Window

Now, head back inside and slowly try to wiggle the window open. If it is still stubborn, keep using your tools to clean out the remaining paint from the joints that present an issue.

Once you get it moving a bit, gently keep opening and closing the window. It will continue to slide easier and easier. You can also add some Window Wax to the sides of the jamb and sash to help it slide smoother.

If you looking to go further and remove the sash for restoration then check out the video below to watch how both the top and bottom sash can be removed and made to both operate smoothly.

Scott Sidler

Founder & Editor-in-Chief

I love old houses, working with my hands, and teaching others the excitment of doing it yourself! Everything is teachable if you only give it the chance.