How to catch window assist spring???

Posted by Tom on November 22, 2005, 11:10 am

I have double hung windows that use a coil spring on each side to assist
the window in its slide. The plastic clips that hold the end of the springs
in tension have all broken, and the springs have retracted up about 6
inches inside the window frames.

Does anyone have a clever way of reaching up and grabbing those springs? I
tried threading in a lag bolt, but it would not hold long enough to pull
the spring down. Ditto for a mechanic's grab tool.

Any ideas would be much appreciated! Thanks.

Posted by on November 22, 2005, 1:27 pm

You have to pull the sash out far enough to grab the spring. The stop
should be removable. If the jamb has vynil liners , force the sash to
one side,pull towards you on the side you are prying. The sash will pop
out.Replace the plastic with a suitable metal clip.
mike

Posted by Colbyt on November 22, 2005, 5:09 pm

> You have to pull the sash out far enough to grab the spring. The stop
> should be removable. If the jamb has vynil liners , force the sash to
> one side,pull towards you on the side you are prying. The sash will pop
> out.Replace the plastic with a suitable metal clip.
> mike

For the OP.

I think Mike is right but to try and answer your question. Can you make
small hook out of a stiff coat hanger or other wire? Buy or borrow a crochet
hook?

Colbyt

Posted by Tom on November 22, 2005, 7:34 pm

Thanks for the suggestions. The thing that is driving me crazy is that 15
years ago when I moved in, I fixed several of the windows by grapping the
springs, but I don't recall how I did it, exactly. I have tried the several
versions of the coat hanger recently, without any luck. I'm not sure if a
crochet hook would get a purchase on the spring coil as there is no gap
between the individual wires in the coil. I'm sure the sash removal would
work, but it means prying off the wood work and all the associated paint
damage. Thanks again.

>> You have to pull the sash out far enough to grab the spring. The stop
>> should be removable. If the jamb has vynil liners , force the sash to
>> one side,pull towards you on the side you are prying. The sash will pop
>> out.Replace the plastic with a suitable metal clip.
>> mike

> For the OP.
> I think Mike is right but to try and answer your question. Can you make
> small hook out of a stiff coat hanger or other wire? Buy or borrow a
> crochet
> hook?
> Colbyt
>

Posted by Colbyt on November 22, 2005, 7:59 pm

> Thanks for the suggestions. The thing that is driving me crazy is that 15
> years ago when I moved in, I fixed several of the windows by grapping the
> springs, but I don't recall how I did it, exactly. I have tried the

several

> versions of the coat hanger recently, without any luck. I'm not sure if a
> crochet hook would get a purchase on the spring coil as there is no gap
> between the individual wires in the coil. I'm sure the sash removal would
> work, but it means prying off the wood work and all the associated paint
> damage. Thanks again.

I assumed there was a hook on the end.

How about a set of straight forceps if you can find them. The several pair
I have, all curved, always seen to do something impossible for me.

Colbyt

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