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How to Fix a Window Spring

Sometimes windows simply don’t slide up or down like they should. Many times, this is due to a faulty window spring. Luckily, replacing your window spring is easy to do and only requires a couple tools. Here, our window experts explain how to fix a window spring in both older and newer model windows:

Rod Springs

Many older single-hung windows are fitted with rod springs. These springs are easy to replace.

  1. First, you’ll want to remove the window pane that’s causing the sliding issue.
  2. Start by locating the metal latches at the top of the frame that hold the pane in place.
  3. Unlock the latches and remove the window pane.
  4. Next, locate the window rods on either side of the frame.
  5. Remove the rods by pressing down on the top of the rod to compress the spring inside.
  6. After that, you can pull the top of the rod outward and then unhook the bottom portion from the hook latch inside the frame.
  7. Inspect the spring inside each rod. If you notice that one is damaged or undone, you’ve found your culprit.
  8. Remove the spring at fault from the rod by unlatching it.
  9. Replace the spring with a new one from your local home improvement store.
  10. After that, secure the rod back into place by reversing the process in steps 5 and 6.
  11. Put your window pane back in place and make sure it latches into the window frame.

Balance Springs

Many newer single-hung and double-hung windows are fitted with balance springs. These springs are also easy to replace. Here, we explain how to fix a window spring in a double-hung window:

  1. First, you’ll want to remove both of your window panes.
  2. Slide your window latches so that the bottom window pane tilts towards you.
  3. Then, tip one side up and then the other to free the pane from the frame.
  4. Next, repeat the same process for the other window pane.
  5. After that, locate the balance spring.
  6. Place your flathead screwdriver into the balance frame’s brake assembly and turn it 90 degrees. (Make sure you place downward pressure on the screwdriver as you do this.)
  7. Next, raise the balance spring upward until you feel the pressure release.
  8. Locate the screw at the top of the spring and use your Phillips-head screwdriver to unscrew it.
  9. Remove the balance spring from the frame.
  10. Insert your new balance spring from our local home improvement store and secure by reversing the method in steps 6-8.
  11. Make sure both balance springs are parallel to the corresponding springs on the other side of the window frame.
  12. Then, put your window panes back into place beginning with the top pane.

Tools & Materials

  • New rod spring or balance spring
  • Flathead screwdriver
  • Phillips-head screwdriver

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