Sash window weights clashing

[Deleted member 174758]

Where I trained we called "wagtails" by the name "mid-feathers". They seem to have been uncommon until the general introduction of plywood in the 1870s/1880s and even when fitted they often rot away in windows subjected to weather. Clashing can sometimes be caused by the weights being incorrectly tied-off causing them to tilt a little into each other's path.

 

[AndyPRK]

Yeah I did check to ensure the rope came from the correct side before going into the loop

 

[opps]

It sounds like they might be replacement lead weights. Can you scratch them with ease?

I often get seconded to help a friend of mine who restores sliding sash windows.

It is often the case that when windows are reglazed the new glass is thicker and heavier than the old glass, in which case someone replaces the old tubular weights with lead. Sometimes the square profile lead is wider than it should be. IIRC there are two standard widths, it sounds like you have the one that is too wide.

You can replace the weights for the smaller profile weights (which will be longer) or try to fit a wag tail.

Oh, and never automatically assume that the weights in place are the correct ones. As I mentioned earlier, if the glass has been replaced with a thicker glass, the whole single sash will now weigh more. The only way to determine the new weight is to weigh the sash, that however requires you to remove the beadings and lift it out.

 

[AndyPRK]

This window hasn’t be touched in 55 years
.

They aren’t lead weights. They are cast

 

[opps]

They aren’t lead weights. They are cast

Oh...

I have never seen those. are the knots at the top or does the cord pass through them (with the knot at the bottom)?

 

[opps]

FYI, Mighton are one of the biggest suppliers of sash window supplies.

https://www.mightonproducts.com/products/sash-window-hardware/sash-weights/round-lead-weights

As an after thought. You mentioned that you recently replaced a cord. Last week I inadvertently allowed cords to cross around themselves in a box that we were restoring. It resulted in the weights clashing. I had to untie the weight, refeed the cord and then all was good.

 

[AndyPRK]

Ok I’ll have a look. I think I checked weeks ago

These weights have a hook at the top.
Some hooks are offset which is good.
Some are Centered

Anyway compairing left (ok) and right (clash) the front weight isn’t going out to the front as far as it should.

There is a wooden thing stopping it.

Anyway it’s a hot day so I better paint.

May chamfer the bottom of the weight off to help it past

 

[opps]

Ok I’ll have a look. I think I checked weeks ago

These weights have a hook at the top.
Some hooks are offset which is good.
Some are Centered

Anyway compairing left (ok) and right (clash) the front weight isn’t going out to the front as far as it should.

There is a wooden thing stopping it.

Anyway it’s a hot day so I better paint.

May chamfer the bottom of the weight off to help it past

Chamfer cast iron?

 

[KenGMac]

OK a completely of the wall question??

Is the sash still attached to the weight by the rope??

Just a consideration.

Ken.

 

[AndyPRK]

Yeah.
I put new ropes in for lower sash

 

[KenGMac]

Is the sash weight nearest to you in the offending pocket hitting the timber of the sash horn inside the pocket?

If so the rope may be too long?

Ken

 

[AndyPRK]

 

[catlad]

Ahh is that concrete?

 

[opps]

Ahh is that concrete?

Cast iron is 3 times more dense than concrete. You'd need very long concrete counter weights.

 

[opps]

Andy, can you describe the wooden obstacle that you mentioned earlier?

As an aside, I have encountered long screws that pass through the room facing side of the casement that have ended up pushing the weight of the lower sash in to the path of the upper sash, eg the cord tie for roman blinds. Even overly long architrave nails can be a problem.