Window Channel Balance Repair Replacement
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- čas přidán 25. 04. 2013
- How to lubricate a stuck window channel balance instead of replacing. Should solve the problem of hard to open windows and/or window noise when raising and lowering. In addition to lubricating the channel balance with silicon spray, window tracks should be lubricated as well. Thanks for watching, hope the video has helped.
If you search online for "window channel balance" you will get numerous places. I found the ones I needed for my windows (Pan Am) here: www.swisco.com/cl/Replacement-...
Balances may also be available for order locally at Home Depot, Lowes or your local hardware store.
Thanks for the positive comments. I'm really glad the video has helped everyone.
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Who supplies the channel balances?
Info in the description below the video.
@@rhinsen Thanks! Sorry I didn't initially see the entire comment. I appreciate it!
You're welcome, no worries...
John, I use Tropical Window and Glass in Homosassa FL . If they don't have any balances in stock they order them.
wow- so impressive. This is going to save me thousands of dollars! I am selling my house and 3 of the windows have problems with rhe chanel balances. The buyer wanted a credit for theee new windows! Now I can just give a credit for the repairs. Many thanks for this video. Even the home inspector said the only thing to do is replace the windows - now we know that answer is 💩 chocolate ice cream.
5 and a half years later and it`s STILL the only video on the subject. Muchos ThankYous, dude!
You are very welcome, thanks for watching...
@@rhinsen this video taught me what a channel balancer was. I knew I needed to replace mine but I didn’t know what they were called or how they worked. Thanks Bob!
Definitely hard find videos on the subject. Thanks for this
10 years later this video still helps out as I couldn't find much help in repair, only replacement. Big THANKS!
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10 yrs later and being new to spring loaded windows, this video was great in understanding FL windows on a 1989 house. And thanks for calling the pieces and parts by their real names!
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Thanks for the video. Very informative. Just a note to anyone who wants to know, if they are bad DO NOT try to fix them or you could get hurt if the spring is extended.
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I walked into the bathroom and saw a channel balance laying on the back of the toilet. I didn't know what it was until I asked my kid where it came from. After watching the your video, I am now an expert window fixer! Thank you!
+John Brown You're welcome, thanks for the comment...
Thank you so much for video! I did not know how to remove my window to re-attach a channel balance so I called a window repair company. They wanted $375 in labor and $35 per channel for two windows. I just re-attached the channels in less than 5 minutes per window!
You're welcome, I'm glad the video helped you out, thanks for the comment...
Thank you for sharing this video, you are supper awesome and I got to save tons of money; they wanted to charge me $45 per balance, and I needed to replace 30 balances, I could cry tears of happiness right now... thx so very much!
You are welcome and thanks for the comment, love the positive feedback...
Thank you for posting this! We just had an inspection on a house we're trying to buy and it looks like most of the balances will need to be replaced. My husband keeps wanting to replace all the windows, but this video has me convinced we can save a TON of money!!!
You're welcome, thanks for the comment and good luck with the new home...
Great video. I have had problems with my single hung windows for YEARS! I had looked at the set up and couldn't figure it out. After watching your video, I'm ready to tackle this!
You're welcome, thanks for the comment...
Went to open an upstairs window now that there's some fresh air in South Florida, and the window kinda fell off those 'tracks'. Thanks to you I'm going to put it back together before my husband gets home! Then I'll tell him about today's trials and tribulations with a window! Awesome help, awesome!
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Same thing happened to me. I'm hoping that this is the remedy to my problem.
Thanks so much for this video. I had no idea what was wrong with my windows and even my local hardware store that specializes in old house and window repair could not help me. Thought I would have to replace them to get functional windows again. Thanks to you I'm back in business for under $25!
You're welcome, thanks for the comment...
I searched for a video on how to repair my window balances, yours was the only one that showed how to do this in detail. Easy to follow and informative, thank you. Just as a safety side note, I have a friend that has a glass repair business for 30+ yrs and he cautioned when extending & lubing the cord to be careful of the hook which can injure your finger if it gets away from you while under tension. Thanks again sir, this helped greatly!
You're welcome, thanks for the comment and advice...
A year later and your video is still saving people! I was just able to fix two windows that haven't worked since I moved in. The channel balance on both sides just fell out and I had no idea how to replace them. Your demonstration made it all clear and I fixed them in a matter of minutes! Wish I'd looked you up sooner! Thanks so much.
You're welcome, thanks for the comment...
I was slowly turning my former opening windows into clear walls - none of them would work anymore. Finally, was able to get a balance number and send it off to Swisco. Unfortunately, none with those specs so they had to be custom made, a chunk of change but worth it. So following your video, I now have two large windows working perfectly with two more to go. Can't believe how easy it was once I got started. Thanks, your video was a life saver!
Awesome, glad the video helped you out. Thanks for the comment...
Thank you!! Been fighting land lord for YEARS to fix 2 windows but your video showed me how...very simple!! Thanks again!
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This is a great video for DYI. Very cost conscious and only video showing how to repair than throwing away things and buying parts that are repairable. Thanks for making this video and sharing it.
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8 years later. Still the best video to fix the problem. Thank you for sharing
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Thanks for the video, When I moved in 7 years ago I went through all this, but since then I forgot how. I had one break this morning, and said, well here we go again. I live in Florida too.
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F*** man I know this is a little overboard but here goes:
THANK YOU so much. This is what CZcams was originally created for. 1 man, 1 mission, and thousands of viewers who have now been enlightened. No pandering ads or sleezy salespitch. It reminds me of the golden era of CZcams. I miss that so much. You sir, are an inspiration. I hope that I get really good at small little niche home repairs like this one, and am able to make quality repair videos for others- just like you have done here.
"I hope this helps somebody.." HA! You don't know the half of it! This somebody has been helped! Thank you!!!!!
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100% this.
Love this video and the creator for it!
10 years later still helped someone out thank you!
Yep, still here, you're welcome and thanks for the comment...
I’m a big DIY guy but have never messed with this. I have a house full of early 80’s windows that are all hard to open and one balance finally broke. This was the first hit when I did a search and was exactly what I need to know. Great job
Thanks for the comment...
I have called all over town and everybody says can't be done. followed your instructions and they now work perfectly, thank you
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Thank you! Thank you! For making this video. I am a senior & I knew nothing, about how to repair, my window. I saved $$$, not calling a repairman.
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Thanks for the video. It helped me identify that the bottom clip was detached. I reattached the clip and now it's fixed!
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CZcams to the rescue again. Thanks so much for posting this. I have several circa 1980 aluminum windows with broken or stiff balances and was wondering how in heck to service these. I appreciate the less than slickly edited video where not everything just slips in and out without any fiddling or fuss. Never happens in my experience. And as expected several clips and minor pieces have disappeared or disintegrated,
You're welcome, thanks for the comment...
Your windows are 1983? My windows are from 2003 and have similar system/balancers. Most of the CZcams videos show how to repair vintage windows, or the windows that fold in. Totally going to try your method. Especially since a contractor quoted me $80 to repair each window!
Yes, my windows are original to when the house was built in '83. You're about to save a lot of $$$.
Thanks a million! I just bought a 1981 built home & having "stuck" window problems. Being a 68 yr old female, I do not think I can do this repair but at least I am learning from CZcams videos (such as yours) the possible problems that cause windows to stick. Blessings.
You're certainly welcome, thank you for your comment...
This video is great. These windows are like a freaking Rubik's Cube. I opened one and heard something break then i had springs and ropes all over the floor. CZcams is a good place to find helpful videos like this one. Thank you sir.
Labay5 Thanks for the comment... Yeah, I remember I had a couple of windows where the springs were loose on the sides and falling out from the bottom. I was thinking I would have to replace the whole window and thanks to online videos I learned how to replace the balances and ultimately repair them as well.
Thank You - 7 Year Old Video and it's still helping people !
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This was exactly what I was looking for. I too am in FL and have the exact same windows. I thought I needed to replace the window but thanks to you all I needed to do was buy 2 window channel balance. Who knew! Thank you.
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I was losing my mind trying to replace the balances. Watched so many videos! Yours helped me so much! Sanity restored thanks to you!
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Thank you for this. I thought I was going to have to replace at least 80% of my windows. With your instruction, I just knocked out the living room 3 large windows in under an hour. Incredible......
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A whole morning headache solved in 20 minutes thanks to your video! Many Many Thanks!
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Thank you so much!!!! After troubleshooting, I thought it was just a bad design. Thought I was going to have to replace the windows.
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Thank you for taking the time to remove your window just to show us how to replace the balances, I have ordered twice from Home Depot and always damaged , I’m going to order from the web site you listed “Swisco” thanks again.
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Thank you so much! Could not find a service person as I live in a rural area. Your video is a life saver!! Thanks so much.
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Ron, you saved my wife and me hours of aggravation. The internet is now officially useful, thanks to you. :)
+Thomas Dayton You're welcome, thanks for the comment...
Thanks boss! I had a replacement set of channel balances from my window company and I got around to installing them today finally. Your video helped me get it done super easily.
You're welcome, glad the video helped out, thanks for the comment...
I removed my window to wash the outside and when I was replacing the window, the channel balances (thanks to you, I know what to call it) popped out! I unsuccessfully tried to figure out how to re-install it. I watched your video and had the thing put back together in 3 seconds. Now I don't have to face an angry hubbie! Many, many thanks!!
You are very welcome, glad the video helped out, thanks for the comment...
Thanks for the help. Got mine fixed today. Home ownership is not boring, that's for sure.
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Just wanted to let you know this really helped me out. The channel balance totally broke and the window just dropped down. Now I know how to take it out and how to replace it. Thank you
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rhinsen, thank you for posting this! I had a Jeld Wen window installed maybe 7 years ago. I guess the guy who installed the window didn't hook the bottom left clip into the slot. So the window never worked. It wouldn't stay in any position except down. When I tried to fix it, I pulled the balance out, or it came out. There's no way it would have come out if he had hooked it at the bottom, right? Back then, I tried lots of different things. But I never took the window out to see how the right side looked (to compare) and if I had, I still wouldn't have known about the upper clips. So for all this time, I've not been enjoying the window like I should, and the left side balance was removed and put in a closet in another room. So today, I checked out your video. It's all fixed and working great now, thanks to you. You made my day. Thanks again. Have a great Thanksgiving
+Larrytennisfan You're welcome and thanks for the comment. And thanks for the feedback, I'm glad the video helped you out... And... Happy Thanksgiving to you as well. It's finally almost here, yes....
It worked! Thank you for showing us this repair tip. It was pretty easy and the silicone made the window move much smoother. 5 ⭐ rating😊
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I've been battleing these windows for 2 years, thank you for the info! I was able to fix every one of them
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I fixed my kitchen window!!! I didn't have a broken piece in my rail , it just snap off.
Thank you Bob from South Florida !!!
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You just helped me fix an entire window that previously didn’t even open. Thanks!
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Thank you! We sold our house and the nit-picky inspector called us out on 6 different windows. I thought I had to replace all the balances because that is what he said. I'm glad I stumbled on this video because with a little lube, they are working perfectly again. I did break one pulley when i was pulling the rope and it slipped and snapped back. So, I do have to figure out how to order just one new one online.
There is usually a 4 digit number stamped on the balance which will identify what you need as a replacement. No problem....
Hi,
You are my hero. We've had this problem with all of our windows and thought we'd have to replace them all. In 30 mins I've done 2 windows, that's including cleaning the windows and the channels. I'd like to send you a monetary donation (paypal) for your time making this video and the wonderful explanation.
Wow, thanks for the offer but not necessary. Reading your comment and knowing how the video helped out is all I need. Thanks...
Thank you! I was able to fix my window problem thanks to your video and instructions. One of my balancer was unhinged so I was able to remove the window and the balancer in question and put it back, window and all! Thanks again!
Awesome, glad the video helped out, thanks for your comment...
He may be referring to SWISCO , They handle most of the window parts you may need. I just ordered some balances today. The help desk reps are great too.
Yes, Swisco
Great video Bob! Had a rental unit with broken window and was not fimilar with how to repair. Your video was a big help. Replaced the string with string from a old mini blind and reassembled the unit. Saved money by repairing rather than replacement. Thank you for providing the video.
You're welcome, thanks for the comment...
Thanks for the helpful video! We're selling our house, and the inspection report said we needed to fix a bunch of windows that were off track and hard to open and close. We thought we were going to have to hire someone, but it was an easy fix!
Alex Dailey Thanks for the comment. Glad video helped you out and good luck with the sale of your house...
Thanks for the info. The balance fell inside the channel and wouldn't let me close the window so I had towels stuffed in the two-inch gap. After watching your video, I lifted the opposite side and got the window to close. Phew! I think it happened because I was propping a couple sliding window screens under the open window as a barrier to keep the cat from pushing the existing screen out and taking a walkabout. One of the sliders was taking all the weight and the window was off kilter. (Kitties do love an open window!)
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Thanks! You’re right about your video presenting a different solution. One of my windows balances had come off from where the clip hooks onto the hole in the rail. I easily did maintenance on a second difficult to operate window within a few minutes. Now I’m very motivated to do the whole house. Thanks!!
You're welcome, glad the video helped you, thanks for the comment...
You just helped me with a two-year-old problem thank you very much sir
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I’m flipping another house. I’ve done about 60 or 70. I’ve never done this before. But ironically I’m getting ready to do this exact thing. Very helpful. Thanks.
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Thanks for helping me figure out what I was doing!
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This is the only video on YT that has my type of windows! Thank you!!
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This is great. I was going to start replacing windows because strings in the channels are starting to break or they are hard to open. You just saved me a couple thousand dollars.
BTW I found this vid after watching "old kc".
Thanks,
Scott
Shawnee, KS
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Thanks for the information. After fighting with the window to figure it out, you made it very easy to fix.
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Thank you! Wow, this video is over 8 years old but still pertinent and well edited with good tight shots (harder to do back in the day!).
I'm in Arizona and 120 degree weather is expected in a couple days. Several windows are jammed, off track and leave a closure gap at the bottom. I've been desperate to get this fixed and I thought I might have to entirely replace a bunch of windows to the tune of thousands of dollars :(
Glad I found this video. Going to give some of these suggestions a try this weekend. Fingers crossed that I can make some magic happen after watching your video.
You're welcome, thanks for the comment... Fingers crossed :)
Thanks for the great video, I was dreading messing with my window channel balance but your instructions made it easier than I expected. Good deal!
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One of my balances fell out, and this video taught me how to fix it. Thanks!
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Thank you, took less than 15 minutes to fix the channel balance in my window.
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Thanks for the explanation on this! So hard to find folks that actually want to take care of things instead of just replace. I've seen somethings that suggest a dry film lubricant so I might try some of that
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Thank you so much! I was so aggravated with my window. Following your directions worked beautifully and I have the new channel balance on order but in the meantime I can open and close it much easier than before!
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My contractor wanted to replace these and I looked at them and just realized they were stiff after 20 years. I tried a “dry” graphite lube because I didn’t want to use wd-40. It helped a lot and now the window slides up and down again! I will get some of this silicone lube and try this to see if it helps even more. Thanks so much !
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Wow…it was that easy…took me like 8 years to fixed it… it came off the track..thanks for your video 🔥🔥
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Great video Bob thanks. This was exactly what I was looking for, the only video I found on REPAIR instead of REPLACE. My windows are from a new construction home, only 5 months old. Already having channel balance issues on some windows. So I know they are still in great condition overall and just needed lubrication.
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Fantastic video...watched it, then successfully repaired my window. Now=happily content! Thanks.
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I couldn't find any other videos that explained it so well. I also live in Floriduh, and have a very similar window. Thank you.
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Very helpful. I’m glad this was a useful repair video instead of another replacement video.
Thanks for the comment...
Bob,
Thanks so much for posting this. You saved me lots and lots of time of research!!
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Thks , nice video, same exact balance channels south fl, windows 1987, so i figured this out myself after watch video on removal process ,before I found your video, lol, just ordered a few replacements , had couple of plastic sash cam broke and the ones i removed springs were rusted, 35 years installed, prices for impact windows around $ 30K to replace, stay well
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Thanks, a spring broke in one of balances for my window. Should have looked this up years ago. Great Help!
Glad it worked for you, thank you for the comment....
Well done Bob!!!! Your video is great and very informative. Thank you for taking the time to educate the rest of us!!
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Definitely hard find videos on the subject. Thanks for this
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Muchísimas gracias. Many many thanks. Second year using your clear instructions to rehab the working of second window. Thanks for the empowerment!
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Thanks so much! This was such an easy fix for a window that I couldn't get to stay up. It was about a 30 min job because the springs on my channel balance were really rusted. Cleaned them up good, lubricated them and they work like new!
You're welcome, glad it worked for you. Thanks for the comment...
Very detail-oriented and informative, which I appreciate. I was able to make a few calls, and was quickly referred to a local reputable window supply shop that had the balancers in stock. Good to go now, and sure beats some of the quotes I received from some of the wolves out there. Thanks for sharing to the amateur homeowners out there like myself...
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Thank you! The balance popped up above one of my windows so I just didn't use it for years. I can't believe how simple it was to fix!
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What do you do when it's above the window like that?
Paul, try to push it down while raising the window. You have to try to get it below the window just a bit so you can grab it and remove it. If it is stuck above the window and won't go down then try to pry it out from the top. Doing this may damage or break the top plastic guide on the balance but it may be the only way to remove it. Then you can just replace the complete balance. Good luck to you...
@@rhinsen thanks! :)
Bob, thanks for the video this really helped a lot and like you said there's no videos on how to repair these only replacing....
You're welcome, I'm glad to hear the video helped you out...
Thank you so much for posting this video, my window is working just great now. :-)
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This video was really helpful for me replacing my channel balances. Thanks!
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Very helpful repair video for vertical sliding windows! Thank you.
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Thank you so much for the video! My whole glass bottom part of the window came out. I thought I was going to have to call a repair service. But after seeing your video, I found the problem and fixed it. THANKS!!
Awesome, glad the video helped out. Thanks for the comment....
question, I realized a couple of my windows are missing that little snap lever that holds the bar down. Do you know what those are called? Or where I can get them? I tried Home Depot and they didn't have any. Thanks
I bought my balances on this site: Swisco. You can go here: www.swisco.com/page-id-part and upload a picture of your part and they will tell you what you need or you can search through the site for yourself. I'm not sure what it is called but I figure it's some type of clip but not sure of the exact term...
This was a big time help for me. My windows are a little different in operation but seeing how they install helped me figure out how mine needed installed. Thanks!
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thanks for taking the time to create the video Bob, appreciate you taking time to help me out with this chore.
Absolutely, you're welcome, thanks for the comment...
Thank you, you’ve just saved me hundreds of dollars.
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Mega thanks, this is the best and only video/instruction of this particular subject I could find
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Thank you for the video it is definitely helpful. I'm going to try to contact the website you sighted, to get my channel balance's for my house. Wouldn't of been able to do this without your video.
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just used this video to learn how to reinstall balances that have fallen out, saved my butt, thanks!
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I’m glad I watch this my window balancers are ALWAYS BREAKING the string is the issue all the time. Thought I was alone on this. Their made cheap so everyone has to buy replacement parts cause you can’t fix the string! I will try the liquid wrench thanks!!
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Thanks for taking your time to make this video it was extremely simple clear.. got my windows working right..!!
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Bob ! Knowledge is power. Thanks for the power.
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My windows were sticky, used a silicone lube, they work as new. Thank You for your video.
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thanks for the video. perfect to walk me through my repair and lubrication. I was able to repair one channel myself because I had some perfect width nylon string. the metal bar at the top end of the channel that stabilizes the spring in mine was broken. I just took a nail, clipped one end, and made my own little metal bar to stabilize the spring. one note when doing this job: its best to remove any blinds or curtain holders or other hardware which WILL get in the way of removing and reinstalling the window. happy thanksgiving.
+K Mody You're welcome, thanks for the comment and advice... Happy Thanksgiving!
Thank you... you saved me a service call. I appreciate it
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Thank you so much for this video. I opened my window and the whole thing kind of just popped out of its track and fell into my hands. I was able to get it back in the track but now it seems like one side is attached but the other side is not, so it always wants to fall out of the frame and it goes up unbalanced. I have to keep my head pushed against the top of the bottom window so it doesn't fall out of the frame when I am trying to open it. Being able to see what is actually inside the frame is very helpful and I'm hoping that I can fix it. Thank you so much for this video.
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