Painting double hung windows

[DiverDan]

Hi.

I have a number of double hung windows that I wish to paint. These windows have a black plastic slider installed into the frame that is in the way of painting all the way into the frame. I haven't been able to find out how these sliders work or if they can be removed for painting so I thought I would ask here if anyone knows anything about these.

Hopefully I have attached a photo you can review.

Thanks in advance. Diverdan.

[Beardy]

They are called a spiral sash balance, the black exterior is just the plastic casing and there is a spring inside the tube. If you lift the sash up you will see the connection point to the frame and you can adjust the action by unscrewing the fixing and winding or unwinding the spring to your desired neutral setting.
You could either remove them to paint or just cut in around them

[DiverDan]

Thanks Beardy. Is there a trick to removing them?

[Beardy]

Yours may be slightly different but generally look under the sash and you will see a metal tab with two 6-8 gauge screws hold it in place. This will have torsion tension on it so you might need to hold the end with pliers or wire etc so it doesn’t fling around and damage the timber ( they usually are supplied with a little tension hook type tool) . At the top of the balance you will see a single screw going into the window frame.
They are pretty straight forward and after you have removed the first one you will get the hang of it quickly

If you google spiral balances you might be able to see the installation instructions online to better understand their workings. Bunnings probably sell them as well ?

[DiverDan]

I found a great video that shows the installation process. So I'm good to go. Only 58 sash panels to do. (116 balances).

[taz01]

Could you post a link top the video. This is on my agenda one the current diy project is done.

Thanks
Adam

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[DiverDan]

installing spiral balances - Google Search (https://www.google.com/search?q=installing+spiral+balances&rlz=1C1CHBD_en-GBAU697AU697&oq=installing+spiral&aqs=chrome.1.69i57j0i512l9.9236j0j15&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#kpvalbx=_-oQyY9vzPIj14-EP75iOsAI_17)

Hopefully this should take you to the video.

[Handyjack]

When replacing the spiral balance, have a prop (or two) to hold the sash at its highest point. This will make installing and adjusting easier.