Comments on: broken sliding window theory

Question: broken sliding window theory

wolfsleepy — Wed, 10 Jan 2007 20:50:06 -0800

The sliding window in my bedroom is stuck, and it is very cold outside. How can I put it right?

Hello, hive-mind.

While attempting to open (or close) the window this morning, my partner somehow caused it to jam or come off of it's track.

It will not slide left nor right. It seems to be fixed at the top center, and will move slightly around this point.

Where, and how, should I apply force to get the window back on track? I've been afraid of making it worse.

I've included a helpful picture or two. Can you see the snow in the background?

By: tastybrains

tastybrains — Wed, 10 Jan 2007 20:51:29 -0800

Have you tried jiggling the left bottom side towards the top? That's what I do with my constantly off-track sliding closet doors and it seems to work. It seems like the left side is hanging low, so try pushing it up and jiggling it around.

Jiggling things usually makes them work. I hope it does in this case. Good luck!

By: Effigy2000

Effigy2000 — Wed, 10 Jan 2007 20:57:57 -0800

If I'm reading what you're saying right about how it's fixed, I would put a hand on either side of the window and apply pressure forwards and down (if that makes any sense). I had a window in a similar situation once and that seemed to fix it.

By: wolfsleepy

wolfsleepy — Wed, 10 Jan 2007 21:01:41 -0800

Thanks brains and effigy.

I grabbed it with both hands and kinda raged on it, jiggling in multiple directions until it fell into place.

Jiggling things usually makes them work.

I will remember this.

By: rolypolyman

rolypolyman — Wed, 10 Jan 2007 21:01:48 -0800

I'm guessing a piece of debris is stuck in the track. Here's what I would do. Find a two-by-four, or a sturdy hardcover book, and try to unjam it. Rest the book against the edge of the frame and give it a good bang with your fist to force the frame to move along the track.

If it's still jammed, time to use leverage. Using a long two-by-four, or something long and very strong. Leverage it to force it along the track.

Either way avoid working in the middle of the frame, as that's the weakest place and where the glass might bust. Also be alert to the fact that the frame might come out... you may want to be ready to catch it if that happens.

By: trip and a half

trip and a half — Wed, 10 Jan 2007 21:02:16 -0800

Well, just hazarding a guess from my experience with casement windows and your photos, I'd give it a good bang with my left fist on the lower right corner of the frame while pulling back (into the room) on the upper left corner with my right hand.

Good luck!

By: trip and a half

trip and a half — Wed, 10 Jan 2007 21:04:58 -0800

Oops, corner dyslexia! I meant bang on lower left corner while tugging on upper right. Anyway, seems like problem solved... stay warm!

By: caddis

caddis — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 07:23:21 -0800

To prevent future sticking wax the tracks by rubbing a candle on them.

By: blastrid

blastrid — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 14:51:38 -0800

after sweeping the tracks, you can also try WD40. It provides a nice lubricant for the wheels to pick up as well.