Make Hard to Open Vinyl Window Slide Easily

Fix hard to open windows. Are your double hung or single hung vinyl windows are hard to open? They will slide easily again after a little maintenance and some lubrication.
The Know How Now series continues on the topic of vinyl window repair. To see a video on how to replace all of the weather stripping on your vinyl windows or how to repair other vinyl window problems, here's a link: • Vinyl Window Maintenan...
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Disclaimer: Due to factors beyond the control of Know How Now, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. Know How Now assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. Know How Now recommends safe practices when working and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of Know How Now, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Know How Now.

[@twotentsdown]

I’ve had this video bookmarked for a while. I finally used these steps to fix my ‘sticky’ vinyl windows in my new house. Now the windows are 10 times easier to open and close!! Thank you so much!

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome! Best wishes for your new home. There are more window repair videos and many other home repair videos on the channel. Thanks for taking the time to comment. I enjoy hearing from people who watch the videos.

[@brneydgrl1]

Worked like a charm! I thought I was looking an expensive repair, or get used to not opening that window anymore. THANK YOU!!!

[@Know-How-Now]

You're welcome!

[@btgoto65]

So glad I found this video! We were ready to shell out $3600 for new windows in our living room when I decided to check out youtube first. Very simple process and easy to follow instructions made this project a money saving success! Thank you!!

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome, it's my pleasure to help. There are other window repair videos on the channel.

[@holliehazzard]

THIS is the answer to my trouble with 25+ year old windows! I struuuuugle to open and close the windows. Am only half through with my windows and am stopping to write this comment … I wish I’d done this years ago! Thank you!

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome, Hollie! There are other window repair videos on the channel and many other home repair videos on the channel. If you haven't already checked out the channel, click on the channel name.

[@bobthomas9027]

This is just what I needed for our windows. We bought a 17 year old park model that the windows were very hard to open. I followed your directions to the T. Thank you for making this video

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome. It's nice to hear from you, thanks for commenting.

[@Rockheadlives]

You could throw your back out trying to open our windows. After watching 10 videos I found this one. Excellent instruction. After following the procedures here, I can literally use one finger. Thank you for the informative and step by step video.

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome, Rocco. I clean and lube mine every few years. The dirt that accumulates in the tracks is like sand paper. I also recently replaced all of the weather stripping on the sashes of my 17 year old windows. I think it will extend the life of the windows another 20 years. I got the weather stripping for free under American Craftsman's lifetime warranty. Here is a link to a playlist on the channel with a video about that and some other window repairs. kzbin.info/aero/PLvce66kQTjJScYgkayF5hWHcA8t_JuUC_

[@jcky7880]

Best explanation of this type of window. Fantastically done!!!

[@waltereturner]

Thank you so much. I was told initially that they were sticking because they were not installed correctly, and I would need them reinstalled. This worked perfectly!

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome, Walter.

[@monsterenergyaxe]

Thank you. I fixed all my windows in the house. Cannot thank you enough for saving me so much money! Told everyone I know and came back to say thanks. You are the best.

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome. Thanks for spreading the word. After 20 years the weather stripping on my windows was starting to fail. I replaced all of the weather stripping (free parts under warranty). I think I will get another 20 years out of them. I have a video on that and a few others on window repair. Here's a link to the playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLvce66kQTjJScYgkayF5hWHcA8t_JuUC_

[@patriciacarruthers7009]

This was great! We've been living with stick windows for 7 years. We did every step - took no time and it worked! Thank you!

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome, Patricia!

[@krystalshepherd4582]

Thank you 👍 I've been suffering from wrenching my shoulder to open the window next to the lilac tree and enjoy the limited time scent. Now I can fix it and enjoy, pain-free.

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome, it's my pleasure to help. I love the smell of lilac. Enjoy!

[@lenora-yoder]

So helpful! Very clear and concise, thank you!

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome.

[@CreativeTherapy1968]

THANK YOU SOOO MUCH!!! I thought I was stuck with stuck windows or needed to replace them. Just followed your instructions. No more broken back trying to get some fresh air. 😊

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome, Robyn. Good to hear that your windows are working again.

[@robr7485]

you're an awesome teacher!! thanks for explaining so clearly and showing exactly what the part looks like, how it works, and what its called! perfect answer for me in maintaining old rental properties!

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome. There are other window repair videos on the channel.

[@martinradtke5181]

Finally fixed our 20 yr old vinyl windows! Thanks for the video.

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome, Martin.

[@bobsonofstan4985]

Great video. Everything was clearly explained and the diagrams were just an added value

[@Know-How-Now]

Thanks for the compliment. There are more repair videos for windows on the channel.

[@kathleenkendalljacksgrandm6902]

I’m so old and my windows are so hard to open, if I don’t have a family member here I have to sit without fresh air. Can’t afford a fix it man but your video looks exactly like what I need. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome, Kathleen. Cleaning & putting silicone on the tracks should do the trick. It's possible you encounter a common problem. If the sashes are not opened a couple of inches before tilting them in, the pivot bars can jump out of the pivot shoes. You may find this situation when cleaning/lubing the windows. I have another video that explains how to fix this problem. I'll put the link below. Have a great day. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fnPcqWudo991bKM

[@patnelson4289]

Thanks for the information and demonstration. Very well done.

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome.

[@robertelliot6557]

My windows are 20+ years old and I thought I would need new windows. Opening and closing them was really hard on my back. They have the spiral springs. I removed the windows, Cleaned the tracks and springs really well, and greased and siliconed as directed. The window moves better than when it was new. Thank you

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome, Robert. It's good to hear your windows are easy to open and close again. Have a great day.

[@joelk9603]

Excellent, precise, and concise guidance, thanks so much! Your video was exactly what I needed to fix my sticky vinyl window.

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome, Joel. It's good to hear the video has solved your problem.

[@yoda55555]

Out of 20 videos i watched, you are the only one i found tackling this issue. Thank you very much.

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome, it's my pleasure to help.

[@MrPedroCaliente]

Just saved me a boatload! I just bought a house and the inspector told me all the windows needed replacing because they were sticky. This made them all work like new.

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome, it's my pleasure to help. Congratulations on the purchase of the new home.

[@MOON_KID]

Amazing. Thanks so much for this. I was ready to replace windows that literally would only open a couple inches, but now they open easily the entire way.

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome, it's my pleasure to help.

[@oregonroy]

Thank you for a very clear and precise tutorial. Excellent for video footage, editing and timing, one of the best I have ever watched.

[@Know-How-Now]

Thanks for the compliment. I do my best to make good quality videos. Some of the earlier ones are not as polished as this one, but it has been a learning process. I'm always trying to improve the quality. If you haven't already done so, click on the channel name and check out the videos on the channel. Thanks for watching and have a great day.

[@carmelom269]

My house was constructed in year-2000 and it was constructed with vinyl windows with this comparable design. Presently, I practically have to use a hammer and crowbar every time I want to open a window. Superb Video! This was very informative down to the application of the Lucas White Lithium Grease on the bully chains. Thanks.

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome, Carmelo.

[@ronvalley1973]

I didn't even read the comments but i tried this and man i tell you it works amazingly great, and after repairing furniture for 44 years i cannot believe i did not figure this out, thanks!

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome, Ron. Thanks for watching & taking the time to comment... it's always fun to hear from people who watch the videos. There are a few other window repair videos on the channel, here's a link to the playlist. kzbin.info/aero/PLvce66kQTjJScYgkayF5hWHcA8t_JuUC_

[@ronvalley1973]

Well thank you for the extra links too! Gotta tell ya, I have been lifting up this damn windows in this ole farmhouse for 16 years now and thought I needed new windows. I'm 67 and still a tough ole hippy dude but man, it gets irritating you know. check out my channel if you like too, ron valley is it, and thanks again and have a great summer, bye now!

[@twinma0454]

Worked great for me! Performed all the steps shown in the video. I did use 3-in-1 oil on the spring balances since it was more readily available and it worked great.

[@stuartpoovey6463]

Best straight forward video that cures the problem. Thanks for sharing

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome, Stuart. It's my pleasure to help.

[@paulbenjamin4815]

Fantastic! Very clear.

[@sifat9667]

Looks easy enough. Thanks will try it out.

[@marywright5780]

This method worked great. We had 2 windows that were so hard to open and shut we thought we needed to replace them. Now we don't! Windows work way better now. Thanks for the info!

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome, Mary.

[@snoopyjrre77]

Excellent descriptive video. Way much better than other professional people here. Kudos 👏

[@Know-How-Now]

Thanks for the compliment. I have other videos about vinyl windows. I am working on a couple on new ones and will post them soon. Here's the link to the playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLvce66kQTjJScYgkayF5hWHcA8t_JuUC_

[@diana6842]

Thank you so much! I was feeling sick to my stomach, thinking I'd have to start buying new windows! smh

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome.

[@dsmith6245]

Thank you for the instructions for solving this problem. Very clear to understand. Nice job!

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome. Thanks for the compliment. If you find the need to replace a coil balance or find a pivot bar out of a shoe, there are more videos about vinyl windows on the channel. Here's a link to the playlist. kzbin.info/aero/PLvce66kQTjJScYgkayF5hWHcA8t_JuUC_

[@Know-How-Now]

If you find that this does not solve the problem, then it is possible that the pivot bar has popped out of the shoe or a sash balance has broken. Here is a link to a playlist of other vinyl window videos on the Know How Now channel that you might find helpful: kzbin.info/aero/PLvce66kQTjJScYgkayF5hWHcA8t_JuUC_ There are hundreds of videos at Know How Now, subscribe so you can always find the channel…. It’s free. I always respect your time and do my best to keep the videos brief, but informative. Check out the channel with this link: www.youtube.com/@Know-How-Now/videos

[@wkjeom]

Thank you so very much!!! Looks easy. I'll try this. I can't cay how much I appreciate this video!!!

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome! Thanks for watching the video, have a great day.

[@sunnyskyez]

Great tips! All of my 20 yr old windows are now doing this. So Ive got a big task ahead of me.

[@Know-How-Now]

When you are done, you will be appreciative of the easy open windows. There are some other window repair videos on the channel... if you encounter a problem. Here’s a link to the playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLvce66kQTjJScYgkayF5hWHcA8t_JuUC_

[@Waldo1982]

Just a point of information. Use the grease that was recommended. If you were to put vegetable oil for example it can soften the plastic

[@Lenumaza]

This video helped me get my windows working smoothly again. Thank you.

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome. Have a great day.

[@frugaltinkerer9609]

Thanks for another great detailed video. You are appreciated!

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome, Frugal Tinkerer. Thank you for watching the videos and taking the time to comment. It's always nice to hear from you!

[@andrewmcvay9978]

Fantastic I have been looking for a video like this for months. New home owner and totally in the dark. Definitely subscribe to this channel. Thanks so much

[@Know-How-Now]

I hope you enjoy your new home. Welcome to Know How Now, thanks for subscribing.

[@MHarenArt]

VERY Helpful! I'll be doing one or two windows every day!!! Thank you!!

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome, Maggie!

[@marambula]

Nice instructions and diagrams, you did a great job with shooting / editing this video making it easy to follow. thank you for sharing this! Subscribed!

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome. Thanks for subscribing. If you haven't already noticed, the video topics are grouped in playlists. Welcome to Know How Now!

[@Ichiro742]

good stuff! Short and sweet.

[@Know-How-Now]

Thanks for the compliment! Have a great day.

[@kenkirby8651]

Thank you very much, very helpful. My window was a brand new install that I did and I almost lost it when I realized it wouldn’t open right. It’s opening just fine now

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome, Ken. Thank you for taking the time to comment, I enjoy hearing from people who watch the videos.

[@jasonross5358]

Very clear! Thank you.

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome, Jason.

[@ultimatemexican]

Good explanation and speaking tempo combined with the video. Thanks

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome. I do my best to make quality videos.

[@joroseborough6330]

Thank you. Very helpful.

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome, Jo.

[@ecurrie4549]

Thank you so much for this my windows are awful to open and close. I just did this and had the spirals lucky me... Lol but this worked like a charm.

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome. It's my pleasure to help. There are other window repair videos on the channel. Click on the channel name, the videos are organized by playlist.

[@unbiasedreviews5978]

Super useful video! Thank You!

[@Know-How-Now]

You're welcome!

[@heavensdr]

Good info, thank you. Going to save this for future reference

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome, it's my pleasure to help. If needed, there are some other window repair videos on the channel. The videos are organized by topic in playlists or you can search the channel for keywords.

[@harbourdogNL]

Excellent, thanks.

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome.

[@jgordon00]

Thank you!

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome, Joshua!

[@scottsells7464]

Great video. Thanks

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome, Scott.

[@brendakrieger7000]

Thank you

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome, Brenda.

[@OEPYZ]

Great video!

[@Know-How-Now]

Thanks!

[@lovelywallflower4274]

This video was so helpful thank you so much now i know what to do to fix these annoyin ass windows in the room i just moved into

[@Know-How-Now]

It's my pleasure to help fix the annoyin ass windows.

[@michaelnelsonsr9624]

Thanks looks simple😉

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome.

[@nydjrio]

You saved us!

[@johnrock7308]

Awesome ! Thank you :)

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome!

[@Monsterboy33716]

Amazing

[@rocketrider1405]

hey, where have u been? I have to look at my windows and see if i can get around having a pivot bar that is missing. A teeny tiny piece of plastic has brought the whole thing to a standstill. I cut different lengths of 1" PVC pipe to prop the window open. But i'm getting tired of doing this. Good reminder to get some cleaning done too. Thanks for the video !

[@Know-How-Now]

Hi Rocket Rider, it has been a busy summer. I had some time consuming projects that didn't lend well to making videos. If your windows are not under warranty/you can't get the part from the manufacturer try the website link below for parts. The windows work great since I replaced all of the weather stripping (there's a video for that) and cleaned & lubed them. www.swisco.com/ Link to replacing weather stripping if you missed it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nqu0apeigp1kgsk

[@samschil1835]

Thank you for the info! Will this help sliding glass doors too?

[@Know-How-Now]

I haven't tried it, but I don't see why it wouldn't work. The silicone spray, won't attract dirt. You'll likely have to clean & lube the door track more often than windows. Please let us know if you try it & it works.

[@Charity1277]

How about if the window doesn't stay up? Great video thanks

[@Know-How-Now]

I assume you found the coil balance was broken?

[@tadams7447]

Looks great. Thanks. What if your windows don't tilt open though?

[@Know-How-Now]

I'm not clear on your problem/question.

[@cathiebyrne1742]

Thank you this was very helpful. I wasn't sure if the shoes/sliders could be could be lubricated. If so what type of lube is best. 👏👏👏👍👍👍

[@Know-How-Now]

The silicone spray is a good lubricant. Depending upon conditions you may have to reapply it after a few years.

[@prpl1234]

Is it a good idea to use Brakleen Brake Parts Cleaner to remove WD-40 residue that was previously applied to my window? Thanks.

[@Know-How-Now]

You might contact Brakleen with that question. They know what is in their product and how it might react to plastics.

[@prpl1234]

Exactly which WD-40 product do you use to remove old grease from the window balances? (Is it the "WD-40 Multi-Use"? I cannot make out from the image in your video which WD-40 product you were using, & WD-40 makes several products.) Thanks!

[@Know-How-Now]

I just used the original WD-40.

[@CowardsAbuse]

My windows the top slide down they are also very hard to open. it leaves a gap on top where bugs and cold air can come in.

[@sue5357]

what can i use in place of white grease? vasoline? WD-40? i wish the window could come OFF..its right above my kitchen sink so VERY hard to get access to the side metal bars.

[@Know-How-Now]

WD-40 is not a lubricant, I often use it to clean parts that have old grease on them. I'd stick with the white lithium grease. Go to an auto parts store or a hardware store, it's not expensive. www.lowes.com/pd/Lucas-Oil-Products-8-oz-White-Lithium-Grease/50353744?cm_mmc=shp-_-c-_-prd-_-hdw-_-ggl-_-CRP_SHP_LIA_HDW_Online_E-F-_-50353744-_-local-_-0-_-0&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwyJqzBhBaEiwAWDRJVCSFWJ6293BP8C3qfNqgPlI4l_IpJyHacZVpe0qWqPAFvEtdu1uQ5RoCjHgQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

[@sue5357]

@@Know-How-Now thanks! i am going tomorrow, need to get mouse bait anyway...lol

[@LuxAudio389]

👍

[@lindaweidner5124]

What silicon do you use? We tried one and could not continue because the smell was awful.

[@Know-How-Now]

I have the PB Blaster brand. I didn't notice any odor.

[@prpl1234]

Do I understand correctly that you are using WD-40 3-in-1 oil to remove residue of the same oil (but dried up) from window balances? Thanks.

[@Know-How-Now]

WD-40 is not an oil. It does work good for using old grease.

[@prpl1234]

@@Know-How-Now Might WD-40 Specialist Industrial Strength Cleaner & Degreaser with Non-Aerosol Trigger be useful (or at least not harmful) for removing residue from window balances? This product is described as "water-based, non-flammable, non-aerosol cleaner & degreaser...non-corrosive, non-abrasive...quickly breaks through tough grease & grime, w/ added corrosion inhibitors to help protect against flash rust...for cleaning greasy automotive parts, tools, industrial machinery, commercial equipment...Safe for use on aluminum, chrome, glass, plastic, rubber, stainless steel..." I would prefer it because it looks safer than WD-40 spray products. MANY THANKS!

[@Know-How-Now]

I am not familiar with that product nor I do I have any special knowledge about different types of plastic/vinyl. Your question is best accurately answered by the window manufacturer.

[@KrazyKramer]

They just put brand new windows in my mom's apt. They are really difficult to open and close for her. I applied some silicone but it didn't help any suggestion? They look just like these windows

[@Know-How-Now]

Newly installed windows shouldn't be difficult to open and close. I presume there is a landlord. I would bring it to their attention.

[@einsteindrieu]

😎💚

[@Monsterboy33716]

My fuzzy sealer has dry rotted how do I purchase and replace please

[@Know-How-Now]

I have a video that shows how to replace the weather stripping. Here's the link to the playlist with all of the window repair videos on the channel: kzbin.info/aero/PLvce66kQTjJScYgkayF5hWHcA8t_JuUC_

[@alanfaber1261]

In my case, my windows were always difficult to open, even when my townhouse was new. Not sure what to do.

[@Know-How-Now]

The problem might be faulty installation or not so great windows.

[@2bit156]

How do you fully take the widow out?

[@Know-How-Now]

I have a video that show how to do that. See link below. There are also several other window repair videos on the channel. kzbin.info/www/bejne/lWiYanV_gr9sY5Ysi=YaBBe5KVLr417Lk_

[@2bit156]

@@Know-How-Now thank you!

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome!

[@suzannetanaka4950]

Vinyl window squeks

[@dodirae]

My problem is i cant get my upper sash to pull down.

[@Know-How-Now]

Maybe a problem with the balance? I have other videos about windows, maybe this one will help you figure out the problem. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fnPcqWudo991bKM

[@richardwarren449]

None of this applies to my windows. And they’re extremely hard to operate, even after a thorough cleaning of the tracks.

[@Know-How-Now]

It might be an installation problem. Did they ever easily slide open & closed? There are also spiral balances or coil springs that can break.

[@nic190]

Windows fix

[@xxeliax_bearxx7611]

This video is like it was made in 2010 but it was made in 2020

[@BonnieGonzales30]

Thank you!

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome, Bonnie!