Nails for sash cord?

[Roger H]

Hi. What nails to people find best to fix sash cords to the windows sashes? These are new dg so I've no old ones to go off.
The sashes weigh around 30lbs each and cord is 7mm cotton. Would you pre-drill the timber or just whack them in?

 

[plasticpigeon]

I would ask the joiner who made the windows, but I've just used galvanised clout nails on my old windows.

 

[88v8]

I would use sash chain.
https://www.mightonproducts.com/products/sash-window-hardware/sash-cord-and-chains/sash-chain-accessories?gclid=CIqaj4fXts8CFRE6GwodMsEDuA

and flat pulleys
https://www.mightonproducts.com/lacquered-brass-face-plate-2-1-4-square-groove-brass-wheel-round-ends

If one rummages around, there are also square backplate pulleys with flat wheels.

Chain - fit once, never touch again.

If persisting with cord, it should be waxed before fitting.

As to nails, flat-head clouts are OK. Preferably copper. Predrill if the wood is hard and might split.

Ivor

 

[wobs]

I would use sash chain.
https://www.mightonproducts.com/products/sash-window-hardware/sash-cord-and-chains/sash-chain-accessories?gclid=CIqaj4fXts8CFRE6GwodMsEDuA

and flat pulleys
https://www.mightonproducts.com/lacquered-brass-face-plate-2-1-4-square-groove-brass-wheel-round-ends

If one rummages around, there are also square backplate pulleys with flat wheels.

Chain - fit once, never touch again.

If persisting with cord, it should be waxed before fitting.

As to nails, flat-head clouts are OK. Preferably copper. Predrill if the wood is hard and might split.

Ivor

Interesting. Chain seems a better alternative.

What is the advantage over the spring balance system? Our joiner wants to use the SB system on a new window, and I'm unfamiliar with it. Is one easier to maintain in the future?

BTW. If you are using cord 6mm cord, you could use cleats.
https://www.mightonproducts.com/products/sash-window-hardware/sash-cord-and-chains/sash-cord-accessories#p=2

 

[Roger H]

Thanks for comments.

but I've just used galvanised clout nails on my old windows

did you drill pilot holes or just whack them in?

 

[plasticpigeon]

My sashes are old softwood, and although they have lasted, they are not pitch pine or anything hard so I just whacked them in as obviously countless other people have done over the years as it was peppered with holes. However as your sashes are new and particularly if they are hardwood then drilling a pilot hole would be a sensible precaution against splitting or having to hit the nail too hard to drive it in.

 

[88v8]

Interesting. Chain seems a better alternative.
What is the advantage over the spring balance system? Our joiner wants to use the SB system on a new window, and I'm unfamiliar with it. Is one easier to maintain in the future?

There's nothing to maintain. It's just... there. And it keeps pretty much the traditional look.
It's also easy to take out the sash for painting, if wished. Tie up the chain so the weight ca't fall to the bottom of the box, detach the fitting from the sash and lift it out.

Next time you visit Hampton Court, take look at the chain on their sash windows. If it's good enough for Henry VIII

Ivor

 

[Feltwell]

I hadn't considered chain when I started renovating the windows here - I can see the attraction.

I chose to use pre-stretched nylon sash cord, it's a bit bright white at first but it dulls down with time, and doesn't rot like the traditional waxed cotton cord.

I didn't nail it to the sashes - I used the Mighton Grabba cord cleats, which work a treat:-

https://www.mightonproducts.com/grabba-pack-of-4

Dead easy to fit if you've got a router, they work very well, and make taking the sashes in and out an easy 1-person job. Not traditional at all but completely hidden in use. Much easier than trying to support the sash and put nails through the cord. Simple but effective design, the harder the cord is pulled the more they grip, but you just pull the end of the cord down and they release easily.

 

[JanJonWestWales]

I used simple U shapes nails of the right size, about 3-4 on each side...they don't damage the cord
J&J

 

[Roger H]

Thank for advice. I used 25mm blue tack nails from Wilkinsons. £1 a bag. Went in great with no pilot required and great grip as faceted shank.
http://www.wilko.com/all-hardware/wilko-tack-blue-cut-black-50gx25mm/invt/0160964

 

[Smeargle]

Use a Stanley knife to score down the paint inside and out. Then prise it out as best you can with a hammer and chisel. If you smash this in the process don't worry they are readily available at timber merchants