How to Fix a Window That Won’t Stay Open

🧰 Tools & Materials

Tools

• Phillips screwdriver
• Flathead screwdriver
• Tape measure
• Work gloves
• Small flashlight
• Needle-nose pliers
• Putty knife or thin pry tool
• Bathroom scale, optional for weighing the sash
• Spiral balance tensioning tool, optional and only if your window uses spiral balances

Materials

• Replacement window balance or balance components
• Replacement pivot shoe, if damaged
• Replacement pivot bar, if damaged
• Replacement sash cord, for older weight-and-pulley windows

Signs Your Window Balance May Be the Problem

A window that refuses to stay open usually has a problem with the mechanism that supports the movable part of the window, called the sash.

Common signs include:

• The window slides back down after you open it.
• The sash drops suddenly when you let go.
• One side of the window stays higher than the other.
• The window feels unusually heavy to lift.
• You hear scraping, clicking, or a spring-like noise from one side.
• A cord, spring, or metal piece is visible inside the side track.
• The window stays open at some heights but slowly creeps downward at others.

If the sash moves normally but simply will not stay up, a failed or disconnected balance is one of the most likely causes.

Before You Buy a Replacement Balance

Do not buy a generic “window spring” before taking the window apart.

There are several different balance systems, and replacement parts need to match your existing window.

Common types include:

• Block-and-tackle or channel balances: Usually look like long rectangular metal channels containing springs, cords, and pulleys.
• Spiral balances: Usually have a round tube with a spiral-shaped metal rod extending from it.
• Constant-force or coil balances: Use a flat metal spring coiled inside the side of the window track.
• Weight-and-pulley systems: Usually found in older wood windows and use cords connected to hidden weights inside the wall or jamb.

You may also find a pivot shoe inside the track on a tilt-in window. The bottom corner of the sash connects to this shoe with a small metal pivot bar.

Before ordering anything, remove or expose the old part and look for:

• Manufacturer markings
• Numbers stamped into the balance
• Length of the balance
• Balance style
• Shape of the end fittings
• Pivot shoe style
• Whether the window tilts inward
• Sash size or weight

Do not assume two balances that are the same length are interchangeable. Window balances are designed for specific sash weights and configurations.

💡 Pro Tip: Take several clear pictures of the balance, both ends, any stamped numbers, and the pivot shoe before ordering a replacement. Window hardware suppliers can often identify an unfamiliar balance from those details.

Step 1: Determine Which Sash Is Losing Support

Unlock the window and slowly raise the lower sash several inches.

Keep one hand underneath it and gradually reduce the amount of support you’re providing.

If the sash immediately drops or slowly slides downward, the balance system is not providing enough support.

Now pay attention to whether the sash sits evenly.

If one side drops lower than the other, the balance on that side may have broken or disconnected.

If the entire sash feels extremely heavy, both sides may no longer be supporting it.

What You Should See: A properly balanced sash should remain close to the position where you leave it.

If Yours Looks Different: If your window opens outward with a crank rather than sliding vertically, you do not have this type of sash balance. A casement window that won’t stay open usually has a problem with its operator, hinges, or related hardware. See How to Replace a Window Crank if the crank or operator is the problem.

Step 2: Inspect the Window Tracks

Raise the sash only as far as you can comfortably control it.

Use a flashlight to inspect the tracks on both sides of the window.

Look for:

• Broken or loose cords
• A visible spring
• A metal channel sitting out of position
• A cracked plastic pivot shoe
• A bent or broken pivot bar
• A loose balance attachment
• Pieces of plastic or metal sitting in the bottom of the track

Compare the left side with the right side. If one side looks noticeably different, you may have already found the problem.

Do not pull on an exposed spring or coil. Some balance systems remain under significant tension even when the window is lowered.

What You Should See: Both sides of the window should have similar hardware positioned at approximately the same height.

If Yours Looks Different: Some balance mechanisms are mostly hidden behind jamb liners or covers. Don’t start prying the window frame apart just to find them. The sash may need to be removed first.

Step 3: Remove the Sash

How the sash comes out depends on the window.

For many modern tilt-in windows:

1. Raise the sash a few inches.
2. Release the tilt latches along the top edge.
3. Carefully tilt the top of the sash toward you.
4. Continue supporting the sash with both hands.
5. Lift or rotate the sash as required to release its pivot bars from the balance shoes.

Keep the sash supported throughout this process. Once it disconnects from the balances, you are holding its full weight.

Set it somewhere safe where the glass cannot tip over or be damaged.

What You Should See: The bottom corners of many tilt-in sashes have small metal pivot bars that fit into balance shoes inside the jamb.

If Yours Looks Different: Some non-tilt windows use take-out clips or require the sash to be pushed sideways before it can be removed. Older wood windows may have removable sash stops instead. Do not force the sash if it clearly isn’t releasing.

💡 Pro Tip: Take a picture of both sides of the sash before disconnecting anything. It gives you a reference for how the hardware should sit during reassembly.

Step 4: Identify the Failed Balance or Connection

With the sash removed, compare the mechanisms on both sides.

If you have channel or block-and-tackle balances

Look for:

• A broken cord
• Damaged pulleys
• A loose spring
• A bent metal channel
• Broken end fittings

If something inside the balance assembly has failed, replacing the complete balance is usually more practical than trying to rebuild it.

If you have constant-force balances

Look for a flat coiled metal spring inside or near the pivot shoe.

A broken coil, damaged housing, or disconnected shoe can prevent the sash from staying open.

If you have spiral balances

Look for a round tube with a spiral rod.

The balance may have lost tension, become disconnected, or failed internally.

If you have an older weight-and-pulley window

Look for a broken or missing sash cord along the side of the sash.

The counterweight itself may still be inside the wall cavity even though the cord has broken.

What You Should See: The working side and failed side should make the problem easier to identify when compared directly.

If Yours Looks Different: Some manufacturers use proprietary balance assemblies. If you cannot confidently identify the mechanism, stop here and use the window manufacturer and model information to find the correct service instructions.

Step 5: Match the Replacement Part

Remove the failed balance according to the way it is attached to your particular window.

Some balances are held with a screw at the top. Others connect to clips, shoes, brackets, or slots in the jamb.

Once removed, place the old and new parts next to each other.

Confirm that the replacement matches the important features of the original, including:

• Length
• Width or diameter
• End fittings
• Mounting points
• Pivot shoe connection
• Identification or weight-rating markings

If the two parts are noticeably different, do not install the replacement just because it physically fits inside the track.

The balance must provide the correct amount of support for the sash.

If you’re unsure of the required weight rating, weigh the removed sash with a bathroom scale and use that information along with the original balance markings when ordering parts.

💡 Pro Tip: When one balance has failed from age or wear, replacing the matching balance on the opposite side at the same time can prevent uneven operation and another repair shortly afterward.

Step 6: Install the New Balance

Install the replacement in the same orientation as the original.

Secure any screws, brackets, clips, or shoes that were removed.

Make sure the mechanism sits straight inside the jamb and can move without binding.

If you are replacing a pivot shoe, position it at approximately the same height as the shoe on the opposite side before reinstalling the sash.

Do not randomly add tension to a spring-loaded balance. Too much tension can make the sash difficult to close and can damage the balance or window.

Spiral balances in particular may require a specific amount of tension and a dedicated tensioning tool. Follow the instructions for the exact replacement balance you are using.

What You Should See: The replacement should sit securely in the track without leaning, twisting, or interfering with the sash path.

If Yours Looks Different: If the new balance will not attach exactly where the old one did, recheck the part number and end fittings. This is usually a compatibility problem rather than something that should be solved by modifying the window.

Step 7: Reinstall the Window Sash

Hold the sash with both hands and reconnect the bottom pivot bars or other attachment points to the balance system.

For a tilt-in sash, make sure both pivot bars are fully seated at the same height before rotating the sash upright.

Tilt the sash back into the frame until the tilt latches engage.

Before letting go, gently move the sash a few inches up and down.

If one side immediately rises or drops relative to the other, stop and check the connections again.

What You Should See: The sash should sit level inside the frame and move smoothly in both tracks.

If Yours Looks Different: If one pivot bar will not enter its shoe, don’t force it. The shoes may be sitting at different heights or one of them may have rotated into its locked position.

Step 8: Test the Window

Slowly raise the window approximately one-quarter of the way and let go while keeping your hands close enough to catch it.

If it stays put, raise it halfway and test it again.

Then test it near the fully open position.

Finally, lower the sash completely and lock the window.

Check that:

• The sash stays open at different heights.
• It moves smoothly without binding.
• Both sides rise and lower together.
• The sash closes completely.
• The lock lines up correctly.
• No balance parts scrape or pop out of the track.

If the sash now opens and closes correctly but the lock still won’t line up or engage, see How to Fix a Window That Won’t Lock.

If the window now stays open but is very difficult to raise or lower, the replacement balance may have the wrong weight rating or too much tension.

If it still falls, recheck both balance connections and confirm that the replacement is rated for the sash.

🛑 Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ordering a balance based only on length. Similar-looking balances can have different weight ratings and end fittings.
• Letting go of an unsupported sash. A failed balance can allow the window to drop unexpectedly.
• Replacing the obviously broken part without inspecting the other side. Both balances have usually experienced similar wear.
• Forcing a tilt sash out of the frame. The pivot bars and shoes can break if they aren’t positioned correctly.
• Guessing at spring tension. Too little tension will not hold the sash; too much can make the window difficult to operate.
• Lubricating everything in the track. Lubricant will not repair a broken spring, cord, shoe, or balance.
• Installing a balance with the wrong weight rating. The sash may still fall or become unnecessarily difficult to move.

Troubleshooting

Problem: The window stays open now, but it is difficult to close.

The replacement balance may be too strong for the sash, or an adjustable balance may have too much tension.

Problem: The sash still falls after replacing one balance.

Inspect the balance on the opposite side. It may also be weak, disconnected, or damaged.

Problem: One side of the sash sits higher than the other.

Check that both pivot bars are properly connected and that the balance shoes are positioned at the same height.

Problem: The sash will not tilt back into the frame.

One pivot bar may not be fully seated in its shoe, or one shoe may have rotated into the wrong position.

Problem: I can’t find a replacement that looks exactly like mine.

Search using the window manufacturer’s name along with any markings on the old balance. A window hardware supplier may also be able to identify it from photographs and measurements.

Problem: The window uses ropes and hidden weights instead of springs.

You have an older sash-weight system. Repair usually involves accessing the weight pocket and replacing the broken sash cord rather than installing a modern channel balance.

❓ FAQs

Why does my window keep falling down after I open it?

The sash is no longer being properly counterbalanced. A worn or broken balance, disconnected shoe, broken pivot bar, or failed sash cord are common causes.

What is a window balance?

It is the mechanism that counteracts the weight of a vertically moving window sash. Without it, the sash can be surprisingly heavy and will tend to fall under its own weight.

Do I need to replace both window balances?

Not in every situation, but if the balances are the same age and one has failed from wear, replacing the pair can provide more even support. Some manufacturers also recommend replacing all balances in the window together.

How do I know which replacement balance to buy?

Start with the balance type, dimensions, original markings, end fittings, window configuration, and sash weight. Balance systems are designed for different sash weights, so matching the appearance alone isn’t enough.

Can I just add more tension instead of replacing the balance?

Sometimes an adjustable spiral balance can be retensioned, but a broken spring, cord, coil, housing, or shoe needs repair or replacement. Do not add tension unless the balance is designed to be adjusted.

Can I use a piece of wood to hold the window open?

It can physically prop the sash up, but it does not repair the failed balance system. A properly working window should remain open without a prop.

Are all windows that won’t stay open repaired the same way?

No. Modern vertically sliding windows may use block-and-tackle, spiral, or constant-force balances, while older windows may use cords.

📞 When to Call a Professional

Consider calling a window repair professional if:

• The sash is extremely large or heavy.
• The glass or sash frame is damaged.
• You cannot safely remove the sash.
• The balance is inaccessible without removing major trim or jamb components.
• You cannot identify the correct replacement hardware.
• Multiple parts of the window mechanism are damaged.
• The window frame is warped, rotted, or separating.
• The repair involves a large upper-story window that cannot be handled safely from inside.

A failed balance does not automatically mean you need an entirely new window. If the frame, sash, and glass are still in good condition, repairing the balance system may restore normal operation.

🔗 Related DIY Guides

• How to Replace a Window Crank
• How to Fix a Window That Won’t Lock
• How to Fix a Drafty Window
• How to Replace Window Weatherstripping
• How to Replace a Window Screen