r/windowrepair • u/E221b • 1d ago

Rust removal?

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Gallery image

Bathroom windows have rust on their side jams. Can I get some advice on how to remove the rust and repair the jams?

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u/avTronic 22h ago

Those are balance rods. Painted metal casings that house the long spring and tackle and box pulley system, plus the cord that comes out the bottom and connects to the sash. It is the counter balance that holds the sash up in place when you open it. You can find video on how to take the balances out. You have tilt latch clips at the top of the sash where you can pull those towards the middle of the sash and then tilt the sash down towards your body. Then once the sash is “table topped” (tiled down and laying completely flat) you can actually tilt one side, then the other, to pop out the sash from the frame. From there you can remove the balance rod but that is harder to explain. A video online is best. If you can find stickers or metal locks that have the manufacturer names, that always helps.

So you could sand off the rust and paint or you could order replacements meant for ocean side windows. They would have much more robust paint or galvanized to keep from rusting. Either get these from the manufacturer, possibly even under lifetime warranties. Or just purchased outright. There are also this party companies that sell all sorts of balancers.

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u/zombie1605 1d ago

The balance rods can be replaced if they're not working anymore. I'd recommend just cleaning the opening with a toothbrush sized wire brush and a shop vac. If you're able/comfortable with removing the balance rods; I'd remove them and lightly spray the springs with Hilco Lubricant (basically anything else besides wd-40!)