How can I get a wooden window unstuck so I can open it. Happy Sunday.

Kim29910328
by Kim29910328
I've tried several things
  9 answers
  • Kim tourgee Kim tourgee on Oct 22, 2017

    Put Vaseline in the tracks use a little bit of pressure to it

  • Victoria Victoria on Oct 22, 2017

    If your window is painted shut, use a utility knife between the window and the frame to cut through the paint and loosen the window.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Oct 22, 2017

    Try releasing it by using an old bread knife?

  • Joanne Sanda Joanne Sanda on Oct 22, 2017

    Lay a piece of 2x4 on the window close to the frame and smack it

    with a hammer. Do that up and down the window on both sides.

    The 2x4 should be laid on its wider side. After the window is open,

    determine why it stuck - paint, expansion, etc. - and then treat

    accordingly.

  • PAMELA PAMELA on Oct 22, 2017

    UTILITY KNIFE WITH STRONG BLADE, ALONG THE TRACKS INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE HOUSE. TAP LIGHTLY AROUnD THE FRAME WITH A RUBBER MALLET, BUY AT A DOLLAR STORE. IF YOU ARE NOT VERY STRONG GET SOMEONE TO PUSH UP FROM THE TOP OF THE WINDOW FRAME REPEAT. ONCE YOU GET IT OPENING, USE SOME OIL, CANOLA, COCONUT, VASELINE N THE TRACKS. ONCE YOU GET IT OPENING, USE SOME OIL, CANOLA, COCONUT, VASELINE N THE TRACKS. I DON'T USE CANOLA FOR COOKING. THE ORIGINAL USE FOR THIS OIL WAS MACHINE LUBRICATION..

    • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Dec 20, 2021

      Hey Pamela, thanks for the info on canola oil, never would have guessed that.

  • Sheryl Gregory Sheryl Gregory on Oct 22, 2017

    If your window and the window sill or trim are painted shut on the inside, take a sharp, clean putty knife and hold it against the window, with the blade end pointed straight down, between the window frame and the window sill, at the left or right side of the window. Gently tap with a rubber hammer to push the blade down, breaking the seal of dried paint. Pull the blade back up and move a little toward the other side and repeat. When you've reached the other side, you should be able to lift the window. If not, check the sides to see if the paint had sealed there as well. If so, repeat the process, being careful to not scrape the surfaces that show when the window is open OR when is closed. You may need to do a little touch up painting if you end up with scrapes & scratches, but this should do the trick. You can always smooth rough, thick paint edges as needed later using a light touch with a medium fine sand paper, keeping it flat with a sanding block.

    It may be necessary to check outside as well to be sure the window isn't painted shut between the window and exterior painted trim. If it appears sealed, use the putty knife there inserting it carefully between the edge of the window and the trim. Tap with the rubber hammer to gently break the seal of dried paint, and repeat as necessary all around the window until it can move freely up and down (or out and back in if you're dealing with casement windows.) Sand if neded.

    I hope this helps. Just be patient & take your time. I've had to do it many times after someone else painted for me.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on May 06, 2021

    Hi,

    It could have swollen in the damp weather. Let it dry out, and it should open ok!

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Dec 20, 2021

    The wood in your window is probably swollen due to the humidity or maybe a leak. The wooden framed windows on my parents home did the same thing, sometimes they were painted shut and that was easy enough to solve. Mom used the putty knife and a hammer.

    Whatever the cause is of your windows sticking or creating a lot of resistance for you, once you get them open you can see what and where the problem is and treat it. Mom used to apply candle wax.