Sash window pocket problems

[Nevin]

I'm trying to remove the bottom pockets on a sash window so I can replace the broken cords. Both pockets are pretty loose and move around freely, but they don't want to come out. Every time I pull the bottom forward to try and remove them it feels like they're catching on something.

Is there any sort of special technique I should be using or something I have missed? I don't want to have to break them to get them out, but it seems the only option just now.

[mas99]

Have you sorted the screw or nail that holds it in?
I've seen different shapes on different windows, it might need to come out from the top.

[robinhood21]

Have you gently prized the party-beading out (first running a knife down each side of party-bead to stop pulling the pain off with the bead) that covers one side of the pocket?

[Nevin]

No screw or nail as far as I can see and I've taken the paint off most of it.

By party beading I assume you mean the bit that holds the lower sash in and not the upper sash, in which case yes.

It definitely comes out at the bottom, the top appears to be mitred in to the rest of the frame (if that makes sense)

[robinhood21]

The party-bead is the strip of wood between the sashes. The pocket that you are trying to remove has a rebate that sits just behind the bead. Remove the party bead (lever out just the bottom part that covers the pocket) then the pocket will lift out.

ETA: The pocket will have a rebate but once the party-bead is clear of the pocket; lift the pocket upwards and it should come free.

Edited by robinhood21 on Monday 13th July 15:34

[Nevin]

robinhood21 said:

The party-bead is the strip of wood between the sashes. The pocket that you are trying to remove has a rebate that sits just behind the bead. Remove the party bead (lever out just the bottom part that covers the pocket) then the pocket will lift out.

ETA: The pocket will have a rebate but once the party-bead is clear of the pocket; lift the pocket upwards and it should come free.

Edited by robinhood21 on Monday 13th July 15:34

Ah, okay. Cool. Will the party bead be nailed in or is it generally loose/held in with paint?

[robinhood21]

It should be just a tight'ish fit with no nails or screws. But, have known them to be nailed when whoever replaced the bead did not clean the rebate out properly before replacing the bead.

[Nevin]

robinhood21 said:

It should be just a tight'ish fit with no nails or screws. But, have known them to be nailed when whoever replaced the bead did not clean the rebate out properly before replacing the bead.

Cheers, that's done it