Window Opening/Closing Tool
We have several tall windows in our house. My wife is unable to open or close the top sash as she isn't freakishly tall like me. So I decided to make her a tool she could use to open or close the upper sash of the windows when I'm not available. And it is green because by allowing her to open the windows for better air circulation means we don't have to use the air conditioning as much, which means less coal burned, which means less pollutants in the air.
Tools
I used three tools to create this wonderful device:
- A hand drill with a 3/16" bit
- A hot glue gun
- A bench vise
Materials
You will need for this instructable:
- A plant hanging hook
- A 3/4" dowel rod about 3 to 4 feet in length (the length will vary depending on the height and arm length of the intended user.)
- A rubber tip for the hook
- A rubber pad at least as large as the dowel in diameter
Hook Prep
The hook must be prepared in two ways:
1) Slip a rubber tip onto the end of the hook so it won't mar the window finish. (The tip I used was left over from some assemble yourself furniture that used metal dowels to support some shelves.)
2) Depending on how much room you have to work with the hook may not fit between the window frame and sash hanlde. I discovered this when I was trying the tool out. To correct for this use the bench vise to bend the hook into a more flat alignment.
As I said I didn't discover this until I tested it. I recommend you bend it before you attach it to the handle so you are less likely to split the wood. Although doing it after the handle attached would give you more leverage. Well use you own judgement on this one.
1) Slip a rubber tip onto the end of the hook so it won't mar the window finish. (The tip I used was left over from some assemble yourself furniture that used metal dowels to support some shelves.)
2) Depending on how much room you have to work with the hook may not fit between the window frame and sash hanlde. I discovered this when I was trying the tool out. To correct for this use the bench vise to bend the hook into a more flat alignment.
As I said I didn't discover this until I tested it. I recommend you bend it before you attach it to the handle so you are less likely to split the wood. Although doing it after the handle attached would give you more leverage. Well use you own judgement on this one.
Handle Prep
Stand the dowel on end. Find the center of the dowel and drill a pilot hole here that is slightly smaller than the threads on the plant hook.
Once the hole is drilled, screw the the hook into place until it won't move any further. I didn't drill my hole quite deep enough so some of the threads are still visible.
Once the hole is drilled, screw the the hook into place until it won't move any further. I didn't drill my hole quite deep enough so some of the threads are still visible.
Rubber Foot Attachment
To close the window I decided to use the opposite end of the dowel to push it shut. I attached a rubber foot to this end of the dowel. Like the rubber tip on the end of the hook this will prevent the winodw finish from being marred. I'd encourage you to choose one that covers the end completely so that precise placement isn't an issue in case you are in a rush while closing things up. You can find these on many electronic appliacnes, computers and furniture kits. I can't quite remember the source of this one.
Once you've chosen a foot you like, whip out your hot glue gun. Put a dab of glue on the back of the foot and stick it on the end of the dowel.
You now have a fully functional tool for opening and closing the upper sash of your windows.
Once you've chosen a foot you like, whip out your hot glue gun. Put a dab of glue on the back of the foot and stick it on the end of the dowel.
You now have a fully functional tool for opening and closing the upper sash of your windows.