SERVICING A CABLE MECHANISM

Cable layout

This diagram shows the layout of a typical cable system. The next diagram shows a variation used for larger panes with no quarterlight window. Avoid removing the cable unless you really have to.

Basic service

Grease the gears of the cable drum under the winder handle. Oil, then grease all pivots and pulleys. Slacken the tensioner then slide it so that there’s no slack in the cable, either when static or in motion.

Adjust travel

If the window doesn’t open or close fully, slacken the cable clamp(s). Wind the mechanism fully up, then down a fraction. Slide the glass fully up the cable until it’s closed, then tighten the clamp.

Drum operation

If the cable’s come off or you’re renewing the mechanism, you’ll probably have to rearrange the cable on the drum. Each end of the cable is attached to an opposite side of the drum.

Wind the drum

The drum is permanently full of cable. As you wind it up and down, the divide between the paidout and wound-in cable moves across the drum. Sort this out by laying the cable neatly in the grooves.

Set tensioner

Hold the cable it so it stays taut and pass it around the pulleys and tensioner. Wind it back and forth gently while increasing the tensioner setting and ensuring the cable stays in place on the drum.