# how to open a window that has been shut for 2 decades? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [October 11, 2008, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-open-a-window-that-has-been-shut-for-2-decades/467501 "2008-10-11T19:37:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![chappachula](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/d2c977/32.png) [@chappachula](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chappachula)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2008, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-open-a-window-that-has-been-shut-for-2-decades/467501/1 "2008-10-11T19:37:00Z")
I often visit relatives who live in a typical modern house with typical (I think) double hung windows, like [these](http://www.andersenwindows.com/servlet/Satellite/AW/AWProduct/awProductDetail/AWProduct/1135095639822/1102951372825?model=400+Series+Woodwright+Double-Hung+Insert+Replacement+Windows&pc=Window&tab=1-1). The wooden parts have been painted white,(with, apparently, the cracks painted shut, too). The window in one room has not been opened for 20 years. The window won’t move at all, no matter how hard I push/pull/yank on it/scream and curse. Is there any reasonably easy way to open the damn thing without destroying it? ---
**Author:** ![Lady\_Mondegreen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/9e8a1a/32.png) [@Lady\_Mondegreen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lady_Mondegreen)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2008, 8:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-open-a-window-that-has-been-shut-for-2-decades/467501/2 "2008-10-11T20:34:28Z")
Try taking a putty knife and work it in the painted-over cracks. You can use a rubber mallet to gently work the knife in if need be. That worked for my windows. Also, you might need to do the same thing on the outside of the window, in case it was painted shut there as well. ---
**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2008, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-open-a-window-that-has-been-shut-for-2-decades/467501/3 "2008-10-26T17:12:42Z")
Is it possible to find a kind of oil that will work on wood? While I’m not sure it is recommended, I used some oil(that claimed it worked on wood) on some wooden windows in my house. While they were by no means locked shut, it did greatly improve their function. Unfortunately, I don’t have a specific recommendation for a brand. I’ve forgotten. ---
**Author:** ![Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bosda_di_chi_of_tricor/32/16845_2.png) [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2008, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-open-a-window-that-has-been-shut-for-2-decades/467501/4 "2008-10-26T17:44:00Z")
WD40 ---
**Author:** ![Kitty\_Monster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/4da419/32.png) [@Kitty\_Monster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kitty_Monster)\ **Post date:** [October 27, 2008, 2:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-open-a-window-that-has-been-shut-for-2-decades/467501/5 "2008-10-27T02:10:43Z")
Carefully score the paint with a utility knife, \*then \*work a putty knife into the joints, sliding as you go around the window. Don’t forget the joint at the top part of the bottom sash, where it meets the upper sash. It may be necessary to use a flatbar pry the window up, as paint may have sealed the bottom of the lower sash to the sill. If you can’t raise it from outside you can place a block of wood on the sill and pry it up from inside. To minimize damage to the lower window sash you can attach a small piece of wood to it with screws and use it as a lifting point. Scratches, dents and holes can be filled with wood putty or spackle & sanded smooth before repainting. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2009, 3:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-open-a-window-that-has-been-shut-for-2-decades/467501/6 "2009-03-28T03:27:58Z")
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