Pretty handy stuff that track! If this solved your problem please give it a Like (or a *"Thanks"* if it REALLY helped :P) and do subscribe for more Aussie woodwork and handyman DIY content.
@chadfahlenkamp11348 ай бұрын
Brilliant. I've got a house full of these in various states of crappiness. Thanks for putting this easy to follow video together...very useful.
@FixitFingers8 ай бұрын
Good luck mate! Eventually, we had all 87 windows in the building replaced. But this trick kept about half a dozen of them going before that. Very quick fix once you've got your technique down after doing one or two ;)
@MirelarmАй бұрын
Thank you. I appreciate the time you have given to make and post this video. I’ll give it a try.
@FixitFingersАй бұрын
Best of luck, I hope you have success. We eventually replaced every window in the building, but the half dozen or so that I fixed with this method in the years beforehand were all still holding up well.
@Poor_Mans_DIY4 жыл бұрын
That was really cool. You mentioned a couple times that the cover track was expensive but if you think about the alternative of replacing the window will cost so much more , so your info can help save people lots of money! Great job!!!
@FixitFingers4 жыл бұрын
Very true! I think if you were more the metal worker than I am you could make your own tracks for next to nothing out of thin stainless steel too to save even more.
@dorianfulton7168 Жыл бұрын
Excellent, concise, clear video. Nice
@FixitFingers Жыл бұрын
Glad it was helpful Dorian 👍
@oojagapivy4 жыл бұрын
I've replaced the wheels before on these type of windows. It was the best thing i did for the sliding glass door at my last place. But that track cover stuff is news to me. Thanks for the top tip.
@FixitFingers4 жыл бұрын
I haven't tried the door track by the same company (I don't have any sliding doors here) but I'd imagine it works exactly the same way. It's amazing what we put up with until you fix it and realise how easy it was to make a big improvement.
@gc5643 Жыл бұрын
Great video and explanation, thank you.
@FixitFingers Жыл бұрын
No Worries GC, glad it helped :)
@ausfox87944 жыл бұрын
Did the same job recently. Didn’t realise how easy it was to get the parts.
@FixitFingers4 жыл бұрын
The big box store cops some flack, but for most people you can find almost anything DIY related. I didn't realise you could get the rollers there until this week, they had a dozen different styles for windows and doors.
@Bill.L.Carroll4 жыл бұрын
Well damn, that is a pretty easy fix. 👌🏾 I never even gave it a second thought if those wheels were replaceable. Learnt something new, cheers mate, good job 👍🏾
@FixitFingers4 жыл бұрын
Just make sure you bring one of the old ones to the store... there are a dozen different types and they are annoyingly similar. (Down to if your window slides left or right, but otherwise identical... made that mistake once 😅)
@Bill.L.Carroll4 жыл бұрын
@@FixitFingers Cheers for the heads up mate 👌🏾 Our windows are still working fine (touch wood) however the screens are another story. I've replaced the buggered old fly wire with a trendy looking shade cloth, even did the screen doors to match. Problem is that I've done a couple of the window screens a tad tight which has pulled them out of square and pop off in really high winds. Yeah yeah, I'll get to em,,, one day! 😏😉😂🤣🤣🤣
@DavesShed4 жыл бұрын
That's brilliant. I didn't know that existed. I have the age old problem with the sliding robe doors.
@FixitFingers4 жыл бұрын
I literally stumbled across them at Bunnings a few years ago and was almost put off by the price. But being the handyman for an old Strata building like this one I gave them a crack and was very glad I did. I haven't tried the bigger ones for doors but I assume they should work just as well. Let me know if you try them.
@captainsman3 жыл бұрын
My house was built in 2000 (Simonds) and the rail has disintegrated already. Will give this a try, thanks.
@FixitFingers3 жыл бұрын
That's a bit of a shame, at least ours are nearly 50 years old. 😢 Good luck! I've done over half a dozen in our building now and no complaints from residents yet.
@captainsman3 жыл бұрын
@@FixitFingers I was ready to get new windows, but will see if this can put it off until I can afford double glazed and better insulate in general.
@FixitFingers3 жыл бұрын
We are looking at replacing all 87 windows in the building this year. Safety glass, UV protection and will stop the rattles in the wind ours currently get. So hopefully no more repairs for me for a while but the track has got us through. 😀
@pajaro6854 жыл бұрын
The seals on the windows that look like strips of hair is by a company called schlegel, and those seals wear out. Makes them rattle and allows air to get in as well. It's probably available at Bunnings, and is very tricky to replace. Great solution! But to stop the track from wearing out, it's best to oil and replace the wheels when the first sign of a problem shows. Always in hindsight huh!
@FixitFingers4 жыл бұрын
Im the Strata Manager and handyman for the building I live in so I get to see a lot of these issues. One track was so worn down the window literally fell out if you slid it open. The wheels must have broken 20 years ago and they kept just scrapping it along 😅 Thanks for the seal tip! When I want to swear a lot I might try that Schlegel strip replacement 😁
@pajaro6854 жыл бұрын
@@FixitFingers Same thing happens on wardrobe doors! I discovered one of our screen doors had a broken wheel, and was scraping, caught it in time and i actually had a spare wheel! So it's good to go again.
@sumosprojects4 жыл бұрын
Quality tip James, liking you eclectic mix of informative videos 🎥🔨👍
@FixitFingers4 жыл бұрын
You know me Sumo, I like to get around 🍻 Back to woodworking next I promise!
@MrTonyPerkiss5 ай бұрын
LEGEND!! great video- thanks
@FixitFingers5 ай бұрын
Hope it helps Tony, eventually we replaced all 84 windows in the building, but this track held up well as a repair until then... and you don't want to know what the cost of 84 new sliding windows was ;)
@BuiltByChris4 жыл бұрын
Great video. Very informative and you made it look pretty easy. I have one or two windows at home that will benefit from that. Cheers mate.
@FixitFingers4 жыл бұрын
Oh they are very easy, This is the 4th or 5th time I've used them and have intended to to film after the 1st as they worked so well... but the job was usually done before I got the camera out 😂
@desgoulding7154 Жыл бұрын
Great video mate. Thanks for sharing
@FixitFingers Жыл бұрын
Cheers Des, one of my practical repairs. Glad it is helping folks.
@desgoulding7154 Жыл бұрын
@@FixitFingers all the very best for New Year mate.
@renturner874 жыл бұрын
I learned something today. Didn’t know about the track replacement stuff thanks mate
@FixitFingers4 жыл бұрын
Hey Ren, cheers! Any news on your new shop mate?
@renturner874 жыл бұрын
Fixit Fingers been busy working and all that. Got a couple of ideas in the pipeline, so could be something coming up
@FixitFingers4 жыл бұрын
@@renturner87 Looking forward to it!
@MaciejPiotrowski Жыл бұрын
Very good video. Thank you.
@FixitFingers Жыл бұрын
Thanks Maciej, it's really an easy and cheap way to get more life out of old windows. I've had some windows totally replaced too and while they are very nice it was very expensive!
@wopt2p Жыл бұрын
Hi James, this all looks easy, but what do you do if the window does not raise up enough to come out?
@FixitFingers Жыл бұрын
G'day Tony. I can't say I've encountered that. Your windows still slide but won't lift off the rails? Are they bent and old or just stuck?
@wopt2p Жыл бұрын
@@FixitFingers No they just dont lift up far enough to come out. Could they possibly change the runners from the each end?
@FixitFingers Жыл бұрын
Yeah, maybe the runners need to come off first. If there is a visible screw that releases the wheel you might be in business!
@timlorenz99362 жыл бұрын
This is awesome thank you.
@FixitFingers2 жыл бұрын
Glad it helped Tim. 👍
@Simsy58614 жыл бұрын
Thanks for a very helpful video!
@FixitFingers4 жыл бұрын
Cheers Geoff. Almost too easy, but like most things you pay for the convenience. Still, much cheaper than a new window!
@thevegasdeejay Жыл бұрын
Can the lock on this type of aluminum window be repaired? A few of my windows will not lock. Looks like you have the same lock.
@FixitFingers Жыл бұрын
The catch or the key lock? The catch half way up the window is a simple clip-on unit on ours. Take a broken one to a window shop or big box and they should be able to point you to a new one. The key locks down the bottom are the safety restrictors which I installed on all the windows here. That are removable and can be retro-fitted to almost any window of this type.
@thomaselliott573 Жыл бұрын
Well done. Simple, practical and concise, without all the yank bullshit spiel that typifies their DIY videos. Great stuff
@FixitFingers Жыл бұрын
Cheers Thomas. I am a fan of a chat, so I consciously try to keep it to a minimum in my more 'how to' videos 😉
@gerij777 Жыл бұрын
If your window fits tight will the track cover add too much for the window to fit properly?
@FixitFingers Жыл бұрын
Doubtful Geri, they are super thin, won't change the clearance much. However if the window is super tight already you may be able to save your money and just replace the wheels, give the old track a sand to smooth it out and try that. This product works best on very worn down tracks. 👍
@SarahLouiseIswell4 ай бұрын
My slider frame has also pulled apart at bottom corner of handle side and the glass is pulled out of the frame and seal. Do you have a window repair for this as I can't get the glass back inbetween the seal and slide the frame back together and secure back together
@FixitFingers4 ай бұрын
No sorry Sarah I've not encountered the glass coming loose in a metal frame before. In wood I'd have a go at making a repair video, but aluminium frames are not my strong suit sorry!
@victorialavelanet3 жыл бұрын
Do you have a tutorial on fixing the frame/ glass, the seal of the glass to the frame has failed and the frame has pulled away from the glass in one side. Can you somehow secure the glass back to the frame?
@FixitFingers3 жыл бұрын
Hi Victoria, sadly no I've not encountered this issue and have not thought about how I'd tackle it or products that could help. My initial reaction would be a clear silicone of the gap is not too big and the window glass is otherwise secure. Depending on the window you may be able to completely cut off the old seal, and re-install the pane. Hopefully you find a video to help! - James
@Derek_Lark4 жыл бұрын
Fantastic James. Our beach place windows are about the same age and have exactly that problem. Off to the green shed for some track next time we go down! Do I need to worry about having enough height in the frame for that track?
@FixitFingers4 жыл бұрын
There are several types of tracks, ranging from low to high profile. As it goes over the old worn track you'll only raise the window a few mm. Should be fine! Let me know how it goes.
@poopyheadd90003 жыл бұрын
what if the track is on the top of the window instead of the bottom ??
@FixitFingers3 жыл бұрын
Apologies I've not encountered that type of top hung window before. I'd guess the wheels are replaceable in a similar manner with spare parts but the track would be another story.
@kuffyswoodwork4 жыл бұрын
I have aluminium windows in my house. Now I know how to fix them if they ever fail, but I'll play it safe from now on and never ever open them again 😂
@FixitFingers4 жыл бұрын
It keeps the pure Kuffy essence trapped inside well! 🤣
@pajaro6854 жыл бұрын
@@FixitFingers one thing about aluminum, it corrodes and the closer you are to the ocean the worse it is. I spray WD40 onto a cloth and wipe them all over, it smells a little but it protects them for up to 6 months.
@o.g.bwoodwork4 жыл бұрын
Great repair video bud 😁👍
@FixitFingers4 жыл бұрын
Cheers mate, I do actual work like this sometimes... in between the more useless but fun wood project I don't get paid for! 😁
@o.g.bwoodwork4 жыл бұрын
Fixit Fingers nice! I’ll check out some more of your content.
@FixitFingers4 жыл бұрын
There's a bit there now... forgive the older ones, they are pretty terrible. (To be fair so are the new ones... they just have less talking 😁) Found your channel and subbed up too.
@o.g.bwoodwork4 жыл бұрын
@@FixitFingers i like what ive seen so far. thanks for subbing back, much appreciated :)
@DylanBrayshaw4 жыл бұрын
awesome video just what I was looking for, Although my window track has one side 2mm drop and the other side is a 7mm drop, how would this work on my window. If the miricle cover drops like 3mm on each side, it wont sit straight. Is there a solution for this? that you know of?
@FixitFingers4 жыл бұрын
G'day Dylan, there are more sizes than the one I used here, they can go up to roller door size so I think you'll be able to find them deep enough for your window at Bunnings - Type 4 may do you, check through the numbers ;) www.bunnings.com.au/rolltrak-2370-x-10-x-7-2mm-miracle-cover-track-4_p3961965
@DylanBrayshaw4 жыл бұрын
Fixit Fingers thanks although with the one side being 2 mm deep and the other side 7mm deep I’m worried it won’t sit level?
@FixitFingers4 жыл бұрын
No they are designed to do that, there is a handy little flyer next to them in store showing how it works ✌
@happytrails1963 Жыл бұрын
Thanks for video very helpful!!
@FixitFingers Жыл бұрын
Cheers! We finally got all the windows in the complex replaced recently, but this trick kept them all working for years longer than they would have otherwise :)
@TheGrantAlexander4 жыл бұрын
Great job James! I gotta ask, how many jobs do you have?
@FixitFingers4 жыл бұрын
Technically 2 - Real Work Work as a Public Servant, then trading as "Fixit Fingers" I am the Strata Manager and handyman for my building... though I suppose I now work for google too 🤣
@TheGrantAlexander4 жыл бұрын
@@FixitFingers that sounds like 5 jobs to me 😮😮
@FixitFingers4 жыл бұрын
Well Strata Manager means project manager, community liaison, recycling QC checker, keeper of the peace, By-law enforcer, renovation reviewer and Strata Committee Chair person... so more like 10 jobs there alone, for which I get paid about $100 a month 🤣 I wonder how I find any workshop time!
@Ace-zb5xr4 жыл бұрын
You wouldn't happen to know how to prevent air from seeping through those kinds of windows? I've tried lining the bottom edge with weather proofing but that did nothing.
@FixitFingers4 жыл бұрын
Most of ours rattle in strong wind and leak a bit of air between the panes. I've not found a way to stop that but weather strip helps. I've used the soft cylindrical foam you usually put around hot water pipes to seal the gaps around these widow boxes with success. It's very squishy and expands again well. Good for big gaps. Anything smaller I usually just use chauk or expanding foam.
@pajaro6854 жыл бұрын
@@FixitFingers The Aluminum windows are not made to be air tight. The design is simply to allow them to open easily, they are not made for colder climates. The way to over come this drafty condition is to use Double glazed windows. But the Schlegal hair might help to stop the rattles! though mine rattle a lot!
@mohgujai8 ай бұрын
we got farked over here in NZ we don't get this product at our Bunnings.
@FixitFingers8 ай бұрын
Well poop. Perhaps online? They are quite long unfortunately so probably tricky to post
@mohgujai7 ай бұрын
@@FixitFingers Found a place that sells something similar, now that I know what to Google for after watching your video, cheers :)
@mariavasilopoulos84962 жыл бұрын
HELP! I have a 1980's Aluminum Picture window: MIddle window is Stationary; Left and Right side windows only open, with one lock on the Right side and one window lock on the left side. Winter months I don't open them at all! My PROBLEM: I can't OPEN them, they're STUCK! In the past I used WD40 and it worked, this year it does not open. HELP!!
@FixitFingers2 жыл бұрын
Hey Maria, most sliding windows can be removed by lifting the moving sections. As long as there are no physical locks on them try lifting them upwards then out. That way you can inspect the track and wheels to see what's stopping them from moving.
@trueblueimpersonations8949 Жыл бұрын
50 bucks is way cheaper than getting out the dude to do it
@FixitFingers Жыл бұрын
The whole reason I became a handyman was to stop having to pay a guy to come do these things for me and my strata building 🤣
@trueblueimpersonations8949 Жыл бұрын
@@FixitFingers definitely I hate having to pay! Thankyou for your video I don’t know if I’ll be able to fix our window but I’ll give it a try.
@conradviray58653 жыл бұрын
Sir question what parts number your Stegbar kit ? Thank
@FixitFingers3 жыл бұрын
Unsure sorry Conrad, I literally walked into the Stegbar shop with a broken ones and asked for some replacements.
@arboristo44073 жыл бұрын
Awesome….get back to work😎
@FixitFingers3 жыл бұрын
But today is my day off to play in the workshop... 😁