How to get a stuck window shut?

[eyesroll]

We opened our bedroom windows a couple of nights ago, and now they just won't shut.

It was hot and humid until Monday night, then slightly rainy; since then, it's been dry and comfortable. It's supposed to rain a lot tonight, though.

Any advice on how to shut them without breaking the panes? We've tried the wiggle-and-jiggle method to no avail, and I know it's not a matter of brute strength, because my quite-strong SO couldn't get them to budge either. They're old, painted wood, and while they're obviously not painted shut, something must have swelled up.

[Whoa_Nelly]

1. Try rubbing candle wax along the sticking edges

Talcum powder or cornstarch may work as well, and may be easier to get into the space between the window and the casement.

Otherwise, you may have to remove the casement pieces and plane down the swollen part of the wood.
Instructions for that here:
http://www.ivillage.co.uk/homegarden/diy/decor/articles/0,,690268_697555,00.html

[eyesroll]

3. I'll try the powder...if I have to take apart the window, I'll call the

landlady (we rent).

Thanks!

[Whoa_Nelly]

9. If you have a nasal aspirator (like what's used for babies)

or something similar, you can suck some of the powder into it, and then have a more concentrated force to push the powder in between the window and the casement.

[Magrittes Pipe]

2. I'm sure you've got something in your nightstand that could...

..."grease the wheels," as it were. :evilgrin:

[Whoa_Nelly]

4. Actually, using a lubricant can add to the problem re: wood absorbtion

Better to use something that doesn't have liquid properties to it.

And better to save the nightstand "wheel greaser" for those more important home issues :rofl: :evilgrin:

[Fox Mulder]

5. I thought you're supposed to use lubricant on wood?

...

Edit: I see you changed your wording. :rofl:

[Whoa_Nelly]

10. Am glad I did add to the wording

However, I could have been cute and written "no lubricant on woodies"

You gutter mind! :P

(you gave me my first laugh of the day!) :rofl:

[Fox Mulder]

11. Haha.

:)

[eyesroll]

7. Hm...

I don't see how a monolith would help, but I guess it's worth a shot. :shrug:

[Orrex]

6. Make sure that the window is level

In my house, the windows often become stuck because they're slightly skewed. If you can get them level they might slide a little more easily.

Alternatively, if you push slightly on the upright beams of the stuck sash (I don't know the terminology, but I mean the vertical wooden parts to the left and right of the glass) you might unseat any stuck paint--likewise a common problem in my house.

If you can fit a powered hydraulic jack between the upper part of the sash and the frame of the window, you should be able to apply considerable force. Sure, you'll break the glass and the frame, but the window won't be stuck anymore.

[eyesroll]

8. Sweeet!!!

Hm, maybe a regular jack is worth a shot...