Ask the Woodchucks: July 26, 2018

Question:I have lived in Sun City since 1999. Some of my windows are very difficult to open and close. How can I repair them?

Answer:Your windows tilt in for cleaning. This feature also allows you to look at the edges to see where they are rubbing. Wash the track and the edge of the window with a strong detergent. Any place where you see scratches or wear caused by rubbing, you should polish these with 400-grit sandpaper. Then lightly rub paste wax on the track and the edge of the window. Your window should then open and close much more easily.

Sun City cabinet questions:The cabinets in the Del Webb Originals are Aristokraft brand and the Pulte built homes are Merillat brand. The Aristokraft cabinets and parts are sold by Seigles Cabinet Center in Elgin, and the Merillat cabinets and parts can be obtained from Kramer’s Kitchen & Bath in Sycamore. The cabinet doors of both brands are typically 5/8″ overlay doors with 44mm door pockets for the hinges.

The hinges on these cabinets are beginning to wear out. There is a spring steel part that makes the hinges self-closing but many of these have failed or are very weak. Replacement hinges for the Amerock hinges on the Aristokraft cabinets and the Grass hinges on the Merillat cabinets are available from Cabinetparts.com. The hinge is TEC 864 5/8” side mount hinge. There are a few of the Del Webb original homes that had custom “Full Overlay” cabinet doors installed, which utilize a different hinge so that the doors line up properly.

If you have suggestions for future tips or have questions about maintenance around your home submit them to ask.the.woodchucks@gmail.com.

---

---