Best Sash Window Lifts for Restoration: 2025 Expert Review
DR Joinery
Expert Joiner & Restoration Specialist
A sash window is a heavy beast. In many of the Victorian and Georgian properties I work on, the sashes are made of dense pitch pine and heavy glass, balanced by lead weights. If you try to open these with a flimsy handle, it will simply snap off in your hand.
Selecting the right sash lift isn't just about aesthetics; it is about finding ironmongery that can take the strain of daily use. Poor quality fittings are a false economy, often resulting in damage to the bottom rail of your sash.
In this review, I'll compare three options available for homeowners: a budget stop to fix annoying rattles, a solid chrome lift for general use, and a premium solid brass option for those seeking longevity and heritage accuracy.
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Specs vs. The Real World
The Spec: "'Heavy Duty' Labelling"
"Many cheap lifts are labelled heavy duty but are made from 'pot metal' (zinc alloy)."
Zinc pulls can snap under the weight of a stiff sash. For large Victorian windows, I always recommend solid brass or steel, as they have the tensile strength required to lift the weight.
The Spec: "Rattle Prevention"
"Wedges stop windows from rattling immediately."
Whilst wedges stop the noise, they are a temporary patch. A rattling sash usually means the parting bead is worn or the sash cords are stretched. A full restoration with draught-proofing brush piles is the only permanent cure.
My Top 3 Recommendations
Three options to cover different needs and budgets
4X White Rubber Window Wedges Soft Rubber Window Door Table Furniture Wedges
SISI UK
While not a traditional 'lift' handle, these wedges are an essential budget accessory for anyone with older sash windows that aren't yet ready for full restoration. They are brilliant for stopping the dreaded rattle on windy nights.
The Good
- Incredibly cheap solution for rattling windows
- No tools or installation required
- Soft rubber won't damage the paintwork or timber
The Bad
- Not a lifting handle (won't help you open the window)
- A temporary fix rather than a permanent repair
- Can look a bit untidy if left on the sill
Installer Tip:
If your sash is rattling, push this wedge between the meeting rails (where the top and bottom sash overlap) rather than at the bottom. This tightens the whole unit against the parting bead.
Priced at £3.55 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonTERF® Traditional Polished Chrome Sash Lift Heavy Duty Sash Window Lift Pull Sliding Handle
TERF
This is a solid, no-nonsense choice for renovated properties, particularly in bathrooms or kitchens where you might have other chrome fittings. The hook design allows for a good grip, which is essential for overcoming the initial friction when lifting a painted sash.
The Good
- Clean polished chrome finish suits modern renovations
- Decent hook depth allows for good finger purchase
- Comes as a pack of four (enough for two windows)
The Bad
- Chrome can show fingerprints easily
- Supplied screws are often basic quality – use caution
Installer Tip:
When fitting these into old pine sashes, pilot drill your holes first. Old timber hardens over decades; if you try to drive the screw straight in, you'll likely snap the head off, leaving you with a difficult repair job.
Priced at £13.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonSolid Brass Sash Window Lifts – Traditional Style, Multiple Finishes (Matt Black)
Generic
The 'problem' this solves is durability and aesthetics. Being solid brass (PVD coated), it won't snap like cheaper alloys, and the matt black finish is perfect for heritage properties where you want a traditional look without the constant polishing requirements of raw brass.
The Good
- PVD coating is extremely durable and tarnish-resistant
- Solid brass construction handles heavy sash weights
- Matt black finish looks excellent on white painted timber
The Bad
- Sold singularly, so remember to buy two per window
- Slightly pricier per unit than bulk packs
Installer Tip:
Use a manual screwdriver for final tightening. Solid brass screws are softer than steel ones; a power driver can easily chew up the screw head, ruining the look of your expensive new fittings.
Priced at £7.95 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Where should I position sash lifts on the window?
Can I replace sash lifts myself?
Why do my sash windows still rattle even with new locks?
What is the difference between specific sash lifts and standard handles?
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