Buffalo sash cord for clean historic window restoration
Some sash cords carry a red trademark spot down the line, and clients notice it. Buffalo sash cord skips it. The braided cotton exterior comes in antique white with no markings, so the cord looks right in a historic window and nobody asks about the spots.
Inside the cotton is a nylon core. That core resists stretch in a way all-cotton cord cannot, which keeps the window balanced over the long haul. It carries a 100 lb working load, plenty for typical residential double-hung sashes, and it resists chemicals, weather, and heat. Made in the USA.
Size and fit
It is a #8 cord at 1/4″ diameter, the size that matches standard historic pulleys without modification. Built for historic double-hung restoration. Figure about 20 feet per window opening as a starting point.
Packaging
- 100 foot hanks for a single project
- 1200 foot reels for whole-house and commercial work
Frequently asked questions
How much weight can buffalo sash cord hold?
It carries a 100 lb working load, which is plenty for typical residential double-hung sashes. The braided cotton over a nylon core also resists chemicals, weather, and heat, and the nylon core resists stretch in a way all-cotton cord cannot, which keeps the window balanced over the long haul.
What is the best material for a sash cord?
This cord is braided cotton over a nylon core. The nylon core resists stretch in a way all-cotton cord cannot, which keeps the window balanced over the long haul, while the cotton exterior keeps the traditional look. It is made in the USA.
What size is buffalo sash cord?
It is a #8 cord at 1/4 inch diameter, the size that matches standard historic pulleys without modification. Figure about 20 feet per window opening as a starting point. It comes in 100 foot hanks for a single project or 1200 foot reels for whole-house and commercial work.
How is buffalo sash cord packaged?
It comes in 100 foot hanks for a single project or 1200 foot reels for whole-house and commercial work. The antique white braided cotton has no red trademark spots, so it looks right in a historic window and nobody asks about the spots. It is a #8 cord at 1/4 inch diameter.
Re-cording a window? These guides from The Craftsman Blog cover choosing the cord, measuring it, and installing it.
Watch the tutorial
What’s the Best Window Sash Cord?
Cheap sash rope gives up in under a decade; quality cord can last 50–70 years. This post names the best choices so you don't have to do the job twice. Worth a read before you re-cord a sash.
Related tutorials
From The Craftsman Blog
The Easiest Way to Measure Sash Cord
No tape measure required — Scott shares a quick trick for measuring the right length of sash cord straight off the window. It takes seconds and saves guesswork. A handy tip before you cut your Buffalo cord.
From The Craftsman Blog
What Kind of Sash Rope Should I Use?
There's a lot of rope on the market, but only a few types suit double-hung windows. Scott points you to braided cotton in the right size. Good guidance before you pick your sash cord.





