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#1
Hi, what is the difference between a window broken by a stone and the one broken with the stone?
I assume that if somebody throws a stone to window it is broken by the stone, it is shattered. But what happens when the window is broken with a stone?
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#2
The literal meaning is the same for both words, but it really depends which object you’re focusing on. If you’re pointing to the window, you would say «This window was broken by that stone.» If you’re referring to the stone, you might say «I broke that window with this stone.» You can essentially reword these sentences to use whichever word you want, but those are some of the subtle differences between the two.
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#3
The literal meaning is the same for both words, but it really depends which object you’re focusing on. If you’re pointing to the window, you would say «This window was broken by that stone.» If you’re referring to the stone, you might say «I broke that window with this stone.» You can essentially reword these sentences to use whichever word you want, but those are some of the subtle differences between the two.
So if i say the window was broken with a stone, I am just giving more detailed information on how it happened, because everybody already knows it was broken. And when I say the window was broken by a stone, I am just saying that somebody broke the window, I am giving new information, because nobody knows it was broken. Are my thoughts correct?
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#4
So if i say the window was broken with a stone, I am just giving more detailed information on how it happened, because everybody already knows it was broken. And when I say the window was broken by a stone, I am just saying that somebody broke the window, I am giving new information, because nobody knows it was broken. Are my thoughts correct?
No, that’s not correct. In either statement the listeners may or may not already know the window was broken and they may or may not know how it happened.
- the window was broken with a stone
- the window was broken by a stone,
To me there is almost no difference between these two statements.
Last edited: Jan 3, 2009
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#5
Having read your commentaries, I realized that both possibilities fit the context. However, as I was taught, we use «with» whenreporting that someone animate, some living creature (a man, an animal or a magical creature) has done something using an object (a stone, a knife etc.). Otherwise, if we use by it means that a particular action has been done, for example, by a man:
The flame was smothered with an extinguisher
She cut him with a knife
I chopped vegetables with a knife
I wrote a message with a pen
In all these examples the objects (the extinguisher, the knife, the pen) are responsible for making an action but a person monitors them in a specific way
The news was annouced by a presenter
The pictures were described by a guide
Here we use «by» since we refer to a person
——————————————————————————
What I was greatly surprised at was the rule about using «by» or «with» in accordance with our desire to emphasize whether we focus our attention on what is done (in this case we use «by») or who has done it (in this case we use «with»). Does this rule really work?
Last edited: Jan 3, 2009
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#6
Having read your commentaries, I realized that both possibilities fit the context. However, as I was taught, we use «with» whenreporting that someone animate, some living creature (a man, an animal or a magical creature) has done something using an object (a stone, a knife etc.).
I thought about those distinctions before I posted previously. In fact, in my first draft of my reply I wrote that «with» had some implication that the breaking of the glass was caused by the action of someone or something, whereas «by» conveyed nothing about how the rock came to strike the glass.
I removed that because in contemporary usage the distinction is slight. Further, I imagined a setting in which the glass was broken because a rock struck the glass after coming loose from the side of a nearby building. In that circumstance I could almost as easily say that the glass was broken by a rock as with a rock.
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#7
I see you point. Although it is still a bit astonishing I have realized that the difference is really slight especially if you do not know who really caused the fact of breaking, cutting, … like in your last example with the rock. However, I remember how one of my ex-classmates once said the following phrase to a native-speaker:
«I have cut my hand by a knife».
His reply was: «Is your knife a magical one? Can it move, run, fly?»
Thus, some natives still follow the precise rule of using «by» and «with» as posted in Murphy’s grammar. At any rate, I have learnt something knew from your commentaries.
Last edited: Jan 3, 2009
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#8
I see you point. Although it is still a bit astonishing I have realized that the difference is really slight especially if you do not know who really caused the fact of breaking, cutting, … like in your last example with the rock. However, I remember how one of my ex-classmates once said the following phrase to a native-speaker:
«I have cut my hand by a knife».
His reply was: «Is your knife a magical one? Can it move, run, fly?»Thus, some natives still follow the precise rule of using «by» and «with» as posted in Murphy’s grammar. At any rate, I have learnt something
knew
new
from your commentaries.
OK — that helps me understand the nature of your question a bit more.
To start, «I have cut my hand by a knife» is not grammatically correct. That sentence is in the active voice, and «by» is seldom, if ever, used to indicate the means of action in the active voice. If the sentence is recast in a passive voice, then either «by» or «with» is fine.
My hand was cut by a knife.
My hand was cut with a knife.
In the passive voice «by» is used to describe who or what actually performed an action:
John cut my hand. (Active)
My hand was cut by John. (Passive)
«By» can also be used in a passive statement as an ordinary preposition. Because the knife did not of its own accord impel itself across my hand, in the sentence «My hand was cut by the knife», «by» is simply a preposition indicating that the knife was the object that created the cut. In this context, «by» and «with» are virtually indistinguishable to my ear.
When used in a passive statement context usually makes clear whether «by» conveys the actor in the passive voice or is simply a preposition. But note when the doer of the action is included in a passive construction, «by» will generally not be used again as a preposition to indicate the mode of action.
«My hand was cut by a knife.»
«My hand was cut with a knife.»
«My hand was cut by John with a knife»,
but not «My hand was cut by John by a knife.»
«By» can be used as a preposition to indicate location. «My hand was cut by John by the door with a knife.» «John cut my hand by the door with a knife». To avoid confusion, though, other prepositions of location, such as «near the door» would be better.
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#9
Thanks a lot for your detailed explanation. I must admit once again that I have acquired very essential information from our discussion. As I have already said, I was taught to use «by» and «with» in the way I have described above. Perhaps, it is considered too formal nowadays and these rigorous rules are hardly followed. And the examples with erroneous double «by» as a location description are also very suitable here.
Last edited: Jan 4, 2009
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#10
To me «with» definitely implies some deliberate tool-using agent of some kind. «By» just describes something that happened.
«My windshield was broken by a stone that flew up from the road.» I would never use «with» in that sentence.
«Joe was mad and broke my windshield with a stone.» I would never use «by» in that sentence.
«How did your windshield get broken?» «It was broken by a stone» — you can say this but it does imply some kind of accident rather that someone deliberately attacking my car with a stone.
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#11
To me «with» definitely implies some deliberate tool-using agent of some kind. «By» just describes something that happened.
«My windshield was broken by a stone that flew up from the road.» I would never use «with» in that sentence.
«Joe was mad and broke my windshield with a stone.» I would never use «by» in that sentence.
«How did your windshield get broken?» «It was broken by a stone» — you can say this but it does imply some kind of accident rather that someone deliberately attacking my car with a stone.
Exactly. If Col. Mustard deliberately used a candlestick to kill Mr. Body, then Mr. Body was killed by Col. Mustard with a candlestick. If the candlestick simply fell off a shelf and killed Mr. Body, then Mr. Body was killed by the candlestick. «By» implies that the named noun performed the action. «With» implies that the named noun did not actually perform the action, but was simply involved. So «The window was broken with a rock» implies that the true culprit has not yet been identified; all we know is that whoever did it used a rock. «The window was broken by a rock» implies that there is need to assign further blame.
«[first noun] was [past participle] by [second noun]» is known as «passive voice», and is understood as meaning «[second noun] [past tense] [first noun]». So «Mr. Body was killed by Col. Mustard» means «Col. Mustard killed Mr. Body». «Mr. Body was killed by a candlestick» means «A candlestick killed Mr. Body». «Mr. Body was killed with a candlestick» means that we don’t know who killed Mr. Body; we just know that a candlestick was used.
Also, «with» implies that the person who broke the window was actually holding the rock, while «by» implies that the rock was flying through the air at the time.
Have installed Windows 10 but your PC gets bricked after an update and fails to boot? Take it easy! Here is the right place you come to and we will walk you through some possible methods to help you get rid of computer bricking issue after Windows 10 update.
What Does Bricked Mean?
Usually, it describes an electronic device like a mobile device or PC can no longer function due to severe physical damage, a serious misconfiguration, corrupted firmware or a hardware problem, thus, is as technologically useful as a brick.
Depending on the device’s ability to function, bricking can be classified into 2 types: soft brick and hard brick. A soft bricked device may show signs of life, but cannot boot successfully or display an error screen. But a hard bricked device shows little signs of life and it is generally considered difficult to recover from a hard brick.
Here, we take soft brick as an example.
Computer Turns Bricked after an Update
Sometimes, when you perform custom operations, install inappropriate programs or platforms, etc., you may find your computer has problems. Due to incompatibility issues, malware alerts or malfunctions, you may find you have bricked your computer.
PC bricked issue often occurs, especially you have installed a Windows 10 update. When searching for “bricked computer” in Google, there are many forums on this topic:
“Windows 10 update bricked my PC: Been trying to install a Windows update. Most recent attempt, upon restart the screen froze at 33% complete and I was forced to hard reboot. Now it just sits and beeps every 15 seconds. The monitor doesn’t even come up…”answers.microsoft.com
Well then, how can you fix the bricked computer in Windows 10/8/7 if the brick is caused by the operating system itself (soft brick)? Find the solutions from the following part now!
Back up Important Files When PC Is Bricked
If you have a bricked computer, perhaps you are very worried about the important files on the computer disk. In order to keep PC data safe, we strongly recommend you to back up critical files first of all.
How can you create a backup for your personal files before bricked computer fix?
As mentioned above, when a PC is soft bricked, it is unbootable and you couldn’t go to the computer desktop to back up data. In this case, Windows built-in Back and Restore is useless. Here, you have a need to use a piece of professional PC backup software.
MiniTool ShadowMaker, designed for PC systems including Windows 10/8/7, will be your good assistant since it can back up your files, system, disk or partition easily when PC fails to run properly.
It offers you the Media Builder feature that can help you to create a WinPE-based bootable CD/DVD disc, USB flash drive or USB hard disk and boot your PC from the device. Then, you can back up files with the Bootable Edition of this software.
Backing up files in WinPE is a paid feature, so you need to purchase MiniTool ShadowMaker Pro Edition or an advanced one. Or you can get its Trial Edition to free use for 30 days.
Free Download
Related articles
- How to Create Bootable CD/DVD and USB Flash Drive/Hard Disk with Media Builder?
- How to Boot from Burned MiniTool Bootable CD/DVD and USB Flash Drive/Hard Disk?
Step 1: After booting the bricked computer from the created disc or drive, you can click MiniTool Program to run MiniTool ShadowMaker Bootable Edition.
Step 2: This software will run to the interface of Restore. Just click the Backup button in the toolbar, then you can view that this backup tool will help to back up your Windows system since all the related system partitions for Windows to run have been selected.
In order to back up files before fixing bricked laptop or desktop, please click the Source part, enter the following interface, and then click Folders and Files section.
Next, go to the Computer path, find files that you need to back up and click the OK button to go back to the Backup page.
Step 3: Then, you need to choose a destination path so as to save the backed up image file. Here, an external hard drive or USB flash drive is recommended.
Tip: The drive letters are different from what they are in Windows desktop.
Step 3: In the Backup interface, click the Backup up Now button to immediately start a file backup to avoid data loss in case of bricked computer issue.
In addition to creating an image for your important files, you can also choose to sync files or clone your disk to another disk for data protection. Here, this post — How to Back up Files on Windows 10 shows you two ways to back up files.
“Windows 10 upgrade bricked my PC. Then, I used MiniTool ShadowMaker to easily back up my important files. Share it with you!”Click to Tweet
Tip: Additionally, when computer bricking issue happens, you can use Windows data recovery software, MiniTool Power Data Recovery, to recover data from a bricked computer with ease.
After completing files backup, now it is time for you to take measures to get rid of bricked PC.
How to Fix Desktop or Laptop Brick Issue?
Note: You can only fix a soft damaged PC since the hardware problems can be repaired only if you take your computer to service for technical assistance but this can be fairly expensive if the computer is not on warranty.
Anyway, first of all, you can try to fix your bricked computer by following the step-by-step guide that is given below.
Way 1: Update Your Video Driver in Safe Mode
Sometimes, the Windows update bricked computer issue may happen due to the incompatibility of a certain driver like the video card. Thus, you can try to upgrade the video driver in Safe Mode.
Step 1: Unplug or disconnect all the external devices ( besides your mouse and your keyboard) that are connected to your Windows 10 PC.
Step 2: Enter the Safe Mode.
Just reboot your bricked PC, and when the Windows 10 logo appears, press the power button and restart the PC. Just repeat several times until you see Windows is performing Automatic Repair. Or you can prepare a Windows disc and boot the PC to click the Repair your computer button to enter WinRE.
Next, navigate to Choose an option > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart. Next, enter Safe Mode by pressing F4 or F5 key under the Startup Settings page.
Step 2: In Windows Safe Mode, right-click on the Start button to choose Device Manager.
Step 3: In the following interface, unfold Display adapters and right-click on the video card driver to select Update Driver Software so as to download and install the latest driver.
Sometimes, this way can solve Windows 10 update bricked computer issue. If you fail to fix desktop or laptop brick issue, try another way.
Way 2: Uninstall Recently Installed Programs
According to users’ feedback, the bricked computer can be caused by a Windows 10 update. Additionally, it can happen after you have installed a new program on your machine since it may not be compatible with your Windows version.
Thus, the best way to fix bricked PC is to uninstall the recently installed programs if you encounter any issue shortly after you download and install them on your PC.
How can you perform an uninstallation of a program? To do this, you still need to go to Windows Safe Mode by following the steps mentioned in way 1 and then start to uninstall the software.
Step 1: In Windows 10, right-click on the Start button and choose Control Panel.
Step 2: Go to Programs and Features.
Step 3: Then, you can see the recently installed programs. Just choose them one by one and click Uninstall to remove them to fix your bricked computer.
Tip: If you are bothered by Windows upgrade bricked PC issue, here you can also click View installed updates, select the latest update and uninstall it to see whether the PC can boot properly.
Way 3: Run Startup Repair
If you want to recover a bricked computer, you can also try a startup repair in WinRE. To do this, just restart your PC several times when Windows logo appears until Windows automatic repair is triggered. If this fails, please prepare a repair disc to boot the PC and enter WinRE.
Next, go to Choose an option > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair. Then, confirm the account and password to run the repair.
However, to a great extent, this way is not working on fixing your soft bricked computer with the message “Startup Repair couldn’t repair your PC”. Then, try the next way.
Way 4: Use a Restore Point
If you have recently changed your Registry or operated any change on your computer and this operation has soft-bricked your device, you have a need to use a restore point to revert the changes to restore your computer to a previous point.
Since the bricked computer is unbootable, you still need to go to Windows Recovery Environment for the system restore. Just click System Restore feature in the Advanced options page, then select a restore point to start system restore.
In addition to the above ways, you can also reset your PC in Windows 10 WinRE to recover a bricked computer.
If all these ways are not working to help you out when your brick computer is caused by Windows itself, perhaps the last thing you can do is to make a clean install of Windows. This post — How to Install Windows 10 shows you much information.
Note: Windows clean install will lead to data loss. Thus, please remember to back up your important files with MiniTool ShadowMaker, as mentioned in part 2.
Further Reading: Hard Bricked PC
However, some of you may report Windows reinstallation is still not working to recover a bricked computer. In this case, you should take hard bricked PC into consideration, for example, bricked motherboard or certain hardware damaged. Please send the PC to your manufacturer or repair shop to ask for help.
Suggestion: Back up Your Windows OS Regularly
If you have resolved your bricked laptop or desktop, in order to avoid the issue Windows 10 update bricked computer, you had beter back up your Windows operating system as well as important files on a regular basis.
Here, you can still use the professional and reliable backup software for Windows 10/8/7, MiniTool ShadowMaker, as mentioned above. It enables you to set a certain time point for automatic backups. Additionally, it also offers you a feature to only back up added or changed data, meanwhile, disk space management is enabled.
Right now, get MiniTool ShadowMaker Trial Edition from the following button and install it on your Window PC to have a try.
Free Download
Step 1: Run this backup software.
Step 2: Go to the Backup page where system partitions are chosen by default. To restore PC system to a normal state in event of the bricked computer next time, here you are suggested backing up OS. If you need to back up the entire system disk, just go to the Source section to make a setting.
Then, specify a destination path for the system image file, for example, a USB flash drive, external hard drive, network or NAS.
Tip: To automatically back up your PC, please click Schedule feature to make a setting. To create incremental backups or differential backups for only added data, use the Scheme feature.
Step 3: Finally, hit the Back up Now button to perform a system image backup immediately.
Bottom line
Is your computer soft bricked after performing a Windows 10 upgrade or any mistaken operation? Take it easy now! Just use MiniTool ShadowMaker to back up important files and then fix the bricked computer by trying the above solutions. In order to keep PC safe, remember to back up it regularly.
Free Download
If you have any other solutions to repair computer bricking issue, or experience any question when using MiniTool software, please let us know: leave a comment or contact [email protected].
1. Fill in BY or With 1.
The lock was broken … a hammer.
2. This book was written… my favorite author.
3. The cake was decorated….
Icing.
4. The tiger was shot … a gun.
5. Claire was shouted at … her teacher.
6. He was hit on the head… an umbrella.
На этой странице находится вопрос 1. Fill in BY or With 1?. Здесь же – ответы на него,
и похожие вопросы в категории Английский язык, которые можно найти с помощью
простой в использовании поисковой системы. Уровень сложности вопроса
соответствует уровню подготовки учащихся 5 — 9 классов. В комментариях,
оставленных ниже, ознакомьтесь с вариантами ответов посетителей страницы. С
ними можно обсудить тему вопроса в режиме on-line. Если ни один из
предложенных ответов не устраивает, сформулируйте новый вопрос в поисковой
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Instead of hiring someone to replace a broken window, there are ways that you can fix a broken window yourself. If the window has minimal damage, like a crack or a small hole, there are ways that you can perform a temporary fix to keep the window intact until you can fully repair it. However, a temporary fix won’t last forever and you’ll eventually have to remove the broken window and replace it with a new pane of glass.
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1
Scrape away the putty around the broken window pane. Use a utility knife, chisel, or putty knife to scrape away the putty surrounding the broken pane. This will loosen the glass and will allow you to remove it easily.[1]
- Wear thick work gloves and goggles for safety.
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2
Remove any nails or clips with pliers. Some windows will have nails or clips that help hold the pane in place. Use a set of pliers to grab onto any nails or clips in the frame and pull them out.[2]
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3
Pull all the shards of glass out of the window frame. Wiggle the pieces of glass that are still stuck to the frame until they come loose. Once they are loose, remove the shards of glass and dispose of them. Continue doing this until there is no more glass in the frame.[3]
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4
Sand the area around the broken window with 100-180 grit sandpaper. Smooth out the area around the broken window pane by going back and forth over any remaining putty or sealant. Once the area is smoothed out, wipe the area down with a damp rag to remove any excess particles left over from sanding.[4]
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1
Measure the area around the broken window pane. Use a tape measure to get the length and width of the window frame. Measuring the area will help you determine how big your new piece of glass should be. Subtract 1⁄8 inch (0.32 cm) from the measurement. The additional space will ensure that the glass will fit in the window and won’t crack if the frame expands during cold weather.[5]
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2
Purchase a new pane of glass. Go to a hardware or glass store with your measurements and buy a new piece of glass. They will cut your glass to your specifications.
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3
If the frame is made out of wood, use a painter’s brush to apply a layer of wood sealer around the broken window frame. Let the sealer dry for one or two hours before moving onto the next step.[6]
- Wood sealer will help the putty or glazing compound adhere to the wood and will help with weather-proofing your windows.
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4
Apply putty or a glazing compound around the frame. This will help hold your new pane of glass in place. If you’re using putty, roll it in your hands to warm it up, then apply it to the interior of the frame. If you’re using a glazing compound, squeeze a tube of the compound onto the frame, around the empty hole. If your compound came in a container, use a putty knife to apply it.[7]
- Don’t worry about laying too much putty or compound because you’ll be scraping the excess away later.
- You can purchase putty or a glazing compound from the hardware store or online.
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5
Push your new pane of glass into the empty opening. Take your new piece of glass and carefully press it into the opening. The glass should press against the putty and adhere to it.[8]
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6
Reinsert any nails or clips that you removed earlier. Replace the clips or nails that you removed earlier by lightly tapping them back into the frame. This will help your pane of glass stay in place.[9]
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7
Apply putty or glazing compound around the new window. Apply a layer of putty or compound around the edges of the new pane of glass. This will ensure that it’s held in place with the putty on both sides of the window and will hold your new glass in place.[10]
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8
Smooth the putty out and let it dry. Use a putty knife to smooth out the compound around the new window pane. Remove any excess putty or compound so that it runs flush with the frame and looks clean. Allow the putty to dry overnight so that it sets.[11]
- Remember to smooth the putty on both sides of the window.
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1
Apply a piece of masking tape to both sides of a crack. Get a roll of masking tape and cut two pieces that are large enough to cover the entire crack or hole in your window. Apply the tape over the crack, then go to the other side of the window and place another piece of tape on the other side of the crack.[12]
- Applying tape to the crack should temporarily stop the window from cracking further.
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2
Paint over small holes or cracks with a clear nail polish. Dip the nail polish brush into the polish and apply it over the cracks or holes to fill them in. Let the polish dry, then repeat the process three to four times to completely seal off the cracks or holes in your window.[13]
- Clear nail polish will only seal small cracks and holes in your window and shouldn’t be used for windows that have sustained significant damage.
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3
Glue a mesh patch over the cracks. You can use the mesh from a pair of nylon stockings or pantyhose. Cut a square from the fabric that’s large enough to fit over the entire crack. Apply super glue around the edges of the mesh patch and stick it on top of the crack in your window. Hold the mesh patch there for two to three minutes or until the glue dries. This will help keep bugs out of your house and will reduce drafts caused by cold air. [14]
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4
Tape a piece of thick plastic around the hole. If you have a larger hole in your window and don’t have the time to replace it, you can stop unwanted airflow through the hole. Cut a square of plastic from a tarp or a thick trash bag that’s large enough to fit over the hole. Apply masking or duct tape around the edges of the plastic, sealing it onto your window.[15]
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Question
How do you repair vinyl windows?
Michael Fox is a Window Repair Specialist and the President at Window Repair Systems and WindowHardwareDirect.com, based in Westminster, South Carolina. With over 25 years of experience, Michael specializes in commercial window repair and service. He holds a business degree from Monroe Community College and SUNY Brockport. Michael has helped Window Repair Systems and WindowHardwareDirect.com become an industry leader in commercial window repair and hardware distribution, servicing schools and businesses and training large public school systems.
Window Repair Specialist
Expert Answer
When your vinyl window fails, and let’s say you can’t open it up, you’d want to check for the balances to make sure they’re operational. Most likely, the balances are broken. They wear out over time. So then you would need to look at the balances and get the weight stamp number off of them. Then, you can reorder those balances from that stamp. If it’s a spiral type of balance, you’ll need to take it out and measure that. Then you would ultimately need to measure and weigh the sash, so you can get the length and weight for that window, so you can replace those balances. After that your window would work like new.
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Things You’ll Need
- Masking or duct tape
- Clear nail polish
- Thick plastic trash bag or tarp
- Pantyhose or nylon stockings
- Thick gloves
- Safety goggles
- Utility knife or chisel
- Pliers
- Sandpaper
- Measuring tape
- Pane of glass
- Wood sealer
- Putty or glazing compound
- Putty knife
References
About This Article
Article SummaryX
Large breaks in your window will usually need to be replaced. However, if you just have a small crack or hole, you can temporarily fix it to keep the window intact. Try taping over the ends of the crack with masking tape to prevent it from getting bigger. You can also paint over small holes or cracks with clear nail polish. To prevent drafts, tape a piece of thick plastic or a piece of a trash bag over the hole. For small holes, cut a square of nylon from a pair of pantyhose and use super glue to secure it onto the window. To learn how to replace a pane of glass, read on!
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In 1969, Philip Zimbardo, a Stanford psychologist had two cars to spare and decided to conduct a small experiment. He arranged to have one parked with its hood up, open doors, without license plates, on a street in the Bronx, NY - a place that was poor, dangerous, and full of crime. The other one was parked on a street in Palo Alto, California, like any other normal car, with its hood down and license plates intact. It looked like it belonged to somebody.
The car in the Bronx was attacked by vandals within 10 minutes. After three days there was nothing of value in the car and it was ultimately wrecked totally. While the car in Palo Alto sat untouched for more than a week. Then Zimbardo got bored and decided to intervene. He smashed a window of it with a sledgehammer to add some fun. Thus, the car went from being in perfect condition to showing signs of abuse and neglect. A few hours later, the car had been turned upside down and utterly destroyed. Just like the first one.
Broken Windows as a theory was developed by sociologists James Wilson and George Kelling in the 1980s.
Broken Windows Theory states that when low level crimes like vandalism (e.g., breaking windows of cars and buildings) are ignored, larger and more serious crimes start to happen soon.
Broken windows left unrepaired leads to breaking of the rest of windows as well. This is as true in nice neighbourhoods as in bad ones. Window-breaking does not occur as some areas are inhabited by determined window-breakers whereas others are populated by good hearted window-lovers. Rather, one unrepaired broken window is a signal that no one cares about it, and so breaking more windows costs nothing. In the above example from 1969, breaking the windows of the second car had primed the people in Palo Alto that nobody cares about it, so why should they!
Broken windows set a new norm of behaviour for the community, which is slightly closer to the criminal or anti-social behaviour, and people adjust their normal behaviour accordingly. As the level of normalcy goes down, it sets a vicious cycle in motion that gradually causes a neighbourhood to become more and more run-down and dangerous.
Say you’re smoking a cigarette on the side walk. You finish the cigarette. Where do you throw the stub? If you’re standing on a clean side walk with no signs of litter, it’s likely you’ll wait to throw the stub in the next trash can.
However, if the street is littered with cigarettes, you won’t make an effort to try to find a trash can. You’ll just throw it on the ground with all the others. Since it’s already littered, what difference would your one cigarette stub make.
What the Broken Windows Theory means is simple: if in a building a broken window is not fixed soon, immediately other windows will end up being destroyed by vandals. Why? Because the message which is being transmitted is: here nobody cares about this; this is abandoned.
Although though littering streets with cigarette stubs isn’t a criminal behaviour, the ethos is similar to breaking windows of abandoned cars and buildings. It sets a new standard where such activities are tolerated.
In 1993, a series of policies based on the Broken Windows Theory were enacted that emphasised addressing crimes that negatively affect quality of life. All kinds of petty crimes like subway fare evasion, public drinking, public urination, and graffiti were dealt with very seriously. According to a 2001 study of crime trends, rates of both petty and serious crime fell significantly after that. Furthermore, crime continued to decline for the following ten years.
Like neighbourhoods and societies, businesses, work cultures, and products can have broken windows too. When short-term solutions or quick and dirty fixes build up in your culture, these act like vandalism and neglect in a neighbourhood. A “We tolerate bullshit” norm is set and the vicious cycle slowly begins without us knowing.
If the design of a product is already ugly and hard to work with, adding one more quick and dirty feature without putting any thought in it feels like less of a big deal. You optimise for speed and efficiency over quality. And so without ever consciously making a decision to do so, you lower your standards even further.
This doesn’t only affect employees; it’s almost certainly affects you, the leader too. You’re becoming more willing to build up technical and business debt, and less likely to prioritise paying it off. You create a culture of ineptitude. You started off tolerating business hacks, broken codes, small technical incompetencies, and now you’ve got epidemic car theft and are on the path to gang warfare.
The solution to a product, business, or a culture in this situation is the same as for a neighbourhood. You take a break and fix the windows that are already broken. You also have to make it a point that you don’t let any broken windows go unprepared in the future. If you yourself let your business or product have broken windows, don’t expect others not to throw stones at it.