DIY Window Prop Stick (Easy, Cheap & Adjustable)

Tired of your window slamming shut? Make an adjustable prop stick with basic tools and scrap wood. This simple DIY solution keeps windows open and fresh air flowing.

Window wonâ€™t stay up? Hereâ€™s the easy fix for a window that won't stay open. Make a cheap DIY window prop stick using simple tools and scrap wood!

Craving a cool breeze, but your old windows refuse to stay open? This easy DIY transforms scrap wood into an adjustable prop stick, your key to fresh air flowing throughout your home. Ditch the stuffy rooms and enjoy natural ventilation with a few basic tools and this step-by-step guide.

Inspiration for This Window Prop Stick
What Tools Do You Need?
What Wood Should You Use?
How to Make a DIY Window Prop Stick

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Inspiration for this Window Prop Stick

My aunt and I love old stuff. Old houses, old furniture, and old tools. We also love visiting historic places. On a recent trip, we spotted these antique window prop sticks.

An antique window prop laying on a window sill

A window prop stick, also called a prop rod or window jack, is a simple tool for holding a window open at a desired position.

The rod fits between the window’s sill and sash, and its stepped design allows it to be opened at different heights.

Function: Keeps windows open, allowing for ventilation and fresh air circulation.
Applications: Useful for broken windows or those lacking a mechanism to keep them open.

The museum’s window prop was a real gem. I loved the ingenuity and simplicity of the design. Having an older house with stubborn windows myself, I knew it was a simple solution I had to share with you. Imagine replicating that functionality with some scrap wood – what a clever way to keep the fresh air flowing.

An old blue window stick used to prop open a window that won't stay up

What Tools Do You Need to Make a Window Prop Rod?

You’ll only need one tool to make a window prop stick. While I used a bandsaw to make mine, a simple handsaw, jigsaw, or even a scroll saw would do the trick.

Using a bandsaw to cut a window prop stick to fix a window that won't stay up

What Wood Should You Use to Make a Window Jack?

You can use almost any kind of wood for this project and it’s a great way to use up any leftover lumber you have on hand.

I typically use pine for my projects, so I used those scraps to make my window prop stick.

How to Make a DIY Window Prop Stick

Materials

1×4 (about 13-½” long)

Tools

Tape Measure
Handsaw, Bandsaw, Jigsaw or Scroll Saw

Step 1. Cut the Wood to Length

Cut a 1×4 piece of scrap wood to 13-½”.

Step 2. Cut the Steps

Layout the location of the steps using the diagram below.

Sketch showing the dimensions to make a window prop for a window that won't stay up

Then use a handsaw, jigsaw or bandsaw to cut the steps.

Cutting a piece of scrap wood to make a window prop stick for a window that won't stay open

Step 3. Finish the Window Prop Stick

Sand the window prop smooth. You can leave it natural or apply a few coats of paint.

Final Thoughts

What do you do when your window won’t stay up? Make a simple window prop stick. This is an easy DIY project that can be made in a few minutes. All you need is a piece of scrap wood and a hand saw, jigsaw or bandsaw.

Thank you for stopping by. If you found this information helpful, would you please pin it to Pinterest? Other DIYers would appreciate it and I would too! Thank you – Scott