In preparation for some spray foam insulation of our attic, I need to remove four old sash weights from the framing of our two attic windows. I should have had it done when the windows were replaced; now they're kind of wedged in. I'm afraid of yanking them out and damaging the windows from the side pressure. I thought perhaps the colder months might be best without the summer humidity here in ny to expand the wood. In the attached photo you can see how the ballast is at the bottom of the channel which I believe is the tightest part. I thought if I can raise a it a bit to a slightly wider area which I could make even wider with a rasp......... any ideas? Leaving these in there would leave a gap in the insulaton/sealing.