Aluminum Top Sash guide??

A quick learner from Port Orange FL says:

March 21, 2015

I am not sure of what type of windows but have multiple windows with the same problem. The top sash guides all BREAK making the channel balances not work correctly. I have taken 3 windows out and there are also 3 channel balances that seem to be not working as well since the pulleys or rope are all messed up.
Im thinking I need 30" series 380 channel balance with 19-005 top and 15-005 shoe. The sash weight 29# so I figured 2950 would be correct. My biggest dilemma is the constantly breaking of the top guides so I would prefer to get aluminum vs the cheaper plastic ones. The 5/8" top sash guide 18-166 made by Kinco is what I think I had. What aluminum one would fit given I have 2 possible screw holes at either 3/16 or 7/8" on the sash itself?

Paul from SWISCO responded:

March 23, 2015

Hello! I'm afraid they don't make an aluminum replacement for the 18-166. There's not much you can do about top sash guides breaking, especially if they have constant exposure to sun. Double check the weight of your sash to confirm that it is 29 pounds. If the spring is stronger than what is necessary, that would also apply above-average strain on the top sash guides, making them break faster.

I also recommend double checking your balance Series. Kinco has always used our Series 385 channel balance, which is the same as the Series 380 except the bottom shoe is 15-004 instead of 15-005. Just make sure.

5/8" Top Sash Guide, Kinco

18-166

$1.33

30" Series 385 Channel Balance

S385-30

$11.30

30" Series 380 Channel Balance

S380-30

$11.30

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