Channel balance 26 4 JK Caldwell

A handy person from Kenmore, WA says:
July 19, 2014
Hello,

I need few balances for Milgard windows. I removed one of them. Pictues are attached pictures. It is Non-Tilt Window. The channel width is about 1/2". The height of only metal frame of balance is about 27.5" and with plastic attachments is about 28.5". Are these available and how much for two pairs Thank you in advance for your assistance.
User submitted photos of a window balance.
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Tom from SWISCO responded:
July 22, 2014
Hey, thanks for posting. I've narrowed this down to two possible channel balance Series: either our Series 380 or our Series 385 balances.

Now, as you can see, there is only one difference between these two Series, and that is their bottom shoe. The Series 380 uses the 15-005 while the Series 385 uses the 15-004. I can't quite tell what you have based on your pictures, though. Please carefully compare their dimensions to your own hardware and see which is a better match.
Comparison of 15-004 and 15-005
Comparison of 15-004 and 15-005
I also recommend double checking the length of the metal channel. Based on your stamp, it should only be 27" long. Do not include the nylon attachments in your measurement.
A handy person from Washington State says:
March 21, 2022
The above was somewhat helpful. I have the same exact unit Caldwell 26 4 JK. When I went through the checkout to purchase mine, you guys use a different weight rating system. So the "4" stamp from Caldwell equates to some unknown weight rating but you guys have numerous options. I assume your number "2640" means 26" number 4? Or is that a stretch? either way it's information that is needed for purchase. Why not just use the same numbering scheme as the manufactures?
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Tom from SWISCO responded:
March 22, 2022

Yes, our "2640" is the same as your old "26 4." If you have any doubts, you can always weigh your sash on a scale and refer to the chart to confirm.

As for why all balances don't use the same rating system, I have no idea. I certainly wish they did. Keep in mind that we don't manufacture balances, we're just a third party supplier and we have no decision making power to this end. We're in the same boat as you. It would definitely make everyone's lives easier but this is just the way they do things.
Winged Channel Balance Shoe, 1-3/32" Depth
Winged Channel Balance Shoe, 1-3/32" Depth
15-004
$0.74
Winged Channel Balance Shoe, 1" Depth
Winged Channel Balance Shoe, 1" Depth
15-005
$0.74
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