Tip Color of rod

A quick learner from DeFuniak Springs, Florida says:

January 12, 2014

I have S400-30 30 inch rods with black tips.

What should I replace them with?

Thanks
Don

Tom from SWISCO responded:

January 13, 2014

Thanks for posting, Don. I have a couple question. First, can you confirm that you have the Series 400 and not the Series 500 spiral balance? A Black colored tip indicates a very heavy window, and the Series 400 is very skinny, at 3/8". Too skinny to properly support the kind of weight implied here. Just double check the diameter of the metal tube and let me know.

Secondly, can you tell me the weight of the window sash? You can determine this by removing the sash from the window and placing it on a scale. Thanks!

A home owner from DeFuniak Springs, Florida says:

January 13, 2014

They are 10 mm rods according to my micrometer. That comes out very close to 3/8" diameter.

I don't know how to remove the aluminum window from the frame but I have removed the balances from both sides of one window and placed a scale under it and it weighed in at 19.2 lbs.

I appreciate any guidance you can give me as to which spiral balance would be correct.

Paul from SWISCO responded:

January 14, 2014

Thank you! An S400-30 spiral balance with a Red Tip will hold up your sash. It's possible the black tip was incorrectly chosen, yes.

Regarding removal of the sash, I believe you have a builder's special. These sashes are made so that they cannot be removed. You will have to replace the balance with the sash still in place. This can be difficult, but with a helper, you can do it.

30" Series 400 Spiral Balance

S400-30

$10.77

30" Series 500 Spiral Balance

S500-30

$9.72

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