Window Balances

A handy person from Urbandale, Iowa says:
August 17, 2014
We have vinyl windows with the name ALUMAX on the latch. The balances are shot and the old ones have no color code that relates to your chart. I think we will need the 600 series. The old balance measures 25" long and the diameter measures 1/2". Would this be your 5/8"? Will I need to weigh the sash or can you tell by the attached balance picture what I need? The pivots appear to be good or should I replace them anyway?

Thanks for your help.

Rodger
User submitted photos of window hardware.
Profile picture of Tom
Tom from SWISCO responded:
August 18, 2014
Can you confirm the diameter of the tube? There is no balance I know of that has a 1/2" tube. I'm pretty sure it will either be 3/8" or 5/8". It could even be 9/16", but that is considered 5/8" in the trade anyway. Can you also tell me what the weight of the window sash is? That's the only way to determine what color tip you need. Finally, when measuring the balance length, make sure that you're only measuring the tube.
A handy person from Ubandale, Iowa says:
August 20, 2014
I have remeasured the balance tube and am attaching a photo of it. It measures 1/2-9/16" dia. The tube is a soft plastic and as round as I can get it. I have weighed the sash and it is at 18 pounds. Is this enough info for you to make a recommendation for the parts? Again, the tube measures 25" from the top to the bottom of the tube.

Rodger
User submitted a photo of a spiral window balance.
Profile picture of Tom
Tom from SWISCO responded:
August 21, 2014
Thank you! Based on these specifications, I recommend our S600-25 spiral balance with a Red Tip.
25" Series 600 Spiral Tilt Window Balance
25" Series 600 Spiral Tilt Window Balance
S600-25
$8.95
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How to replace a tilt window spiral balance.
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