removing sashes from tilt in double hung windows

A handy person from Minneapolis says:

November 17, 2023

Hello, thank you for helping me. I have tilt-in vinyl double hung windows that are approximately 35 years old. the spiral balances are 9/16" x 25" with blue tips (S600-25), the shoes are similar to the 15-015 shown on your website. My question is regarding how to safely remove the sashes. all the videos i have watched regarding this show that after releasing the upper sash and bringing it level, pulling up on the right side slides the shoe up and the pivot bar releases from the shoe. When I attempt this the cam in the shoe locks the shoe in the channel so tight it will not allow for any movement up. can you please advise what I can do get the shoe to slide when the sash in tilted out to horizontal. again thank you for your Expert help!!! by the way love your website and how easy it is to find the parts I need.

Jasmine from SWISCO responded:

November 20, 2023

Thanks for writing in! I'm glad to hear that it was easy to find the parts you needed on our website!

When removing the window and beginning to tilt it out of the pivot shoe, you'll need to start raising the corner of sash very slightly at the same time you're tilting the sash toward you. It will take a bit of trial and error as it can be a bit tricky. The shoes will not be level with one another.

I hope this helps!

Please feel free to reach out if you have any other questions.

Pivot Shoe, 17/32" Thick

15-015

$1.55

25" Series 600 Spiral Tilt Window Balance

S600-25

$8.95

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