windows in town home won't open

A home owner from California says:
Hi, Please help me by telling me what I need to purchase/replace so that windows can be opened. Past homeowner left window channel balances off the windows so they could be closed. I looked at them. They have rust in the springs. I see the number 2730 on the sides. I see a two holes towards the middle one square and one round and a metal clip on the top of the window channel. What is the purpose of that metal clip. I need four of these window channel balances to start with. We are able to remove the window. Thank you Maritza
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Paul from SWISCO responded:
Thanks for posting. Sounds like you have a 28" block & tackle balance with a stamp option of 2730. I'm afraid that's all I can tell based on your information, though. Now you just need to pick out the top and bottom fittings in order to determine the Series.

I recommend that you look at our Channel Balance Home Page and follow the steps in order to find the Series that best matches what you have.

As for how these balances work, see the videos below.
A home owner from California says:
Hi, followed your instructions and ordered the balance that looked like the ones we took out. I ordered (2) S390-28 : 28" Series 390 Channel Balance. When we went to put them on, it was very difficult to get the window to fit back in the frame. The window wouldn't slide up and down easily again. What do you suggest I try next?Thanks!
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Tom from SWISCO responded:
It's possible the shoe is a little too thick. What was the depth (heel-to-toe) measurement of your old shoe? The Series 390 comes with the 15-001, which is 1-1/8" deep.
A quick learner from California says:
I measured the shoe and it was 1 1/8" from top to back. I'm attaching pictures of the ones in the old balanc in the hopes that you can guide me towards the right balanc. Thanks!
User submitted photos of a window balance.
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Paul from SWISCO responded:
Thank you. That is weird. If the shoe has a 1-1/8" depth, then our Series 390 was the best choice. I'm not sure why you're running into issues. You mentioned it was difficult to get the window back in the frame. Could you specify?
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