1/2" channel window balance

Home Owner from New Mexico, USA
I need two different balances.
First one: photos of both ends, 1/2" channel, metal channel length 28 3/4", no stamps, Jordan window installed in about 1990, window weights 32 pounds
Second one: same ends as the first, 1/2" channel, metal channel length 29", stamped 2830, also Jrday windos installed about 1990, unknown weight.
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6 Replies
Casey
Casey from SWISCO
SWISCO
Expert

Hello,

The balance shown in your photos resembles either our S351-29, with a 15-002 bottom attachment, or S390-29, with a 15-001 bottom attachment. Take a look at the image below to determine which balance you'll need. You'll also need a 2830 spring strength option for your replacement balances.

Comparison of the S351 and S390 balance shoes.
Comparison of the S351 and S390 balance shoes.

You mentioned that one of the balances measures 28-3/4" long, not including the end fittings. Unforutnately, these balances do not come in that length. We do offer custom balances in 28-5/8" lengths but the end fittings would differ from the ones shown in your photos. I'd recommend double-checking the length and comparing the end fittings of both balances to determine if the second set of balances might be a different style. If so, we'll need to see photos of that assembly as well. Thank you. 

Home Owner from New Mexico, USA
I'm sure it is the S351 model.  And it is 28 ¾" long. Can I use a 29" one?  The other windows in the house are the same model and installed 30 years ago but differ in width (and therefore weight). It is possible that this is not the original but a replacement as the finish on the metal is different from the others. Thanks
Casey
Casey from SWISCO
SWISCO
Expert

28-3/4" is not a standard size, so someone may have modified a standard balance to fit the window. If it's not the original balance and was replaced with a different series, unfortunately, we can't be sure what would work best for your window. If you'd like to stick with the S351 balances for that window as well, I would recommend providing us with the height of the visible glass in the sash the balances support to determine the balance length. We can't guarantee that any of our balances will work since they won't be an exact match but we'll do our best to point you in the right direction. 

Home Owner from New Mexico, USA
The visible height of the glass is 27".  It is the same as the other windows that use the 29" balance.  The difference with this window compared to the others in the house is just it's width as far as I can tell.
Paul
Paul from SWISCO
SWISCO
Expert

Unforutnately, your glass height does not correspond to the balance length the way that we would expect, which leads me to believe that Casey is correct and this window was designed to use a different type of balance than the S351. If there are no original balances, unfortunately, we won't be able to advise you on the correct balance series. If possible, you may want to try reaching out to the window manufacturer directly to see if they have a record of the original balances used in that particular window. 

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