Trying to determine if I need the 15-015 shoe or the 15-046. Taking measurement is hard to tell. However, the existing shoes have the blue center piece. Does that mean I should go with the 15-015?
Also, some of our tilt windows have a 5/8" spiral balance while others have a 3/8", with blue tip. It appears either size works. What is your suggestion? Is the weight of the sash the critical factor?
Thank you for your assistance!
15-015 vs 15-045

Home Owner from jacksonville FL.
Mar 12, 2013 9:42 pm
4 Replies

Paul from SWISCO
Mar 13, 2013 11:41 am


Thanks for posting! It's hard to say what you have without knowing your pivot shoe's exact dimensions. What is your shoe's thickness? Also, the 15-015 has a tell-tale notch on the back. Does your shoe have that?
As for the balances, it depends. Are we talking about these sizes being mixed and matched on the same window? Like a 5/8" diameter balance on the left and a 3/8" diameter balance on the right? Or are they uniform per window?
As for the balances, it depends. Are we talking about these sizes being mixed and matched on the same window? Like a 5/8" diameter balance on the left and a 3/8" diameter balance on the right? Or are they uniform per window?

Handy Person from Jacksonville fl
Mar 13, 2013 2:56 pm
Thanks, I will look harder for the notch on the pivot shoe. The different sizes of spring balances is not mixed on any one window. Both sides of the window are uniform, either 5/8" or 3/8". As such, does it matter which diameter I use? Also, can I lubricate the doing of my existing balances and what would be best to use?
Thanks again for your assistance!
Thanks again for your assistance!

Paul from SWISCO
Mar 13, 2013 3:56 pm


Thanks for posting! If you're not sure, you can take a few pictures of your pivot shoe. That would help us determine what would be closer. Just make sure to remove the pivot shoe fully from the window before you post a picture.
Tube diameter is important. I recommend that you replace everything with what was installed originally. If the windows have worked fine up to now, there's no reason to tamper with it. You can use silicone spray for lubrication.
Tube diameter is important. I recommend that you replace everything with what was installed originally. If the windows have worked fine up to now, there's no reason to tamper with it. You can use silicone spray for lubrication.
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