Removing, charging and installing spiral balance hardware

A quick learner from Bettendorf, Iowa says:
1. I have no way of removing the existing pivot block so I assume I have to make an entry/exit point in the vinyl to remove the shoe. Where is the best spot to create the the opening to install a new shoe?
2.Using the 15-046 shoe, which of the three slots should the 900 balance spring be inserted.
3. Assuming 900 series, 25 inch balance with a 15 pound window sash, how many turns of tension would you start with?
Thumbnail of the uploaded file named IMG_2163.JPG
Profile picture of Casey
Casey from SWISCO responded:
Hello. Which slot you use in the pivot shoe depends on where your balance is installed in the jamb. Just use the one that is most accessible. As for charging you balance, start with 2-3 turns followed by one turn as needed until you hit a suitable amount of tension. There is no magic number but you should exceed 5 or 6 turns when charging any spiral balance and even that many is usually not necessary.
Take a look at the video below for creating a cut out to remove and install your hardware. Thank you!
How to replace a tilt window spiral balance.
How to replace a tilt window spiral balance.
VIDEO
WATCH >
How to Remove a Pivot Shoe (Cutout Method)
How to Remove a Pivot Shoe (Cutout Method)
VIDEO
WATCH >
Swisco's 15-046 Pivot Lock Shoe
Swisco's 15-046 Pivot Lock Shoe
VIDEO
WATCH >
How to remove window pivot shoes
How to remove window pivot shoes
VIDEO
WATCH >
Anatomy of a tilt window
Anatomy of a tilt window
VIDEO
WATCH >
Reply to Thread
Use this form to ask a follow-up question or to share your experience regarding this subject.
(your email address will be kept private and is only used to inform you when a response has been made)
Current wait time is 3-4 business days
We promise that one of our experts will personally get back to you as soon as they are able. Thank you very much for your patience and understanding. If your inquiry is time-sensitive, please feel free to reach us at (888) 991-1929 or at help@swisco.com.