36C balance and pivot shoe

Handy Person from NJ

May 28, 2023 6:48 pm

Double hung vinyl Window from Builders Firstsource in 2006. Need replacement balance and pivot shoe.
Also my vinyl stop at top is only 1.5 inches. may need bigger piece to hide cutout if i have to cut out vinyl to remove shoe.

6 Replies

Tom from SWISCO

May 31, 2023 1:06 pm

I'm not sure what you have, unfortunately. We have dozens of different balances with that stamp. It's not a product code or anything, it just indicates the strength of the spring.

In order to figure out what Series this is, I need you to remove an undamaged version of this balance from the window and show me clear pictures of the top and bottom nylon fittings. I will also need to know the dimensions of these fittings.

You also mentioned a pivot shoe. We will also require photos of this part removed from the window. We will additionally need its width and thickness.

Handy Person from NJ

May 31, 2023 7:23 pm

Balance is 36"L. Each side measures 1/2".
Top nylon fitting (black) is 1"L x 1/2"W and is connected by a string to another vinyl pulley (gray) 1.5"L x 1/2"W in size that connects in the middle of the balance to a 20" metal spring coil. The opposite end of the balance does not have a fitting because it slides directly over the pivot shoe.

4 user uploaded images

Tom from SWISCO

Jun 2, 2023 9:09 am

Thanks! This assembly appears to match our Series 795 tilt window channel balance. I am confident that this is what you want, but note that our balance installs at the top of the window using a screw, not a hook. If yours uses a hook, I recommend watching our other video below for guidance on what you can do.

Handy Person from NJ

Jun 2, 2023 4:31 pm

Thanks, Tom. My window balances also attach by screw. I will order two 795 balances so I have a spare ready when the next one breaks. I noticed on the 795 link you sent me that there are multiple pivot shoes available. What pivot shoe matches the 795? A pic of my existing shoe is attached. I will try to use it but suspect it may be damaged.

1 user uploaded image

Tom from SWISCO

Jun 5, 2023 8:12 am

The Series 795 comes with a pivot shoe already pre-attached, which is our 15-195. This is 1-1/4" wide. The other options are sold separately in those cases where customers have something different.

If you have any doubts that your shoe is 1-1/4" wide then you need to measure the original to verify what its actual size is. That will require removing it.