3/8" balance for vinyl windows

Quick Learner from Michigan

Feb 12, 2020 5:35 pm

I need to order replacements for our windows. Many of these no longer will hold open a window. Can you help me identify these so I can place an order?

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6 Replies

Casey from SWISCO

Feb 13, 2020 11:48 am

Sure we can try to help. However, before we start, we need to see photos of the spiral balance completely out of the window. Please also make sure to provide us with the tube length measurement you need. Thank you.

Quick Learner from Michigan

Feb 17, 2020 5:39 pm

I removed the balance and took measurements. The plastic tube is 32" in length and 1/2" diameter I have included more photos. If there is an upgraded balance available that fits please let me know. Thanks again for your assistance.

3 user uploaded images

Tom from SWISCO

Feb 18, 2020 8:44 am

Thanks for getting back to us. Looks to me like you have a tilt window spiral balance. Yours also has an older nylon tube, while all of ours use metal tubes, but that should be fine. Honestly ours will probably hold up better since you don't have to worry about the tubes cracking.

As for which product I specifically want to recommend, it'll be either our S900-32 or S600-32. I would triple check the diameter of your outer tube. It's going to be either 3/8" or 9/16". Since you got 1/2", odds are it's going to be 9/16", which would make it our S600-32. Just measure it again to be 100% sure.

Quick Learner from Michigan

Feb 18, 2020 4:45 pm

Ok, I remeasured the tube and it does match 9/16," so now the only confusion is the plastic tip color. The tip appears to be yellow, so I assume that means it must have originally been white and it has discolored over time? It is definitely not black, red, blue or green. Does the color just indicate the weight ability for each balance? I think I am ready to order!

Tom from SWISCO

Feb 19, 2020 7:55 am

The discoloration of your tip color could have happened over a period of time; that is very common. However, in this case, since your color tip does not match with any of our color tip options, you will need to weigh your sash on a scale and refer back to the sash weight chart on the store page to decide on the most appropriate color tip for your spiral balance.