Andersen Balance replacement

Quick Learner from USA
I have a broken guide string on one side of the window and need to replacement my sash balance.
This is an Andersen window.

Should I do this in pairs or just do the one side that is broken?
14 Replies
Paul
Paul from SWISCO
SWISCO
Expert
Yes, it would be a good idea to replace both at the same time. If one balance failed, it's likely that the other isn't far behind.

I would be happy to offer a suggestion for a replacement, if you'd like. Please remove the balance from the window and tell me what stamps are printed on the surface of the box. It may be even better if you take pictures of the stamps. Sometimes seeing how the numbers are printed is just as important as the numbers themselves.
Quick Learner
One window is 11600-17 on the big portion.
On the edge I see 527-3 BJ27-1089
Tom
Tom from SWISCO
SWISCO
Expert
Hmmm... can you double check the BJ27 stamp? I think it might be 8J27, instead. If so, I recommend our 24-837. This can replace balance boxes with a stamp of 8J27.
Quick Learner
I will check.

The other window is marked as 11600-17 but on the edge is 519-3 J61 9 90.

I was thinking both of these were the same part as I was keying on the 519. The second window is just a single individual window.
Tom
Tom from SWISCO
SWISCO
Expert
Well, a 24-531 can replace balance boxes stamped with 519, certainly, but not 527. At this point, it may be best if we see a few pictures of the stamps for both balances. Like I said above, sometimes seeing how the numbers are printed is just as important. There are some subtle differences between numbers that we can catch, and that will let us know right away which number is the key number. Otherwise, we're dealing with a jumble of characters and it can be a little confusing.
Quick Learner
This is from my single window bathroom. I call this 519-3.
User submitted a photo of an anderson balance.
Quick Learner
second photo
User submitted a photo of an anderson balance.
Tom
Tom from SWISCO
SWISCO
Expert
Thank you! Looks like 519 is stamped on both balances. Therefore, I recommend our 24-531.
Quick Learner
Those pictures were of the same window (bathroom).

These two photos are the one from my family room. This is more of a challenge.
User submitted a photo of an anderson balance.
Quick Learner
another pic
User submitted a photo of an Andersen window balance.
Paul
Paul from SWISCO
SWISCO
Expert
That is weird! This balance has both the 5 27 stamp and the 8 27 stamp. I'm a little confused why they did that. I think the best t hing to do now is to give us the size of the visible glass for that window. That is the only other solution I can think of.
Handy Person
Here is a photo of the window.

Each side has a window the goes up and down while the center pane is fixed.

Center is 46.5" wide and 47" tall.
Each pane of the side windows is 16 3/8" wide and 24" tall.
Paul
Paul from SWISCO
SWISCO
Expert
Thank you. In that case, I think the 24-531 would be best for you. I still cannot guarantee it will work, but it is the closest match I could determine based on this information.
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