Balance identification

Quick Learner from Evans, GA
I have several windows which need balance replacement. The backside of balance has the letter F upside down. Hoping that you can assist with identifying. Thank you
2 user uploaded images
4 Replies
Bob
Bob from SWISCO
SWISCO
Expert

Thanks for posting. This looks like a 15-180 Pivot Shoe, which works with Series 190 Coil Balances. If the housing is undamaged you can reuse it--otherwise see the 15-181 Double Support, 15-181 Drums and 15-240 Air Pad. For the replacement coil springs, you have to choose 'spring weights' that reflect the weight each individual coil spring can hold. Look for stamps on the actual springs that designate this. If there are no stamps or you are unsure, weigh the window sash this system supports. Give me that exact weight and I can calculate the needed spring weights for you. 

Quick Learner from Evans, GA

Thank you so much Bob. Your knowledge is informative and appreciated.

Our home was built in 2002.

Just to confirm your judgement on the pivot shoe, the dimensions are as follows: H - 1 15/16, W - 1 3/16, D - 9/16.

I see the numeral 4 stamped vertically close to the attaching end of the coil spring.

Our windows are single hung. Is the upper fixed window able to be removed? I see two screws on each side that hold a support bar in place.

The seal around the spacer has failed on multiple windows. I would like to have this repaired. Is this more cost effective to repair rather than having to replace some windows and then having mismatched windows throughout the home?

Again thank you, Doug

Bob
Bob from SWISCO
SWISCO
Expert

Hello! If your old spring is stamped with "4," then odds are it has a 4 pound rating. That would match our S190-440. A good way to verify this is to weigh your sash on a scale, then divide that by how many springs support it. Assuming that all of your springs have a 4 pound rating then that means you should have a 16 pound sash. If so, then using two S190-440 springs on each side should be perfect.

Some top sashes can be removed, some can't. I'm afraid I can't tell you what type you have but it's easy enough to determine by trying to pull it down and tilt it in for removal, same as the bottom sash. If it's immobile and won't budge, even after being unlocked, then odds are it's fixed and isn't meant to be removed.

We sell a ton of weatherstripping styles, which you can see here. Weatherstripping is far more cost effecting than replacing the windows. Repairing is always cheaper than replacement, as a rule. The proper method of identifying weatherstripping is described in the video below.

Reply to Thread
Current Photos:
Related Products
Related Videos