Balance and sash
Hello! This looks like a fairly typical non-tilt window spiral balance. Yours is very likely a match for either our 3/8" diameter Series 400 or 9/16" diameter Series 500. Your next step should be to measure the diameter of the tube to verify the better option.
As for how it connects to the sash, there's usually a small bracket at the bottom corners of the sash that it clips onto. These are not designed to be removed, nor is the sash for that matter; these windows were in fact not designed to be repaired in any way. These were mass produced and relatively inexpensive, and the manufacturer had intended customers to simply buy a new window if anything broke.
For the most part, the companies who made these windows are no longer around, so their plan isn't really an option anymore. That also means that you're stuck with a window that wasn't designed to be repaired with hardware that mostly can't be accessed. It's still possible, but it's not necessarily easy. Take it from me, these can be frustrating. If you're having trouble, you may want to consult a local professional to come out and work on it for you.
You also mentioned weatherstripping, but I can't determine what you have from these photos. I would need you to remove a small and undamaged sample so that I can see the end profile. Would that be possible?
Thanks for the response. I have talked to a repair person down here that has told me the window is one that is not designed to have the sash removed. He also said there is a specialized tool that will allow the upper frame to be bent slightly to allow the sash to be removed. I am hopeful that I will be able to removed enough of the weather striping to make an ID for replacement. Also I may be able to better see what type of clip holds the balance to the sash.
If I can't find the correct clip would it be possible to replace the balance with one that has a fixed clip like the one in attached photo? There does seem to be room for one of this type to clip on the bottom of the sash.
Original balance is 3/8" in diameter, 30" long with red tip.
Thank you again for your response and I look forward to your opinion. Paul
I've never personally heard of such a tool, but if you can acquire one then I would highly recommend it. That will definitely make your life a lot easier (I'm actually going to look into it myself, now!)
As for using this balance with the clip at the end, it may be possible if there is room. The problem with that is that this style is no longer something we sell. To be perfectly honest, I think there's a high chance that your window still has the clips you need to secure the balance to the sash and that they're still in working condition. They're rarely visible from the underside and in my experience they don't break that often. The balance almost always fails first.
If you have a means to check that, then it's definitely something to keep in mind as you move forward. Hopefully the job is as simple as screwing the Series 500 balance in place and clipping it to the sash. The tricky part is getting it behind the sash when it can't be removed.
The tool that he told me about looks like a pair of vice grips with a flat mouth about 6' to 8' wide.
You're very welcome! Best of luck with the rest of this project and please let me know if we can be of any further assistance.
As for what I thought was a plastic type of weather striping, I think it is actually the plastic piece that goes on the top side of the actual window pain. It was sticking out of the top of the sash where the window locks are I'm Not sure. I have attached pictures I hope you can identify it. It's 35' wide other measurements are in photos. Any idea what this is, if you carry it and maybe how it goes back in?
Thanks again for all your help
Paul
Hello, Paul. Yes, you can use a charging tool like our 75-005 to help the spiral balance engage with a clip. This hooks into the hole at the tip of the spiral rod, allowing you finer control over where it goes. It also allows you to wind the spiral balance, which is necessary during installation.
As for this plastic strip, that is definitely the window glazing. This is what keeps the glass in the frame. Yours is an older style that I don't believe is sold anymore, but we have a few modern options that are similar and may be worth considering. See our 55-120, 55-180, and 55-203 for three possibilities.
