Balancers for Milgard SH

Quick Learner from Southern California

Nov 19, 2012 1:07 am

I have Milgard series 3210 ultra single hung windows for which I need new balancers. According to the specs, it operates on concealed block & tackle balancers. The existing channel balancers are 33" and the window weighs 35-36 lbs. I unsuccessfully tried the 33" Series 380 Channel Balance S380-33 option: 3265. Please advise.

6 Replies

Tom from SWISCO

Nov 19, 2012 3:00 pm

Thanks for posting! What happened when you installed these balances? Did they break, or was the window hard to open? Was it hard to close?

Was 3210 the number stamped on your original balance? If so, they might have been the stamp you wanted. Can you confirm the weight of your window sash?

Quick Learner from Southern California

Nov 20, 2012 12:02 am

The balancer installation was problem free. We can't get the bottom window sash back in place. The sash weighs 36lbs.

Tom from SWISCO

Nov 20, 2012 10:10 am

Oh, I see. That helps make things a bit more clear. The 3265 is certainly the proper stamp for your window weight, but either way I don't think that should have any bearing on putting your sash back in the frame. Where in that process are you running into trouble, exactly? Have you seen our tutorial video on how to replace non-tilt window channel balances? This explains the proper way to replace your window sash. Take a look and let me know if it helps.

Quick Learner from Southern California

Nov 26, 2012 2:00 am

Thanks for the video link, I watched it prior to installing the channel balances. With one side aligned with the balance, the other side won't fit into the window frame. Its smooth sailing until 1:37 into the video. Attached is an image showing the stamp on the channel balance I am replacing.
Thanks for all your help!

User submitted photos of a window balance.

Paul from SWISCO

Nov 29, 2012 12:44 pm

I'm sorry to hear you're having so much trouble. Now, I've given it some thought. I think the first thing to do is to make sure that the sash is above the balance shoe. Alternatively, try putting in the other side first, instead. And again, make sure that it's above the shoe.