MI SGD Balcer replacement
We should be able to help you with this project, but we'll need to see the balances in question in order to ID them. I'm afraid the provided images don't tell us much.
I assume the balances on this window are missing, which is why you need them to begin with. Do you have an identical window in the house that still has its hardware? If so, you can use that as a reference.
Window stamp shows BAL 841/Special
Ribbed balance with a stamp reading 28F BSI ET
We'd like to see some images of the actual balance you're looking to replace. Once we have those photos, we can get started on searching for what you need.
Thank you! You have kind of a weird setup. Looks like you have a ribbed style channel balance, which is not what I was expecting to see. Can you show me a clear picture of the top and bottom ends of the balance? I want to see how it installs in the window frame at the top, be it with a screw or a hook. I'd also like to see the bottom end so that I can determine how it connects to the pivot shoe in that third photo up top.
There's a chance that this balance will have to be custom made, so please make sure your photos are as clear as possible. We will have to be thorough.
Thank you, this is exactly what we needed to see.
We can supply this balance, but it will have to be a custom order as I was suspecting. We can also only supply the balance itself; that metal clip you show in your fourth photo, the one that goes into the pivot shoe, isn't made anymore. You'll need to remove the old one from this balance and put it on the new balance, so make extra sure to hold onto it and don't lose it!
I will now email you an order link and price quote for 2 of these, which is our minimum. If you needed more, let me know here and I'd be happy to change the quantity for you.
(1) Do you know that the model or part number of the piece was before it was discontinued?
I have the same balance setup as the original poster. Mine came from Alenco Florida, model 3753/3753FL. In you forums I've seen several other posters looking for help with the same system.
The balance is attached at the top with a Balance Clip Attachment (15-198). Then it's an odd arrangement an inverted ribbed tilt balance connected using the discontinued clip to attach to a spiral balance shoe (very similar to the 15-134). Like many other posters in your forum, I am in need of the no-longer made piece.
(2) Is there an alternative method of attaching the balance to the shoe?
(3) Or a suitable replacement system? (maybe different balance system with same shoe)
(4) If you are not aware of anyway to achieve the same function with different hardware, might you know of any companies that may be able to customer manufacture some of the clips?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
I'm afraid we have no alternative to that metal clip, either in the form of an existing product or a rig of some kind. We have tried many different solutions but nothing has worked.
I also do not know of any company who might still carry these. To my knowledge they're not made at all and anyone who might still have them would have to have old stock. It's just not possible to say who may or may not have a box of these laying around.
I am very sorry for the inconvenience. I really wish we could get a hold of these clips, but it's just not possible. The only saving grace is that they are rarely damaged (in my experience) and in most cases can be reused.
Sure, we can still supply this balance. Can you just verify the length of the metal channel and the stamp printed on it? Can you also tell me how many you need?
Please also note that we can't supply this exact assembly, as it's no longer made. What we provide is a suitable alternative that works with some minor rework. Specifically, our balance comes with a plastic "T" shaped shoe at the bottom of the metal channel. You must discard this and reuse the original metal tab that goes at the bottom of your original.
That metal tab is essential. It's not something we can provide, so you must reuse the original. If that's not possible, then there is nothing in our inventory that can work for this window.
Perfect, thanks! Please give me a little time to check on its availability and I'll get back to you ASAP.
One last note: we'll be making this with a hook at the end of the cord, as per the photos provided by the original customer who made this thread back in 2020. However there is an alternate style that uses a screw-tab at the end of the cord, instead. That may be a detail you want to check before you place your order.
If you do happen to have the screw tab instead of the hook, let me know here and we'll go that way instead.
You got it! I have everything all sorted on my end, so once you confirm that top clip we'll be ready to pull the trigger on this. I'll await your analysis!
