Block and Tackle Balance & Cam Identification

Quick Learner from Maryland

Jun 15, 2020 4:17 pm

Greetings,

Purchased a 10yr old Ryan Homes and two of the window balances (one broken on each window) have broken cams in which the entire balance remains at the top of the window frame. I do not have holes to place the removal clips (sp?) so therefore, unsure on how to remove sashs to get balances disconnected.

A couple of questions. Do I need to replace both balances (a total of 4) on each window as opposed to just replacing the broken ones on each window (a total of 2)?

Additionally, I have a hole at the top of the window channel that the balance hook, hooks into to secure the nylon rope. Do you currently sell that type of balance? If not, would it be possible just to replace the cams, which ultimately is what appears to have dry-rotted causing both balances on each separate window to retract to the top.

Thoughts? Thanks again for reading this!

5 user uploaded images

7 Replies

Tom from SWISCO

Jun 18, 2020 12:45 pm

Hello! We should definitely be able to help you with this project. We can supply both the balances and the shoe by itself, though I'm less confident about the shoe. To confirm, can you show me an undamaged version? Can you also tell me how wide it is, in total? It should be either 1" or 1-1/4". Thank you!

Quick Learner from Maryland

Jun 18, 2020 1:57 pm

Tom

Please see attached photos, would a replacement show work or should we go for all new? Also I took out the pivot pieces that go into shoe for reference. May neeed new of those too. Please send me complete parts list or and all-in-one kit options too.

5 user uploaded images

Tom from SWISCO

Jun 18, 2020 2:44 pm

I'm afraid your only option is to go all new. It seems your old pivot shoe has a deep groove in the stem, to presumably match a similar groove in the metal channel. Our pivot shoe lacks this groove and so will not fit in your balance. The only solution we have is to supply a new balance.

Since this has a 1" wide shoe and a hook on top, this will need to be a custom order. The configuration is not stock. I'll email you an order link and price quote now for four 28" balances designed with the hardware you show here.

The pivot bar isn't made anymore, either, but you can use our 26-021 as a substitute. This is sold separately.

Quick Learner from Maryland

Jun 18, 2020 3:02 pm

Greetings, as active duty military are you able to offer any sort of a discount (free shipping etc), also can you compromise a new quote including the updated pivot bars? Hope you can work with me ". Thanks so much!

Quick Learner from Maryland

Jun 18, 2020 3:11 pm

Additionally, based upon the hardware options links listed below, can't I assemble this configuration on my own. Swisco sells everything needed to recreate this assembly. I see another user asked how to attach a new hook to the top of a balance, swisco returned the hook product link without guidance. Thoughts?

Tom from SWISCO

Jun 19, 2020 9:10 am

Unfortunately, we do not offer discounts of any kind. I apologize for the inconvenience.

You can assemble these pieces yourself, if you'd prefer. Most customers would rather we do it for them for the sake of convenience so that's usually our default offer, but if you'd rather purchase the parts separately and try it yourself then that's totally fine.

Swapping the shoes out is very easy and we actually have a video showing you how it's done, which I'll share below. Changing the top clip for a hook is the most difficult part only in that it has the most risk: the cord is under a lot of tension and if it gets away from you, it'll snap back and could damage the balance or even hurt you. The metal clip could shatter from the force. You want to make absolutely sure that you're wearing safety goggles and gloves.

What you want to do is pull the cord out and secure it firmly in a table vice. Once you're certain it's in place and won't snap back, you simply untie the clip and tie on the hook. When you're done, hold onto the cord and release the vice. Don't just release the vice or else the cord will snap back, you have to be holding it. Then, gently let the cord retract into place.

Here's the video I mentioned: