Broken balance shoe.

Home Owner from Bradenton, Florida

Feb 8, 2021 3:27 pm

My 20 year old house has its original Kinco windows, manufactured in Jacksonville, Florida. I've had several top sash guides replaced; now I have a broken part at the lower corner of the sash. I think it's called a balance shoe. I want to replace both top sash guides and both balance shoes.

I haven't removed the sash so have no pictures of parts, but the label in the top of the frame says "SERIES: MARK 40/50 SH W.B." It also says "AAMA/NWWDA 101/I.S. 2-97" and on the next line "H-LC35*-114x78 (MULL)"

Can you please tell me the correct part numbers? If I can fix this one myself, I intend to replace these same parts on ALL the windows in the house.

Thanks.

1 user uploaded image

10 Replies

Home Owner from Bradenton, Florida

Feb 8, 2021 3:46 pm

Now that I've watched some more YouTube videos, I think my broken part is on the bottom of the window channel balance. I now see a plastic part at each end of each channel balance as well as a top sash guide, for a total of three plastic parts on each side of the window. I'd like to replace them all, so I need part numbers for all.
Thanks.

Tom from SWISCO

Feb 11, 2021 11:00 am

We should definitely be able to help you, but I need photos of the balance itself in order to ID it. Specifically, I need you to remove an undamaged version from the window and show me a clear shot of the top end, bottom end, and whatever stamp or marking is printed on it. Just to be safe, you'd better also show me the clip at the end of the cord.

Home Owner from Bradenton, Florida

Feb 12, 2021 9:49 am

These photos are of the failed side. Nothing broke. The spring in the balance is fully extended when the balance is removed from the window. It appears to be jammed in that position.
There is no printing on the balance. The metal part of the balance is 5/8" wide.
I also included a photo of the sash guide as I'd like to replace those, also.
Thanks.

5 user uploaded images

Tom from SWISCO

Feb 12, 2021 2:58 pm

Thanks for your photos. Based on what I see here, you have either our Series 385 or Series 380, depending on the depth of the bottom shoe. That's the only difference between them. I recommend measuring your shoe and referring to our dimensions to confirm the best match.

Comparison of the S378, S380 and S385 balance shoes.

Home Owner from Bradenton, Florida

Feb 15, 2021 11:23 am

Shoe measures 1".
Part is stamped "29 3" followed by "BSI" (maybe "BSL") turned sideways, followed by "MI" in smaller letters, normal orientation.
Sash weighs 13.4 lbs.
I make this to be a Series 380, 30", Option 2920.
Does that look right to you?
Thanks.

1 user uploaded image

Tom from SWISCO

Feb 15, 2021 1:17 pm

If the depth of your shoe is 1", then you definitely want the Series 380. Your old stamp option of 29 3 matches our 2930, but that would be too strong for your sash weight. If 13.4 pounds is accurate than 2920 would be better. It's possible that whoever installed your window originally put in the wrong strength.

Home Owner from Bradenton, Florida

Feb 15, 2021 5:13 pm

Thank you for your help. I couldn't have done without it. I have ordered the parts.

Home Owner from Melbourne, GL

Nov 30, 2023 11:17 pm

I have a 24 year old home with KINCO window that have glazing bead damage from a hail storm I have no pictures of parts, but the label in the top of the frame says "SERIES: MARK 40/50 SH W.B." It also says "AAMA/NWWDA 101/I.S. 2-97" and on the next line "H-LC35*-114x78 (MULL)"
Can this glazing bead be replaced? Need part number and cost. Concern replacement pieces will not be uniform with balance of old beading

1 user uploaded image

Tom from SWISCO

Dec 1, 2023 2:35 pm

I'm afraid I can't identify what type of glazing bead you have from these photos. We may still be able to help, but I'll need you to remove a small, undamaged sample and show me a clear shot of the end profile. The video below will show you what I mean.