Broken channel balance

Hi there- thanks for posting! 

You've got a channel balance in your window and to determine the best replacement option for you you'll need to remove it and send us a few more photos. I can partially see the bottom shoe from your second photo, but we'll need to see clear angles of both of the end attachments. The stamp printed on the balance that you provided a picture of is helpful, but it unfortunately doesn't determine the series of the balance you have. The end attachments are what determines the series. 

Send over those photos and we can definitely get you what you're looking for! Also, while you have the balance removed, confirm that the length of the metal channel is 27" please. Thanks! 

Here's the basic procedure:

Can you show me a photo of this stop? I don't want to advise you to unscrew anything from your jamb without knowing exactly what it is.

Thank you! If you remove the metal bracket, I think you'll find that the take out clip might be behind it. If not, remove the screw from the metal stop and install it back in the window track. Leave just enough height to hook the balance top, but not the window sash guide. Do the same on the other side. Now raise the sash pass the screws, push the sash to one side and swing out. That should allow you to replace the side load balances. 

The balance Summit Window often uses is our Series 385. 

All channel balances hook onto the window using that cord. It's possible that your other balance had become disconnected over the years for whatever reason. It's possible you don't even have to replace your balances! Try to install the right one by putting the hook in the slot, just like we show in our video. Once it's installed properly, open and close the sash a few times to try it out and let us know how it operates.

Ahhh, okay. I think I'm starting to understand. "Jammed" sounds about right. It's possible the pulley system is simply broken and stopped functioning. That's just a guess; the fact is, there could be a million different reasons why that cord isn't coming out.

I think it's probably a good idea to just nip it in the bud and replace it. Like I mentioned before, most Summit Windows I've dealt with used our Series 385 channel balance. With that in mind, I recommend our S385-27 with a 2640 option.

We usually recommend replacing both balances at the same time, but it's up to you.