Broken shoe on triple coil window balance

Quick Learner from San Francisco
I'm trying to find a replacement for a triple coil window balance system for a heavy double hung sash window. Approximate dims are 50" height by 40.5" width. I did not weight the bottom sash yet, but will do that and can balance the coil strengths on both sides. Would appreciate links to the appropriate products so I can purchase the replacements. Thanks
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17 Replies
Casey
Casey from SWISCO
SWISCO
Expert

Hello,

I can't be sure with your hardware still installed but your pivot shoe resembles a part that was discontinued. If that is the case, the good news is that the 15-177 can be used as a replacement. You'll need to remove your shoe to confirm the dimensions below match yours. 

Alternate image for 15-177
Alternate image for 15-177

There should be numbers stamped on the original coils that you'll need to choose the corresponding strength options for the S152 springs used with this coil balance assembly. Thank you! 

Quick Learner from San Francisco
Amazing. Thanks for the info! Will do
Casey
Casey from SWISCO
SWISCO
Expert

We're happy to help. Just let us know if you need anything else. 

Quick Learner from San Francisco
Update: I confirmed the weights of the three coils are 7, 2, and 5 lbs, so 14 lbs total. Problem now is the assembly is too large to remove from the channel to replace without breaking it. I'll go ahead and order this replacement pivot shoe in hopes of being able to free the old assembly. Any tips on removing an old assembly would be appreciated
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Casey
Casey from SWISCO
SWISCO
Expert

We recommend following the cutout method shown below to create an opening to remove the original balance hardware and install the replacements. The video shows a different type of balance but the process to make the cutout would be the same. 

Quick Learner from San Francisco
Thank you for the video! I'm so close! I'm I ordered the replacement pivot shoe and followed the video to cut out the original pivot shoe. The pivot shoe is almost coming out but the top part of the coil balance isn't coming out. I'm sure there's a technique to it but I'm afraid of breaking the assembly. How tough are the coil spring housings? They seem like flimsy plastic
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Quick Learner from San Francisco
A few more photos. Wonder how forgiving the assemblies are or if you can be tough with them to remove
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Dave Sr.
Dave Sr. from SWISCO
SWISCO
Expert

There's really no special trick to remove these besides pushing the shoe and springs in at an angle and gliding them into the jamb. We have another video showing how to replace a triple coil assembly. Hopefully, this will help push you over the finish line. 

Quick Learner from San Francisco
Wow! Can't thank Swisco enough! I finally got the triple coil system out, replaced the broken pivot shoe using part S152, which looked very similar in dimensions. But when I installed it back in the window frame the pivot shoe wasn't locking in the window when I turned the metal piece. It doesn't seem to engage the metal bracket when turning and it can rotate all the way around loosely. Could it be that the pivot shoe is not thick enough? Or maybe some installation step I missed? Thanks again!
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Casey
Casey from SWISCO
SWISCO
Expert

I'm sorry to hear that you're having trouble installing the new pivot shoes. If the break isn't engaging in the track and there is no obvious damage, there's a good chance that your pivot shoe depth differs from our part. We'll need you to write out the exact depth of the original pivot shoe to determine if a better match is available. 

Quick Learner from San Francisco
Yep that's it. The pivot shoe depth of the original shoe is 11/16ths inch while the Swisco shoe lock depth is only 5/8ths. Does Swisco sell a pivot shoe replacement part that locks at a larger depth?
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Quick Learner from San Francisco
Yep that's it. The pivot shoe depth of the original shoe is 11/16ths inch while the Swisco shoe lock depth is only 9/16ths. Does Swisco sell a pivot shoe replacement part that locks at a larger depth?
Quick Learner from San Francisco
I think I figured out a solution. Replace the brake in the new pivot shoe assembly with the original brake from the old assembly. The old brake seems to have a larger bump that can lock the pivot shoe at a higher depth. see photo of old brake (left) and new brake (right)
1 user uploaded image
Casey
Casey from SWISCO
SWISCO
Expert

Thank you for elaborating. I checked with our inventory manager and, unfortunately, the pivot shoe you have with a thicker break is not available. Our best recommendation would be to see if you could reuse the original break pad with the new pivot shoe. If needed, you're welcome to review our return policy here. We apologize for the inconvenience and please let us know if you have any other questions.  

Quick Learner from San Francisco
It worked! And the new pivot shoe is installed! Thanks so much for the useful guidance. I couldn't have completed the repair without your expertise!
Casey
Casey from SWISCO
SWISCO
Expert

That's great news! We'll be here if you need anything else. 

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