Channel Balance

A home owner from OK says:
Hello,

This channel balance is 29" long (actually 29 1/8"). Channel width is 1/2". The number 2830 is on the channel. I will need to replace this and I'm not sure which part I should order. It fell out of the sash since the pulley/spring system no longer works. Thanks

William
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Bob from SWISCO responded:

Thanks for posting. See our S390-29. Your stamp option of 2830 is for a window sash in the weight range of 16 through 23 lbs. Let us know if you have any questions. 

A home owner from OK says:
Thanks for the quick response. I will place the order. I was watching the instructional video, but my windows do not have any take out clips that would catch the channel balance. None of the windows in our house do, but it appears the holes are present in the frame. What is the process for this type of window? Or are clips simply missing and should be in all windows? Thanks
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Bob from SWISCO responded:

If the holes for the take-out clips are present in the windows and look very much the same as what's shown in our instructional video, then see our 16-002 Take-Out Clips. You can use these during removal and replacement of the balances throughout your house. For installation instruction of new clips, see the video below.

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Tom from SWISCO responded:

It's possible your take out clips are missing across the board. With that in mind you may want to purchase those as well. The instructions Bob posted should tell you everything you need to know.

As a temporary measure, you can drill a hole and then use a small screw on each side of the window. If the screws stick out a little, they will work the same way as a take out clip. You'd then simply remove them when you're done.

One thing to note about the S390-29 is that it comes with a 15-001 shoe. You may want to make sure the size of this shoe matches yours. It looks close, but something tells me that your shoe may be a little bigger. Carefully go over the 15-001 dimensions and let me know if they differ in any way. We'll see if my hunch is right.

A home owner from OK says:
Thanks for the info on the clips. Previous owner must have removed all of them.

As for the measurement of the shoe - it is exactly 1 3/16 versus 1 1/8 15-001 has(so yes, it is bigger). All other dimensions are the same. Does this mean I need to order a different channel balance or do I need to custom fit a shoe by removing the existing and riveting the new shoe? What is the impact if installed shoe is just a bit narrower? Thanks
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Tom from SWISCO responded:

Ah, I thought so! Good to know my eyes are still sharp after all these years. So, let's talk about what we can do.

See our 15-003 bottom nylon balance fitting. This also has a depth of 1-3/16". I think this might be better for your balance. If you want, you can purchase our S390-29 and our 15-003 separately, then drill out the 15-001 off the balance and install the 15-003 yourself. This process isn't too complicated but it can be a little involved. We have yet another tutorial video that walks you through the process, in fact. You can see it at the end of this post.

Your second option is to let us simply make it for you here in the shop. This would be a custom order. The price won't be too much more than the S390-29. If that's what you want to do, please let me know how many balances you wanted to buy and I will email you an order link and price quote for the requested quantity.

As for whether or not you can use a more shallow shoe... ehh. I don't think you want to do that. I personally don't like to do it. Your balance will probably be loose in the sash and the window will jiggle when operated. It's definitely something you don't want to opt to do if you have the option, 'cause a wobbly window will drive you nuts after a while. From a technical standpoint, it may even eventually cause the balance to wear out faster since it's constantly moving around in the track.

Ultimately, it's up to you. Let me know whatever path you decide to take and I will help you in any way I can.

Finally, here's that video I mentioned:

A home owner from OK says:
Thanks. I will opt for having this custom made. I would need two of these with the custom fit shoe. Would you please send the link ? Thanks
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Tom from SWISCO responded:

You got it! I'll email it to you right now. Thanks for considering us for your business and please let me know if you have any questions.

A home owner from OK says:
Thanks. Just placed the order!
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Tom from SWISCO responded:

Great, let us know if you have any questions once you receive your order. Thank you!

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