Channel Balance

Handy Person from Dublin, CA

Jul 25, 2026 1:01 pm

Came off when opening the window. The length seems to be 27" (metal edge to metal edge) while the number printed on it says 26, not sure why they're different

4 user uploaded images

4 Replies

Bob from SWISCO

Jul 26, 2026 11:49 am

Hey there. The first two digits on the stamp usually refer to the height of visible glass in the sash. The metal channel for a standard channel balance is typically 1" longer than that. Hence the difference. This looks like either an S380-27 or S385-27. The only difference is the shoe depth, see below. For a stamp option choose 2640.

Comparison of the S378, S380 and S385 balance shoes.

Handy Person from Dublin, CA

Jul 26, 2026 12:23 pm

Looks like it's an S385. My caliper only goes down to a 16th of an inch but it seems to be really close to 1 and 3/32. What is a 'stamp option'.

Bob from SWISCO

Jul 26, 2026 2:57 pm

The stamp option denotes the balance's strength. Your old balance was stamped 26-4. That translates to our stamp option of 2640, which designates a balance that can support a sash that is 26 through 30 pounds.