Channel Balance, Milgard Window : SWISCO.com

Home Owner from Roseville, California

Sep 15, 2024 5:06 pm

Milgard, 24"x72", single hung, non tilt, dual pane, aluminum frame, house built in 1998, location Northern California
Channel balance measurement 1/2"x33" plus nylon ends
Marking on channel - 32 3 ER CALDWELL
Collapsed spring length 13 11/16"
I can not determine if it is part # S-380 or #S-385

5 user uploaded images

6 Replies

Emily from SWISCO

Sep 18, 2024 11:46 am

Hello there! We're happy to look into this. Can you also show us a photo of the inside of the balance's metal channel where the innerspring connects to the pulley mechanism? That'd be located in the middle of the channel. You may need to use an undamaged balance as a reference. Can you also write out the depth of the bottom shoe?

Home Owner from Roseville, California

Sep 18, 2024 1:05 pm

Here are the photos, I hope this helps

4 user uploaded images

Emily from SWISCO

Sep 18, 2024 2:32 pm

Great, thank you! Our S380-33 or S385-33 with the 3230 stamp option look like matches for what you show here. The best match will ultimately come down to the depth of the bottom shoe but I'm afraid it's hard for us to get accurate measurements from photos of a tape measure. With that said, you'll have to measure as shown below to determine which Series is the better match.

Comparison of the S378, S380 and S385 balance shoes.

Home Owner from Roseville, California

Sep 19, 2024 5:01 pm

Hello, I sent a reply yesterday but I don't think it went through so I'll try again.
I remeasured the bottom shoe and it is 1 3/32". So it looks like part# S385-33

But I also have a question about what should I use to lubricate the balance and track system? Doe's Swisco have a something on their site that I can order, if not can you suggest a lubricant that will work for that purpose.

Thank you for all your help!
Rob

Emily from SWISCO

Sep 20, 2024 8:53 am

Our balances come pre-lubricated. However, you can use silicone spray on the track if you find it to be necessary. You can find this at a local hardware store.