Channel Balance Without Shoes

Handy Person from Historic Dover, NH

May 16, 2025 8:27 am

I've worked with Swisco's Online Support Agent, Sachalee. Awesome person! She has suggested I bring my case to the panel of experts here. These 28" channel balances (Stamped with 2740 n) are out of a tilt-in window frame, likely well over 40 years old. Apologies for not having a complete picture of one in place, but the second picture shows what holds the bottom of the lifts in place. The shoeless top is kept in place partially by a vertical trim piece, (what also keeps the pin pivot piece in place) and then the plastic channel cover. If shoeless lifts are unavailable, can't I just modify them by grinding/removing the shoes?
Thanks for your advice, Wendell

2 user uploaded images

4 Replies

Emily from SWISCO

May 20, 2025 1:04 pm

Hi there, Wendell.

Thanks for reaching out to us. This is an odd setup. Could we see an undamaged balance removed from the window? We specifically need to see how the pulley cord anchors to the pivot shoe. Can you also confirm how the balance mounts to the top of the window?

Additionally, we'll need to know the precise weight of the window sash.

Handy Person from Historic Dover, NH

May 23, 2025 8:05 am

Unfortunately I've not been able to get into an apartment with the same window hardware to get additional pictures on, but they are also shoeless top and bottom like the example already provided. The pivot shoe connections were a flat J shaped crimped connector. As mentioned, the shoeless top is kept in place partially by a vertical trim piece, that also keeps the pivot shoes in place. The top is initially tucked in behind the vertical trim piece covering most of the balance. The bottom partially sits on the L plate riveted in place, (seen in original picture). Then with the plastic covers and sash in place, its not going anywhere. Guessing the sash weight at ~45lbs. Adding additional pictures.

2 user uploaded images

Emily from SWISCO

May 23, 2025 1:51 pm

Thank you for the additional information. We don't have this exact balance but the S770-28 may work in the same capacity. However, you would need to reuse the old J-style hook and attach it to our balance. Our balance is designed to be screwed in at the top of the window track but you will have to install it the same way as your old one. We can't promise this will be a direct fit but it's the best we can offer.

Note that you will need the exact sash weight to determine the proper stamp option for the replacement balances. We don't recommend guessing or estimating. There's a chart under the S770-28 product description that you can use as a reference for what stamp option to select based on the weight of the window sash.