Channel Balance or Attachments

Quick Learner from Encinitas, CA

Hello, I am installing the sash guides from my order (thank you!) and some of the windows are still acting weird. When I raise them, they are crooked and don't raise straight. It's as if they are attaching to the sash guides. All of the springs and cords are okay in the channel balances. Would it be one or both of the plastic attachments at the end or should I just replace the whole channel balance. It is a channel balance like the one in the video above.

Wanted to add that whatever is doing this when I raise the windows is also impacting the new sash guides. The little ledge on the guides is getting eaten up by something with my channel guides.

Also, the stamp on the channel balance is 26 3 oE

I think the channel balance may be model #385 because the shoe is over 1 inch wide.

Thank you!

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6 Replies
Jasmine
Jasmine from SWISCO
SWISCO
Expert

Thanks for reaching out! This balance would not be the standard Series 385 channel balance because it has a wheel in the shoe as well as as tension cord hook attached to it. The balances you need are the extended-travel channel balance. The other difference between the balance you have and the standard Series 385 is that the channel for the extended-travel balance is 26-5/8". 

Please also be aware that your tension cord clip has been discontinued by the manufacturer but the newer hook (the one the balance will come equipped with) has been confirmed by them as a suitable replacement.

There is an order minimum of (2) balances per custom balance, so I've forwarded a link with a quote for (2) of these balances as they will need to be a custom/special order. If you are looking to purchase a higher quantity of balances, I am happy to adjust the quote for you.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Quick Learner from Encinitas, CA
Thank you for the information and the quote. What would be the difference in the higher quality and do they last longer. These are windows that we use the most and it might be prudent to get the higher quality.
Jean
Jasmine
Jasmine from SWISCO
SWISCO
Expert

I'm happy to help. It isn't that they are a higher quality, but more so that your windows use a very specific type of channel balance. The differences explained above are the details that determine which balance would work in the window and which wouldn't.

The most important details being the way the shoe is made as well as the length of the metal channel.

It is typically recommended, especially with balances, to replace the parts with exact what's in the window. A standard balance may appear to work for a while but because it is not the part that was originally installed it will cause the standard balances to wear down a lot faster. Again, not because the others are a higher quality but because they simply aren't made for the window you have.

Quick Learner from Encinitas, CA
Thank you. May I get a quote for the custom balances described above for the following:
6 windows stamped with 26 3
4 windows stamped with 26 2
4 windows stamped with 20 2
1 window stamped with 26 4
3 windows stamped with 14 2
Jasmine
Jasmine from SWISCO
SWISCO
Expert

My pleasure to assist. 

I've just forwarded a link with a quote for the requested balances.  

Please let me know if you have any questions.

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