Choosing the correct balance

Quick Learner from Apex, North Carolina

May 30, 2017 3:51 pm

My double hung, double glass window has 3/8" diameter balances. The tube is vinyl? and has no color cap on the bottom of the balance. What is your suggestion for my replacement balance choice? My home is approximately 20 years old, and I have no idea what brand windows were installed. Thank you, and I look forward to your reply. Marty

6 Replies

Tom from SWISCO

Jun 1, 2017 2:44 pm

Is your window a tilt type window? If so, I recommend our Series 900 spiral balance. You will need to weigh your sash on a scale to determine the proper tip color option, since your old balances have no tip.

Quick Learner from Apex, NC

Jun 2, 2017 8:02 am

Tom, thank you for your reply. Yes, the window is a tilt type. I also need to replace the piece that holds the spiral in place and has the socket for the sash to lock into that allows it to tilt.

Tom from SWISCO

Jun 5, 2017 12:31 pm

Sounds like you're talking about the pivot shoe. Could you show me a picture of yours? Can you also tell me its width and thickness?

Quick Learner from Apex, NC

Jun 15, 2017 11:07 am

Hello, Tom. I'm sorry for the delay in responding to your last message to me. However, here is the info. you've requested: the sash weighs 19.4 pounds, and the tilt shoes are 2 1/4" long, 1 3/8" wide, 1/2" thick. They have blue rotators and 5900SB part #. I hope this gives you a better idea of what I need. Thank you for your patience with me, and I hope to hear from you soon. Marty

Tom from SWISCO

Jun 19, 2017 10:39 am

If the sash is 19.4 pounds, then either the White or Green tip option can work. You can see how much weight those options can support on the chart on the S900-35 store page.

I'm still not sure about the shoe. 1-3/8" is a peculiar width. Would you be able to show us a picture of it?