Coil Window Balance Replacements

Hi Brook, thank you for posting,

To further review for a replacement, we will need to see the pivot shoe that the coils attach to. You will need to remove the window sash to access the pivot shoe. The video below shows an example of how to remove the sash. 

Hello, 

Yes, we need to see a clearer view of the shoe to determine what series of coils you have. The window sash will need to be removed as it is currently obstructing the view. Thank you!

Hi Brook, thank you for the additional pictures,

Your original pivot shoe is no longer made, but we suggest using the 15-199 pivot shoe for a replacement. The 15-199 is 17/32" thick and 1-1/4" wide. This pivot shoe is compatible with the 1/2" thick Series 160 coils and the 3/8" thick Series 165 coils. You will need to measure to confirm the correct size needed. 

Alternate view of 15-199

To choose the correct weight option, you will need to obtain the weight of your sash and then divide by the number of coils in the window. If you need assistance with this, I will just need to weight of the sash to move forward.

Please review and let me know if you have any additional questions. 

Hi Brook, 

Yes, you need to remove the window sash and weigh it on a bathroom scale. 

Hi Brook,

Yes, we do carry the coil cover supports, but the right replacement will depend on whether you have the 1/2" thick Series 160 coils or the 3/8" thick Series 165 coils. 

Once you determine the correct coils to use, you will see the "related items" section on the product page which will show the compatible coil supports. 

Hey, Brook. Lauren isn't here today but I will do my best to advise you.

In my experience, you don't want to guess when it comes to sash weight. These are pretty precise systems and if your weight is wrong then the window will not function properly. If the springs are too weak, then the sash will be difficult to raise and will drift close on its own. If the springs are too strong, then you'll have the opposite problem: the sash will be harder to close and it will actually drift up. It has to be like Goldilocks.

Now, looking back at your first post you had mentioned that there is a number "3" stamped on the cover. That might be the weight rating for each individual spring. That kind of stamp is usually printed on the spring itself, but you do see it on the cover from time to time. It's uncommon but it does happen. If we're assuming that this is the weight rating, then you're looking at one 3 pound spring per side, which indicates a 6 pound sash. 

That's pretty light compared to your estimate. If you were to use 10 pounds of support on a 6 pound sash then the springs would be way too strong and your window wouldn't close.

I know it's a hassle but I think you should strongly consider weighing your sash to be sure, especially since this is older and discontinued hardware. The choice is ultimately yours, of course, but I thought I would give you my two cents. You are free to try 10 pounds of support if you think that's the best route to take.

Great! Sounds like a plan. I'm here to assist you in any way that I can, just let me know.

Great! So, at this stage you just need to pick the proper Series; either the Series 160 or the Series 165. These are each a different width and so use a different method of calibration. 

Once you decide the Series, just divide that sash weight by how many springs support it and pick accordingly. You can see a full list of available weights on each Series' respective store page, linked to above.

Are you referring to the covers? If so, we don't have your exact style but we do sell covers for the two springs I recommended. 

For the 1/2" Series 160, see our 15-150S, which is a single spring cover, or the 15-150D for a double spring. 

For the 3/8" Series 165, see our 15-204, which is a double spring cover. There is unfortunately no single spring cover for this size.