Constant tension window coil
We sell a ton of different coil spring balances, but I unfortunately can't ID what you have based on these photos. Would it be possible to see a photo of the pivot shoe they connect to? That should allow me to tell you everything else needed for this assembly.
There are no serial numbers or logos on the shoe.
The window itself weighs 13.75 lbs.
Thanks for getting back to us, but your new photo only shows the coil support. The pivot shoe that the coils attach to would be installed below the coils in the window jamb.
Additonally (IMG_6036) the coil and holder when attached to the window frame.
That's a huge help, thanks! We sell the individual components for this balance assembly separately. I'll listen them below for you to review.
- 15-180 pivot shoe
- Series 190 coil spring
- 15-186 clip
- 15-182 bushing
Note that if your clip, shoe, and bushings are in good condition then they can be reused.
Regarding the best strength option for your Series 190, given that you have one spring per side for a 13.75 pound sash, I'm inclined to go with the S190-740. These carry 7 pounds individually, which will give you a total support of 14 pounds. that should be sufficient for your sash weight.
Photo: the one on the top (broken, it has nothing sticking out) is comepletely tight against the spindle. The new S190-740 is loose (not tight against the central spindle at all).
Please advise. Can I return the existing coils (in the original bag) and what is the better coil to purchase?
Many thanks!
I'm afraid there is no better coil to purchase. The Series 190 is explicitly designed to work with this assembly; there is nothing else that would be compatible.
Can you go into more detail as to why this is preventing the balance from installing? I've run into this myself in some cases and it's rarely a concern. It should still function normally.
Can you go into more detail as to why this is preventing the balance from installing?
The coil is too wide to fit into the window jamb, since it is loose. If it were (for example) 1/6th of an inch narrower it would fit in... the coil attaches to the shoe without problem.
Gotcha, thanks for verifying. I see what you mean now. So it's not so much that the spring is loose on the barrel, but more that it's too wide for the cutout in your window.
I hate to say it but that may just be how these springs are made now by the manufacturer. I went back to test out a bunch of other springs in our inventory an they are all the same size, regardless of stamp. Looking at your second photo posted on the 28th of September, labelled Img_6036, I do note that there's some space in the track between the wall and the spring. I think our Series 190 can still work, it just might be trickier to pop into the slot.
Coil balances can be a little frustrating to install even in the best circumstances. If you feel any resistance, then that is normal. Often you have to pry them in with a screwdriver. The video below will show you what I mean--the balance assembly featured here is different but the principles are the same.
Ultimately the Series 190 is the only spring available that would be compatible with your window. I think yours is just an older version of what the manufacturer makes these days. Minor shifts in size like this are normal from window model to window model, though such changes can make repairing older models a little more complicated. I am sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.
