Custom 26D Channel Balances

Quick Learner
Apr 22, 2024 2:03 pm
Looking a quote.
image4 (10) image3 (10) image2 (17) image1 (23) image5 (8)
5 user uploaded images
13 Replies
Casey
Casey from SWISCO
Apr 23, 2024 3:01 pm
SWISCO
EXPERT

Hello,

It looks like you need S795-26 (26D) balances with the 15-198 pulley clip attached. To get started, we'll need to confirm the number of balances that you need, with the minimum being two. 

Also, please note that your balance appears to use the smaller 15-194 T-lock, while the custom balances will come with the 1-1/4" width 15-195. You'll need to purchase the 15-194 shoes as well and follow the video below to swap out the originals. Thank you. 

Landlord from Alexandria, VA
Apr 23, 2024 4:46 pm
Thank you for ensuring that I purchase the right parts.

I only have one damaged window, so I need to purchase 2 balances. I am ready to purchase the two balances with the two alternate t-locks (15-194). Do I just buy them off the website, or do I purchase them through you?

Based on what you said, I'm under the impression that I do not need to separately purchase the eye hook that was screwed into the top of the window holding the cord in place. Am I correct in concluding that the S795-26 comes with the correct eye hook?

Matthew
Casey
Casey from SWISCO
Apr 24, 2024 8:17 am
SWISCO
EXPERT

Great, we just sent over an order link and price quote for your custom balance`, which will come with the 15-198 clip attached to the pulley cord. As for the T-lock shoes, they can be added to the same order directly from our website once you add the custom balance link to your cart. Take a look and let us know if you need anything else!

Landlord from Alexandria, VA
Apr 24, 2024 10:11 am
Can you look at the attachment photo again? The one I removed from my window was a z-shaped bent piece of metal with two holes in it. The first hole allowed the pulley cord to pass through with a knot at the end. A screw passed through the other hole into a small hole in the frame of the window. The picture on your website of the 15-198 has one hole and a clip. The screw hole in the window frame is just large enough for a screw and not the clip as shown in the 15-198 picture. I think my system needs a different attachment to connect the pulley cord to the window frame.

Thank you.
Casey
Casey from SWISCO
Apr 24, 2024 10:46 am
SWISCO
EXPERT

Could you show us a photo of a pulley clip from an undamaged balance still installed in the window jamb? That would help us confirm the type of clip needed for your replacement balances. 

Landlord from Alexandria, VA
Apr 25, 2024 9:48 am
I've attached a photo of the functioning balance upper attachment point. You can see that it is screwed into the window frame. I've also included 3 additional photos of the broken balances attachment point. I do not believe this part is damaged. If you do not have this piece, then I can purchase a balance without that part and transfer the old ones to the new balances. I would just need to you to tell me how long to keep the pulley cord when I tie the knot.

Thanks!
pulley cord 1 pulley cord 2 pulley cord 3 pulley cord 4
4 user uploaded images
Casey
Casey from SWISCO
Apr 25, 2024 10:30 am
SWISCO
EXPERT

Thanks for getting back to us. It looks like your pulley clip is just a bent version of the crew tab that comes with the stock S795-26, so it won't need to be a custom order! You'll just need to purchase the S795-26 (26D) balances directly on our website, as well as the 15-194 T-lock shoes to swap out the stock 15-195 shoes that come with the balances. Just let us know if you have any other questions. 

Alternate view of 15-194
Alternate view of 15-194

Alternate view of 15-194
Alternate view of 15-194

Landlord from Alexandria, VA
Apr 25, 2024 12:59 pm
Parts are ordered! Thank you for walking me through this, so I don't go to my rental property with the wrong equipment.
Casey
Casey from SWISCO
Apr 25, 2024 1:18 pm
SWISCO
EXPERT

We're happy to help and appreciate your business! We'll be here if you need anything else. 

Landlord from Alexandria, VA
May 22, 2024 4:27 pm
So, I went to the rental property yesterday to install the two new balances. Swapping the shoes was simple just like the video explained, and installing the balances in the window was straightforward. After screwing in both pulley tabs, I lowered the left balance between 1/3 and 1/2 way down and the right balance about 1/3 the way down. As I was placing the sash back into place the left then the right screw holding the pulley tab in place ripped out of the frame of the window (see the pictures below).

Do you know why this would have happened? The replacement balances seem identical to the old balances.
Left Balance Hole Left Balance Shoe Left Balance Right Balance Hole
4 user uploaded images
Paul
Paul from SWISCO
May 28, 2024 8:15 am
SWISCO
EXPERT

The holes for your nylon screw plugs may be worn and enlarged, preventing the screw plug from holding the balance in place. You can order a new 26-200 plug or use a long #8 screw around 1-1/2" to anchor the balance screw tab to the wood frame behind the vinyl window. 

Landlord from Alexandria, VA
May 30, 2024 10:47 am
The nylon screw plugs were in place from the original balances. When I attached the new balances to the window by screwing the pulley tabs with the original screws the balances remained in place. As I was installing the sash into the new balances, the nylon screw plugs ripped out of the windows leaving large holes. One hole was just smaller than a quarter. The other hole is square but slightly larger than the nylon plug. The screws remained in the nylon plug.

Why was the spring force so high that it ripped the plug out of the window frame damaging the frame in the process?

Thank you for your time to help me solve this issue. I'd like to be able to replace balances in the future and do not want to experience this again.
Paul
Paul from SWISCO
May 30, 2024 11:04 am
SWISCO
EXPERT

We can't be sure why this occurred but I can tell you that we recommended 26D strength options based on the 26D stamped on your original balances. The 26D balances are calibrated to support a window sash between 22-26 lbs. It would be a good idea to weigh your sash to confirm that it falls within the supported weight range.

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