Custom Balance

Quick Learner from usa

Jun 8, 2021 3:19 pm

Hello, I need some replacement balancers. I believe all the pertinent info is in the attached pictures. I'm looking for a quote for price and lead time. Please let me know if any further information is required, thanks,

Justin

3 user uploaded images

6 Replies

Tom from SWISCO

Jun 14, 2021 2:57 pm

Hello! We can definitely supply this balance as a custom order, but there are a few details that are missing. Can you tell me what the stamp printed on the metal channel reads? Can you also tell me how many you need?

Once I have that information, I will email you a purchase link and price quote that you can use to place an order on our site.

Quick Learner from usa

Jun 15, 2021 3:34 pm

Hi Tom, I have added the list of the current balances that need replacement, along with their configuration, but it sounds like this original style may be outdated. The window manufacturer in this case (Milgard) replaced some other balances under warranty a few years ago. The replacement balances were similar but appear to use an updated style. Rather than jumping to a custom order to replicate the old style, would you please take a look at the replacement balances received to see if they are a current/stocked style? If so, I'd prefer to get the newer style, with the appropriate sash weight rating as replacements.

The replacement balance I used as the example is marked "14-4 CL5 CMC 5" and the metal track is 15" long. The old style metal tracks seem to be only 1/2" longer than the stamped number (ie 13 3 track is 13.5" long). Both styles appear to be the 1/2" wide track.

Thanks!

5 user uploaded images

Tom from SWISCO

Jun 16, 2021 12:24 pm

That is odd. I'm not sure why Milgard sent you that other balance as the replacement. It's not like the original version isn't made anymore, we sell those all the time.

I can't speak for Milgard's rationale for that, but we almost always recommend sticking with the balances that were installed in the window to begin with. If they've been working fine for all these years, there's no reason to mess with success. It's ultimately up to you, though. We can supply both balance types.

What I'll do now is send you a series of purchase links for the different sizes requested; many of these windows use the same balance, so I will be lumping their quantities together for the sake of convenience (and also because you save money for ordering higher quantities of the same type, as you'll see).

Note that these balances will be configured to match the original balances that came with your windows. If you want to use the other style that Milgard sent you, let me know and we can work on that, instead.

Quick Learner from usa

Jun 16, 2021 2:39 pm

Thanks Tom, I received the links for review. The reason I'm replacing the balances is due to very poor operation/binding making the windows very difficult to operate. The "old" style deteriorated to being non-useable within about 3 years. The "new" style replacements have been installed for 5 years so far with no issues. I tend to agree that matching the original design generally makes the most sense; but I'd be concerned that identical replacements might suffer the same non-operational fate if the manufacturing process/materials have not improved since the original installation (I suppose it could be a different manufacturer as well).

Will you please send purchase links for the "new" replacement style so I can compare?

Thanks!

Tom from SWISCO

Jun 17, 2021 12:56 pm

Thanks for confirming! That shouldn't be an issue. So, I know you already went over this before, but just to reiterate: these new balances have lengths ending on a full inch, not a fraction. So the 19-6 stamp balance will be 20" long, for example.

One other thing: the 19DS stamp will be different. For the new style balance we will instead use 19-9.

I'll email you a new set of order links just as soon as I whip up a new batch for you.