Custom Balance

Home Owner from Texas

Feb 3, 2014 8:18 am

Howdy,
I need to purchase new balance springs for my windows and the 351 1/2" series appears to fit what I have except for the balance shoes. I think mine are 15-003, not the 15-002 that come attached. Can we custom order prefab balance springs with the 15-003?

I will go home this evening and investigate to see if the smaller shoe will work. Our windows are 25 years old so no telling what was original.

8 Replies

Tom from SWISCO

Feb 3, 2014 9:24 am

We can custom make a balance with the 15-003, yes. However, may I ask what makes you think the 15-003 is the right shoe? It is not as common as the 15-002 so I just want to confirm, especially if we are making a custom balance. If you want, you can take a few pictures of your existing shoe to upload to this thread so we can take a look at it.

In either event, can you also tell me the length of your metal channel and the number printed on it?

Home Owner from Bedford, TX

Feb 3, 2014 10:38 am

Our house is 26 years old and the poor windows have received very little attention during those years. In fact, none that we can tell. Most balances are jammed or broken and the frames caked up with dirt. We are in the process of replacing all the glass.

We'll need two lengths of balances - 29" and 35". The sash weights we have are 12.2, 18.8, 22.2 and 24.8 lbs. I carefully measured the balance shoes from several windows and the dimensions matched the 15-003 that is on the SWISCO website. I will send an image here shortly so you can confirm the sizes.

Handy Person from Bedford, TX

Feb 4, 2014 10:04 am

The images I have attached show a balance shoe that matches the dimensions of 15-003. However, 15-002 comes standard on Series 351 Channel Balances that actually match what I have.

How can I place an order for the appropriate balance and shoe size?
Thanks,
Robert L

Tom from SWISCO

Feb 5, 2014 12:02 pm

Thank you! Can you specify which balance length goes to which sash weight? We need to know that in order to make sure that these custom made balances are exactly what you need.

Handy Person from Bedford, TX

Feb 5, 2014 1:58 pm

Howdy,
Below are the balance specs that we'll need:

BAL QTY Length Sash Weight

6 35" 22.20 lbs
20 29" 18.80 lbs
8 29" 12.20 lbs
2 29" 24.80 lbs

Note: the QTY is based on 2 balances needed per window. We have 18 sashes total that need new balances.

Tom from SWISCO

Feb 6, 2014 8:22 am

Alright! We have all the information we need. I'll go ahead and email you a purchase link and price quote for your review. All of the balances have a 19-005 top attachment and 15-003 bottom attachment. I have calculated the weight for each sash you mentioned and chosen the appropriate stamp option. If you would like to make any changes, or if you have any questions, please let me know and I would be happy to help!

Home Owner from Bedford TX

Feb 10, 2014 5:34 pm

Thank you for your assistance. I have responded and look forward to placing my complete order ASAP!