Difference between Series 380 and 385

Quick Learner from Florida

Dec 6, 2011 1:37 pm

Can you tell me what the difference is between the 380 and the 385 series? I see the shoe has different numbers but they look the same in the picture. Mine are stamped 1720 and are 17 3/4" long. I need 4 of them. Thank you, Bill.

7 Replies

Paul from SWISCO

Dec 6, 2011 3:01 pm

Thanks for posting, Bill!

The Series 380 channel balances uses out 15-005 Channel Balance Shoe, which is 1" in length, while the Series 385 uses the 15-004 Channel Balance Shoe, which is 1-3/32".

Also, when measuring your balance, please make sure to measure only the metal channel; do not count the plastic attachments in your measurements. I say this because a channel of 17-3/4" would be a custom order balance, and it's best to make sure.

Quick Learner from Florida

Dec 6, 2011 4:16 pm

Do you think 1/4 of an inch would make a difference?

Paul from SWISCO

Dec 8, 2011 8:48 am

No, I think a full 18" would be okay.

Quick Learner from Portland, OR

Jul 6, 2012 1:10 am

Thank you for explaining the difference with the series 380 and 385. I measured the longest edge of the shoe and measured 1 1/16" so I'm assuming I would need the series 385. I am only replacing one bottom winged shoe but was going to purchase a couple just in case. My next question is how do I replace them in the balance if mine are held in by rivets? Thanks again for all your quick help. Jeremy

Paul from SWISCO

Jul 6, 2012 7:55 am

Thanks for posting. I'm glad to hear that you found what you were looking for! Now, you can either purchase the entire balance unit, or, if you're willing to do the extra work of placing the attachments on yourself, you can take a look at our tutorial video which explains the best method on how to do so!

Home Owner from Livermore, California

Jul 28, 2012 7:33 pm

Thank you for your advice about measuring the shoe. Here's a bit more detail about where to measure, which worked for me:

The bottom of the shoe has a long straight section, then angles and curves up to form a rounded "toe" facing the window. I measured from the point of the "toe", parallel to the long straight section, to the other side of the shoe. In my case, it was 1 3/32", and the new sash balance fit perfectly.