
Do I have a Series 500 spiral balance?

Quick Learner from fort myers
Mar 20, 2012 10:02 am
Is the series 500 spiral balance correct for my window? Problems are end is white and should there be an plastic end or will it hook on the side as I was not able to take the window out to look at side.

6 Replies

Paul from SWISCO
Mar 22, 2012 12:35 pm


Thank you for posting. It's hard to say whether you have a Series 500, or a Series 550. It depends on the length of the spiral.
The best way to determine the length of your spiral is to place it on a flat surface and push it all the way down, then measuring the exposed spiral. If you let us know what this measurement is, we can help direct you to the appropriate Series.
The best way to determine the length of your spiral is to place it on a flat surface and push it all the way down, then measuring the exposed spiral. If you let us know what this measurement is, we can help direct you to the appropriate Series.

Quick Learner from fort myers
Mar 22, 2012 2:41 pm
The spiral is 29 1/2" when fully pulled out, 1 1/2" when pushed in. The overall length when pushed in is 31".

Paul from SWISCO
Mar 27, 2012 11:30 am


Thank you for the information. With that in mind, it sounds like you may, indeed, have a Series 500.
Now, for the tip color, we will need to know a few more measurements. Please tell me the length of the metal tube portion only.
I will also need to know the weight of your sash to determine the weight range of your spiral balance. To do this, you should be able to place the sash on an ordinary bathroom scale.
As for the plastic end, are you referring to the pivot shoe? Once you remove the sash, you should be able to see the pivot shoe in the window jamb.

Quick Learner from Fort myers
Mar 27, 2012 10:01 pm
Length of the metal tube portion only is 29"
I am not able to get the sash out of the frame but best I can do to weight the sash is 14 lbs.
I am not able to get the sash out of the frame but best I can do to weight the sash is 14 lbs.

Casey from SWISCO
Mar 28, 2012 10:16 am


Hello,
For a 14 pound window sash with 29" Series 500 balances, choose the Red color tip option.
The S500-29 with Red tip will carry a window sash weight range of 7 through 29 lbs.
This information is based on 2 balances per sash. Balances are designed assuming friction in the jamb weather-strip will carry a portion of the sash weight. Suggested sash weights are approximate.
For a 14 pound window sash with 29" Series 500 balances, choose the Red color tip option.
The S500-29 with Red tip will carry a window sash weight range of 7 through 29 lbs.
This information is based on 2 balances per sash. Balances are designed assuming friction in the jamb weather-strip will carry a portion of the sash weight. Suggested sash weights are approximate.
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