Double Channel balances

Question

Hi there, I have sash window channel balances that are double. ie: there are two in each side of the sash (triple pane) window side by side and are connected by the bottom end cap. These are stamped 25-2 JL5 CMC 9 and measure 27" tip to tip.

Another sash in the same window, however; has separate channel balances (2 x singles) side by side in each side of the sash (4 per sash). These are stamped 25-2 HL5 CMC 43. I discovered this after one fell out, and having learned from your video (thank you!) how easy it is, I removed the window to fix it. I decided to remove the other to do a thorough spring clean, when I discovered the two versions of balances installed.

Do you have replacements for the double version? I think thse are the correct ones, or at least the cap to connect them at the end as they are working fine, and I feel likely the cause of the separate one falling out. Hope you were able to make sense of my explanation. Many thanks,Jacqueline

Tom · Accepted Answer

Thanks for reaching out to us, Jacqueline. Having two balances per side isn't unheard of but it is a little uncommon. Before we go any further, can you show me a couple photos of the balances in question? I specifically want to see the top end, bottom end, and the hook at the end of the cord. That will give me an idea of the configuration.

Right now it also sounds like the balances might actually be the same between both sashes. The stamps you gave us do seem different at first glance, but the only important numbers here are the first three; in your case, "25-2." Since all balances mentioned have those numbers then there's a good chance they're all identical in function and configuration. I just want to be 100% sure. I don't like to guess.

I think it would also be a good idea to get the weight of the sash in each case, too, just to be safe. Installers really only use two balances per side in cases where the sash is extraordinarily heavy. However, 25-2 indicates a pretty light spring load. It's very weird to me that the installers would double up on two weak balances for a heavy sash, when a single stronger balance would probably do the same job (and better). Maybe they ran out of materials and had to make do, but it honestly sounds like more trouble than it's worth.

This is a bit of a mystery but hopefully we can get to the bottom of it for you. Let me know when you can get the requested information and I can work from there.