Double hung 8500 series replacement balance

Home Owner from Greenbelt, MD

Aug 20, 2022 10:07 pm

S. O. S. , I was told by a house inspector that I needed to change the sach balances of my glass windows. I have called window companies, went to HD Store, online, etc. , and can't find parts. I have Double hung 8500, made on December/2003. I will include pictures below. Please, tell me the right parts to buy. Thank you! ?

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10 Replies

Tom from SWISCO

Aug 22, 2022 1:35 pm

Hello! It's hard to make out what you have from these photos, but your balance appears to be an old and discontinued model. I would recommend our more modern 15-180 pivot shoe and Series 190 coil spring. These are an updated version of your balance; assuming that you have what I think you have.

Home Owner from Greenbelt, MD

Aug 22, 2022 8:28 pm

Hi, thank you very much. I need more information though, what coil will go with the coil balance you recommended? The widow measurements are 35 3/4 x 59 3/4. It's apparently made by American Craftsman, made on December 2003, and installed on 2004. I need to replace the balance shoe mechanism & other parts. I will attach picture. Please help me find the right parts. Thank you!

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Home Owner from Greenbelt, MD

Aug 22, 2022 8:34 pm

Hi, I still don't know what "balance stamp" should I get for the coil shoe, how can you tell? Thanks a lot!

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Tom from SWISCO

Aug 23, 2022 10:23 am

The coil you need in this case is our Series 190, as recommended in my first response. As for the weight option, that is not something I can determine from your photos. There should be a stamp printed on your original spring that you can use as a reference, though. They're usually printed directly into the metal just above the screw hole. This is outlined in the description you posted from our site, in your last photo.

Home Owner from Greenbelt, MD

Aug 23, 2022 11:12 am

Hi, thank you! I tried to place an order, but before I can proceed, they ask for coil weight which I don't know. Your websites also says that un I don't have the print nor the stamp, to ask one of Swisco experts. So I'm hoping someone from your end can help me. Please advise. Thanks a lot!

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Tom from SWISCO

Aug 23, 2022 3:12 pm

Thanks for confirming. Since there is no printed stamp on any of your springs, what you will need to do is weigh your sash on a scale and divide that by how many springs support it.

So, for example, if your sash was 10 pounds and you have one spring per side, you would want the 5 pound spring option. That would be our S190-540.

The first digit in each 3-digit code represents the weight. So the 440 stamp carries 4 pounds, the 540 stamp carries 5 pounds, the 640 stamp carries 6 pounds, and so on. Hopefully that makes sense. I know the three digits are a little confusing but that's just how the manufacturer does things.

Home Owner from Greenbelt, MD

Aug 23, 2022 3:55 pm

Thank you Tom, you have been very helpful. I need to get 6 sets of these mechanism, can you help me order this? Thanks a lot !

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Tom from SWISCO

Aug 24, 2022 10:00 am

Unfortunately, we can't process orders through this discussion board but you are welcome to give our customer service team a call at (888) 991-1929 for assistance.

Home Owner from Greenbelt, MD

Aug 24, 2022 10:39 am

Tom, thank you very, very much! You have been extremely helpful, efficient, assertive, and knowledgeable. Thank you for your patience and for your fast responses. I was totally lost and desperate when the house Inspector noted that the "sach balances", needed to be changed. I'm so glad that I found your website, and like me, there are a lot of consumers looking to resolve the same issues. Thank you Swisco for existing and for having such a good team of experts to advise us, especially Tom. I already placed an order and I hope that the parts will fit my windows. Thank you very much!