Double-hung tilt sash shoe

Question

I have several double-hung vinyl tilt-sash windows of unknown manufacture, and about 40% of the sash balances have become disconnected from the tilt-lock shoes.

The sash balance width is 9/16"

The sash balances mostly appear to be OK, as shown in the pictures, but the one shoe I have accessed so far seems to be mangled. I have not disconnected this from the sash or the channel because I don't think I will be able to re-attach it if I do, but maybe there is enough information here to identify the part. It looks to me like your 1-1/4" T-Lock Spring Shoe, Closed Cam, Product Code: 15-236. Note the spring that has burst from the unit in the picture.

Can you confirm that this is the correct part based on this information?

If so, any suggestions on how to remove it from the channel?

What other parts, if any, would you suggest getting to repair this sash?

Tom · Accepted Answer

Hello! I agree, your old shoe appears to be a match for our 15-236. You just need to ensure that your shoe is the same width at 1-1/4".

As for removal, it's fairly straight forward. You just have to raise the sash a few inches, tilt it in towards you (as if you were going to clean it), and then lift the pivot bars out of the cam.

That said, your shoe appears to be disconnected from the balance, which is probably going to make removal a little trickier. I'm not sure how well it's going to lock in the track, loose as it is. The only way to fix that is to remove the sash, though, so you have to take it off anyway.