Channel Balance Question

Quick Learner

Jan 30, 2024 9:21 am

Hello, the windows don't have any manufacturer data, but are approximately 17 years old. The balances all have the same top and bottom fittings. I've included examples of stamps in the attached photos. The metal channels all measure 5/8" longer than what's stamped on them. For example the channels that are stamped with "25" are actually 25 5/8 inches in length. I need 22 balances total of varying lengths and weights.

8 balances at 25 5/8" for 30 lb windows
4 balances at 25 5/8" for 15 lb windows
2 balances at 13 5/8" for a 9 lb window
4 balances at 19 5/8" for 12 lb windows
4 balances at 18 5/8" for 26 lb windows

Thanks

5 user uploaded images

9 Replies

Emily from SWISCO

Jan 31, 2024 1:50 pm

Hello there!

Thank you for reaching out to us. We can help supply this balance but it will have to be a custom order due to its configuration. The pulley wheel is built into the bottom fitting itself and this balance features an extended cord travel as well as a metal channel length ending in 5/8" which is what makes it custom.

However, I'll need more information so that we can get started. Can you tell me the stamps for each of these balances? I see that there's a 25 9 and 25DS36 stamp but I need to know the stamps for the rest of the balances; specifically, which stamped balances go with each of the window sash weights you've given. Can you also confirm that the 25 9 and 25DS36 balances are from different windows?

Custom orders are nonrefundable so we'd just like to be thorough.

Home Owner from Erie, CO

Feb 1, 2024 11:00 am

Hello! Yes those stamps are for different windows. I've taken pictures of the different stamps and numbered them for reference with the balances I'll be ordering. I'm not sure if there's a different form you need me to fill out for ordering, but all the information I could think of is here for you.

First set
* 4 Balances (2 windows)
* Channel length - 25 5/8"
* Window weight - 30 lbs
* Stamp data - 25 9 3SI RM
* See picture #1

Second set
* 4 Balances (2 windows)
* Channel length - 25 5/8"
* Window weight - 30 lbs
* Stamp data - 25 DS 3SI 36
* See picture #2

Third set
* 4 Balances (2 windows)
* Channel length - 25 5/8"
* Window weight - 15 lbs
* Stamp data - 25 3 3SI RJ
* See picture #3

Fourth set
* 2 Balances (1 window)
* Channel length - 13 5/8"
* Window weight - 9 lbs
* Stamp data - 13 2 3SI RH
* See picture #4

Fifth set
* 4 Balances (2 windows)
* Channel length - 19 5/8"
* Window weight - 25 lbs
* Stamp data - 19 9 3SI RM
* See picture #5

Sixth set
* 4 Balances (2 windows)
* Channel length - 19 5/8"
* Window weight - 12 lbs
* Stamp data - 19 3 3SI PH
* See picture #6

So 22 balances total. If this is something you can do please let me know what the estimated cost is and what other information you need for me to submit the order.

Thanks for your help with this!

5 user uploaded images

Home Owner from Erie, CO

Feb 1, 2024 11:02 am

Here's the stamp for the 6th set of balances.

Thank you!

1 user uploaded image

Emily from SWISCO

Feb 2, 2024 10:07 am

Thank you very much for the detailed information! This is immensely helpful.

The stamps printed on your balances are calibrated for specific weight ranges. However, the second set of balances with the 25DS36 stamp is calibrated for a sash weighing 35-45 pounds. The "36" in the stamp represents the sash weight but you said you weighed it and got 30 pounds.

When it comes to replacing balances, we like to recommend sticking with the original stamp printed on the metal channel if the window was working properly all this time but the decision is ultimately yours. With that said, we have the 25-5 stamp for a sash weighing 24 to 30 pounds, and the 25-9 stamp for a sash weighing 30 to 34 pounds. You could also always double-check the sash weight. Just let me know which stamp you'd like to go with and I can draft a price quote for your order.

Home Owner from Erie, CO

Feb 2, 2024 12:51 pm

Thank you for pointing this out! This would explain why the windows with the 25 9 3SI RM and 25 DS 3SI 36 stamps were always easy to open, rising with little effort but could be quite difficult to close.

The precise weight for the windows with the 25 9 3SI RM stamped balance is 31.8 lbs. The windows with the 25 DS 3SI 36 weigh 32.5 lbs. If the weights are close I'd rather stick to the next lower weight channel. However, if in your experience this is a bad idea I'll defer to your judgement.

Thanks you!

Emily from SWISCO

Feb 6, 2024 2:26 pm

Based on your reply, it sounds like you'd like to go with the 25-9 stamp for the original 25DS36 stamp. Could you confirm that for me?

The balances with the original 25-9 stamp are calibrated for a sash weighing 30 to 34 pounds but the sash weight falls within this range. I'd recommend sticking with the original but the decision is truly yours, especially since the balances can't be returned. The next stamp down from 25-9 is 25-5 which is for a sash weighing 24 to 30 pounds. In either case, you could purchase just 2, instead of 4, to be safe.

Home Owner from Erie, CO

Feb 7, 2024 12:47 pm

I'm attaching a picture of the windows that have the 25DS36 stamp. I'm not sure what the "DS" stands for and don't want to mess that part up either. Let's plan on getting 2 balances each of the 25-9 stamp and the 25-5 stamp with a channel length of 25 5/8 inches and I will a couple more sets one or the other later after some experimenting.

If the remaining the remaining window/balance combinations I referenced on February 1st (the 3rd set through the the 6th set) look appropriate lets get a quote for them as well and try to get the ball moving on the order if we can.

Thank you!

Emily from SWISCO

Feb 8, 2024 2:02 pm

Sounds good! I appreciate you confirming those details for me. I'll go ahead and email you a purchase link and price quote for the requested quantity of the lengths and stamps for you to review. You can use this link to place an order on our website. Please note that there is a 5-6 week lead time as well.