Hardware identification

Question

Our house was built in 1949. Our wooden double hung windows are original. We are needing to replace the mechanism that allows the window to open and close. In looking at your website are you able to direct us to what hardware we would need? The windows are 59" tall. We have attached photos of a window with operating hardware and the one that has been missing hardware since we bought the house 23 years ago.
Thanks for any input you can provide us.

Tom · Accepted Answer

Hello! For old wood windows, we recommend our 9/16" diameter Series 500 spiral balance. You will also need the 17-012 bracket (sold separately) to attach it to the bottom of the sash.

I've used this setup on wood windows just like yours and find it to be a reliable and straight-forward solution. In a worst case scenario you may need to make a little more room for the balance, but that probably won't be necessary.

Your next step should be to determine the length and weight rating. For length, measure the height of the visible glass of the sash you're repairing and then add 3" (if it's the bottom sash) or 1" (if it's the top sash). For example, if you're repairing the bottom sash and its visible glass height is 20", then you want the 23" long balance.

For weight, you simply weigh your sash on a scale and refer to the chart we show on all Series 500 store pages.