Help choosing right channel balance

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Quick Learner from Oregon

Mar 13, 2015 2:16 pm

Thank you for helping me choose the correct channel balance. Attached is a picture with measurements.

User submitted photos of a window balance.

8 Replies

Paul from SWISCO

Mar 17, 2015 1:14 pm

Thanks for posting! Can you recheck the depth of your bottom shoe? You say it's 1", which would correspond to our S380-27 channel balance, but it looks like it might be somewhat bigger. If it's 1-3/32", I would recommend our S385-27.

Furthermore, the spring weight you have (2640) is for sashes weighing 19 through 26 pounds, but you say yours weighs 15 pounds. If you can confirm, then consider our 2630 option for sashes weighing 13 through 19 pounds.

Quick Learner from Oregon

Mar 17, 2015 4:08 pm

Thank you for your comments. You asked for further information. The picture shows measurements using a tape measure hoping you can identify the size with this visual. Also, the metal channel is 1/2" in width. Weighed the sash (window) twice and came up with 15 - 15.3 pounds.

Thank you for your expert help. Anxious to get parts to fix window.

Paul from SWISCO

Mar 18, 2015 10:16 am

Thank you. Based on this information, I recommend our S385-27. Your shoe is greater than 1". I also recommend the 2630 option. I wonder why the original builders chose the 2640, as it is far too strong. Did you ever find your windows hard to close before?

Quick Learner from Oregon

Mar 18, 2015 4:58 pm

Thank you for your suggestion ... I'll go with what you think is best. And yes, the window was hard to pull down. As long as I'm getting both of the channels, they should work fine regardless if the size is off the original. Right? I'll be ordering soon.

Tom from SWISCO

Mar 19, 2015 10:49 am

Not necessarily. You do want to replace both channel balances regardless, but it is possible to have a balance that's too weak or too strong. You need an option that can cover your sash weight; no more, no less.

Quick Learner from Oregon

Mar 19, 2015 2:36 pm

Just placed my order ... thank you so much for your help in determining just what I needed. I'm so excited to get the new parts and get my window back in working order!! Oh, and I'm glad that you corrected the balance size. I had put down 28" which was from end to end. But you realized that and chose the 27" for just the metal part. I double checked and it was exactly 27".

Tom from SWISCO

Mar 19, 2015 3:08 pm

Great! Glad we were able to help. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask. Paul and I are always happy to assist.