Help identifying channel balance type

Home Owner from California

Feb 12, 2022 7:04 pm

Hi. I need to replace my broken channel balance and I need some guidance. I know I have a 1/2" wide channel. Aside from that, I'm having a hard time deciding which kind I need. Your website is so friendly and helpful, but I'd like some help before I purchase.

Thank you so much for your help.

Kimberly

4 user uploaded images

6 Replies

Tom from SWISCO

Feb 14, 2022 2:47 pm

We can absolutely replace this balance, but it has to be a custom order due to its configuration.

Before we go any further, can you tell me what the stamp on the metal channel reads? Can you also tell me how many you needed? Once I know that, I'll email you a purchase link and price quote that you can use to place an order on our site.

Home Owner from California

Feb 14, 2022 3:46 pm

Hi Tom. Thank you for the quick reply :-)
The stamp on the metal channel reads:

23 (space ) 4

Then, in really tiny font.... "BSI RS"

I need to order 2 (I think).

On a somewhat-related note, my vinyl windows have been getting harder and harder to open over the years, even if their channel balances are not broken. Would an aging, but not broken, channel balance cause this? The spring looks a little rusty....

Thank you for your help.

Have a good day.

Kimberly

2 user uploaded images

Tom from SWISCO

Feb 15, 2022 11:27 am

Thanks, Kimberly, that's exactly what I needed! I'll email you a purchase link and price quote right now that will let you add 2 of these to your cart. Just one thing to note: the length of our metal channel will be 23-7/8". Yours should be the same but you may want to check just to be 100% sure.

As for these other windows, it definitely sounds like an issue with the balances. Figure that channel balances like this have a lifespan of 10, maybe 15 years depending on how often they're used. They don't always break at that point, though, or even leading up to that point. More often the spring just starts losing its tension because it's so worn out.

When that happens then is exactly what you described: the sash is harder to open because the spring can't carry its weight anymore. The balances literally become unbalanced. Replacement will fix the issue entirely.

For now, keep an eye on your inbox for my email. You should receive it presently.

Home Owner from California

Jun 26, 2022 9:34 pm

Good evening, Tom. I hope you are doing well.

A while back you helped me order some channel balances for my aging windows. They were delivered, I installed them, and it's like I have new windows! It's so great. Thanks for your help.

I need to order some additional channel balances now. They are the same window type so I am assuming that the balances are the same. Just to be sure, I've attached pictures.

The channel balances are 1/2 inch wide.

I need 6 of the longer (28 inch) channel balances (picture attached.) The stamp on the metal channel reads: 26 (space) 4.

I need 4 of the shorter (16 inch) channel balances (picture attached.) The stamp on the metal channel reads: 14 (space) 4.

I hope you can help me order these. I understand that it will most likely be a custom order which is fine.

Thanks for your help.

Kimberly

5 user uploaded images

Tom from SWISCO

Jun 30, 2022 2:49 pm

Hello! I'm glad to hear that the balances you purchased worked so well.

I'd be happy to get you these two new sizes. I'll email you purchase links right now, same as before. You may just want to triple check the length in each case; these should be 27-7/8" and 14-7/8" long, respectively.

Please let me know if you had any other questions!