Help with a window balance repair

Quick Learner from Sorrento, FL

I am selling my home and the inspector found a window that was not staying up when opened. I pulled the window and found "stuff" appearing to be in disrepair. Before this event, I did not know what a window balance was. I am pretty handy fixing things, but have never done a window. The marking on the balancer showed a 32F. I am going to need two new balances and a little help with some guidance to make sure I do this correctly. I am also going to need the small post screwed on each lower side of the window that inserts into the balance since one broke (no picture).

I appreciate any help you can offer along with the parts I need for the repairs.

Thanks in advance,

Dave 

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6 Replies
Tom
Tom from SWISCO
SWISCO
Expert

Hello, Dave. Your old balance assembly is unfortunately no longer made and it is not something that we can supply. However, we do have an assembly that may work just as well, but it's a little different.

It is the same basic configuration as your original except instead of the rectangular pivot shoe, it has the 15-230 "T" shaped shoe connected directly to the bottom of the metal channel. We would also be adding 2" to the length of the balance to compensate for that difference.

Does this interest you? If so, let me know and we can work from there. 

Quick Learner from Sorrento, FL
Yes - Thanks Tom - I would like to order whatever I need to get this window operational again.

This window has a chord attached to each balance assembly so I assume this new balance assembly will work with the chord?

Let me know what I need and point me in the direction I need to go!
Thanks,
Dave
Tom
Tom from SWISCO
SWISCO
Expert

Sounds good! I'll email you a purchase link and price quote now that will let you add 2 to your cart.

The cord in question is actually part of the balance, not the window. You'll want to remove the old one before you install ours.

Quick Learner from Sorrento, FL
Excellent - thanks Tom.

Three questions:
1) Do these kits come with directions?
2) Can I reuse the cords that are already on the old balance hardware?
3) does this come with the small post screwed on each lower side of the window that inserts into the balance? One of them is broken.
Tom
Tom from SWISCO
SWISCO
Expert

These balances will not include instructions, but they're very simple to install. I can walk you through it now in just a couple lines.

The first step is to tilt the balance sideways (so that the "T" shoe is pointing up-and-down instead of side-to-side) and slide it into the track, shoe-first. Then, twist it so that it's oriented properly and tilt it up until the metal channel is all the way in the track. Then it's a simple matter of placing the hook in the appropriate hole. That's all there is to it.

The post you described sounds like the pivot bar. May I see a photo of the undamaged one out of the sash? That will give me a better idea of what you're working with and whether we have anything that will fit in the same space while also being compatible with the new balance shoe.

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