How to tell if your window balance is bad or if the shoe is bad or if both are bad.

Question

So the window will not stay up. I assume the balance has no tension on it because they stay extended and they also do not stay connected to the shoe. So as stated in the subject, how can you tell if the shoe, balance, or both are bad?

Thank you,
Dale

Paul · Accepted Answer

If the window won't stay up, the problem is with the balance, not the shoe. Shoes don't really go bad, per se, at least not how you're thinking. The balance does all the heavy lifting when it comes to keeping a window raised. The shoe just connects it to the sash. As long as the shoe is whole and in one piece, it's doing its job. You only want to replace them when they break apart.

Is this a spiral balance? If so, you could use tools like our 75-005 (for non tilt windows) or 75-006 (for tilt windows) to wind them up. After 2-3 turns, you should feel tension start to build. If tension does not build after a couple turns, then they will need to be replaced.