I need to determine window balance I need to replace both! There are so many variations to these balances it is difficult to find the right replacement?
Which one is the right one to purchase! Help! Length is 15/17 inches!
Identify Window Balance
Home Owner from Laguna Beach, Calif
Dec 13, 2018 5:38 pm
5 user uploaded images
6 Replies
Bob from SWISCO
Dec 14, 2018 10:28 am
Hello and thanks for contacting SWISCO. Judging from the nylon attachments your balance belongs to either our Series 380 or Series 385. Based on your stamp it should be 16" long, which means you likely require either the S380-16 or S385-16.
The only difference between these two balances is the 'depth' of the bottom nylon shoe. With the S380-16 the bottom nylon shoe has a depth of 1". With the S385-16 this depth is 1-3/32". Compare with your part to see what looks closest.
Finally, regardless of which balance you need you must select the stamp option. The stamp on your balance is from an older ratings system, so the only certain way to confirm what stamp option you need is to weigh your window sash and compare it with the corresponding weight ranges and stamp options listed on our product pages.
Home Owner from Laguna Beach, Calif
Dec 14, 2018 11:54 am
Thanks for your reply! The metal frame measures 15 inches long and the balance is 17 inches long from tip to tip! Will a balance 15, 16, or 17 inches long work or is 16 inches long the ideal?
Home Owner from Laguna Beach, Calif
Dec 14, 2018 12:09 pm
Unable to locate your stamp options on your product page! Any recommendations to the Stamp option for a 20 inch tall by 30 inch wide aluminum frame window?
Home Owner from Laguna Beach, Calif
Dec 14, 2018 12:24 pm
It appears the stamp option is determined by the length of the balance and not the weigh!
So do I choice a length of balance 17 inches (tip to tip) or length of the metal frame 15 inches and this will determine the stamp?...?
So do I choice a length of balance 17 inches (tip to tip) or length of the metal frame 15 inches and this will determine the stamp?...?
Bob from SWISCO
Dec 14, 2018 12:35 pm
Okay. Channel balance lengths are based on the metal channel in all circumstances. Based on your stamp, the channel should be 16 inches. But if you say it's 15", then we will go with that. This sometimes happens when the balances were cut down for some reason long ago. In that case it is imperative that you weigh your window sash. That will be only way we can really tell you what option for the S380-15 or S385-15 is best.
