MILCO Windows - balance removal

Quick Learner from Florida

May 22, 2024 1:41 pm

Hello, I have a 1996 build year house with what I believe are all original hardware windows. They're incredibly difficult to both raise and lower, so I assume I need to do a full replacement of all spiral balances. First step is getting the things out to ID which replacements I need.

I don't see any of the removal hardware referenced in the SWISCO guide videos, so I'm concerned these are the "disposable" style windows I've seen referenced in some discussions. I do have one window where a professional crew came and installed new balances and a pane after I shattered it trying to close it, so I know it's at least possible.

I've attached pictures of the hardware, balances, and side channels. I think I'll have to remove it from the top (I started this with the LeftBalance photo, but decided to wait for some adult supervision).

Any guidance is appreciated, and if you do have a guide/video that I can reference, please do share!

5 user uploaded images

5 Replies

Emily from SWISCO

May 28, 2024 2:59 pm

Hello there! Thank you for reaching out to us. Please allow us to look further into this. We will reach back out as soon as we have more information.

Paul from SWISCO

May 30, 2024 11:02 am

Unfortunately your Milco window sashes are not removable, so you will need to make the repair with them in place. The 75-005 charging tool is very helpful in the removal and installation. Since you don't have it, you can use a needle nose plier. What you want to do is raise and have someone hold the sash in the up position, while using the pliers reach in under the sash and detach the bow tie sash bracket at the end of the balance spiral. Do the same on the other side. Now carefully lower the sash and unscrew the balance tubes at the top of the sash. Some service technicians pull the balance out from the top and others raise the sash and pull it out from the bottom. It is the sash bracket that will give you trouble removing and installing balances. The balance should be the 3/8" Series 400 but you can measure the outer tube to confirm. If you need a bracket, we recommend the 17-008 that is forced fit at the bottom of the sash.

Quick Learner from Florida

Aug 17, 2024 11:41 pm

Thank you Emily and Paul! Revisiting this project, I pulled the ballast out of the window from the top successfully and have gotten the balance tool for the next steps.

This does look like a 3/8 Series 400, 31", but attached pictures to confirm.

The top plastic pieces (sash guides? shown in pictures 3 & 4 up top) are very brittle and coming apart, so I'd like to replace them at the same time. Do you have a recommendation for the correct part here as well?

2 user uploaded images

Paul from SWISCO

Aug 19, 2024 1:34 pm

I agree that as long as the white tube measures 3/8" in diameter, the S400-31 would be the correct replacement.

Unfortunately, we do not carry a match for the top balance support guide shown in your original photos. I'm sorry that we won't be able to assist with this part of your repair but please let us know if you have any other hardware questions.