Milgard 33" balance

Home Owner from Port Townsend WA

Oct 10, 2019 12:18 am

Hi, We have what we believe to be Milgard windows. Based on other posts I think maybe we need a series S386-33.

The channel is 33" long. The depth of the bottom is 1-3/32". Channel width is a shy 5/8". Width of the base is 15/16" or a tad less perhaps due to wear. Top width is of course the same. Matrix printed in black ink on the balancer is "32HP44-45 FW CMC O". I did not weigh the window. It is pretty big and could be close to 50 lbs. Also there are nylon brackets screwed to the window with a single pan Philips head screw per side.

I think these should be replaced as the catch portion of the top of the balance is worn and the corresponding part on the window. Can you id these parts or do I need to provide the weight too?

Thanks!

2 user uploaded images

9 Replies

Tom from SWISCO

Oct 15, 2019 9:41 am

I agree, our S385-33 looks like a good match, especially if your shoe is 1-3/32" deep. That stamp is really weird, though. I highly recommend taking your sash out of the window and getting an exact weight. If it exceeds the available options for our S385-33, let me know and we can look into getting something stronger for you.

Home Owner from Port Townsend WA

Oct 16, 2019 1:55 pm

I will weigh the sash. I am also curious whether you offer a replacement part for the window sash against which the balance pushes? It is a small nylon part, from memory about an inch long that sticks out maybe 3/8" or 1/2" and is secured to the sash with a single Philips screw. There is one on each side of the sash corresponding to each balance. I am afraid if I do not replace these parts, that the balance will shove past them as they appear to be a bit worn. Thanks!

Tom from SWISCO

Oct 17, 2019 9:51 am

It sounds like you're talking about the top sash guide. We offer a wide selection of these, so there's a good chance we have what you need, but we'll have to see it out of the window to ID it. If you can, please show us a shot from the front and from the side. Think of it like a mugshot. From there, we'll do our best!

Home Owner from WA

Nov 26, 2019 5:32 pm

I finally pulled out our window and took shots of the alleged top sash guide for your review. The principle dimensions are as follows: L= 1.47" (37.5 mm) W = .63" (16 mm), D = .53" (13.5 mm). Front side and quarter images added.

thanks

3 user uploaded images

Home Owner from WA

Dec 1, 2019 11:59 pm

Searching around, the sash guide 18-188 looks close though not an exact match. The tallest part front to back is 1/2" long on mine and on the 18-188 the dimensioned image says 7/16 but I bet that is OK. The rest of the dimensions match.

Tom from SWISCO

Dec 2, 2019 2:44 pm

I agree, the 18-188 looks like a very good choice. I'm just not sure of that 7/16" dimension you pointed out. I don't see that on our store page. Can you confirm?

Home Owner from WA

Dec 10, 2019 3:00 pm

I meant the 9/16" (not 7/16, sorry) dimension shown in the side view for the tall little box section. Mine is more like 1/2" though maybe got squnched that way by the force of the balance pushing on that edge in particular. Other difference is that the top hole that is inside the box I am referring to is a slot on mine though my application uses only the middle hole. I am confident enough to go ahead and order a pair of balances and sash guides so will do so.

thanks

Tom from SWISCO

Dec 10, 2019 3:32 pm

Sounds great. Be sure and get back to us and let us know how everything works out.