Milgard Window Balance Replacement

Home Owner from Colorado

I'm looking for a pair of non-tilt window balances and top sash channel balance guides for one of my Milgard windows. The balances are identified with "26 5 JV CMC 2" stamped on them and the metal channel measures 27" long. Looking at your website, I believe I've identified the balances as 27" SERIES 385 CHANNEL BALANCE, Product Code: S385-27, with the 2650 option. The winged top guide (19-005) and winged channel bottom shoe (15-004) appear to closely match what I have.

I'm having trouble locating the proper top sash channel balance guide as none of the pictures match what I have. I've attached a drawing of my top sash channel balance guide for your reference.

I would appreciate if you would: A) Confirm my balance selection; and B) Help identify what top sash channel balance guide I should order. Please let me know if you need any additional information. Thank you very much.

User submitted a diagram of a top sash guide.
3 Replies
Paul
Paul from SWISCO
SWISCO
Expert

Many thanks for your correspondence. Based on the information provided, it sounds like you indeed selected the correct channel balances, the S385-27 with the 2650 stamp option. As far as your Top Sash Guides go, the closest option to your dimensions is our 18-188. These have been used for Milgard windows in the past. Take a look and see what you think. 

Home Owner from Colorado
I ordered two different styles of Top Sash Guides from Swisco: Models 18-188 and 18-009. Both are similar in form, however, in order to use the 18-188 top sash guide I would have needed to fabricate a 0.09" (3/32") thick shim to place behind it as the 1/2" depth is too shallow and the window wouldn't hold the channel balance in place. Instead, I chose to use the 18-009 top sash guide and trimmed the three thin plastic edges at the top of the guide where it protruded past the main body of the guide. This was easy and works perfectly. If anyone needs further clarification I can add a sketch of the modifications to this post.
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