Milgard non tilt balacer

Question

I need to replace two vertical balancers in two windows 30 x34 " inches   The balancer shaft  has this number on it 26405 with B.S.l. perpendicular across the bottom of the numbers.   The frames are metal installed in 1989.  I can not remove the windows from the frame like the newer Milgard plastic window, but the balancer can be removed with the window in place.   Several of the balancer in your catalog look like this balancer with a 27" metal frame.

Bob · Accepted Answer

Thanks for posting. Based on the pictures and description I believe these channel balances might be either our S380-27 or S385-27, depending on the depth of the bottom nylon shoe, or the 'heel-to-toe' measurement. See the diagram below for reference. In either case, for a stamp option you most likely would need 2640, which can support a window sash in the weight range of 19 through 26 pounds. You can always weigh the sash if you are unsure if this is correct.

Comparison of the S380 and S385 balance shoes.

It would be very unusual to not be able to remove the window sash to extract these balances. In fact I've never heard of such a setup before. I am wondering if the Top Sash Guides in the corners of the sash that are meant to keep the channel balances in place have broken, and the balances have 'shot past' the sash to the top corners of the window jamb. See the videos below that detail jammed window replacement, as well as removal and replacement for channel balances. See if these help.