Milgard non tilting balancers, 1/2" wide

Home Owner from California
The windows I believe are Aluminum and either were installed around 1987, when house was built or 1999 ( I saw that date on some of the windows), which could be just the window panes changed and not necessarily the whole windows themselves

The balancers are of two lengths 18" has a side stamp (17 3), 21" has a side stamp (20 4)

When looking at the pictures online I believe they are either a series 380 or series 385, would like help in choosing which one to get (please see attached photos)

Thanks in advance

Ed
User submitted photos of a window balance.
6 Replies
Tom
Tom from SWISCO
SWISCO
Expert
Thanks for posting, Ed. It would depend on what the depth of your bottom shoe is. How does the depth compare to that of our 15-005 and 15-004? Which is closer? Compare the dimensions carefully and let me know.
Quick Learner
Hi Tom

Thanks for the reply

I believe they are the
15-004. 1 3/32"

Any insite into what the side markings may mean?

Thanks

Ed
Tom
Tom from SWISCO
SWISCO
Expert
Great. If the shoe is the 15-005, then you're looking at a Series 385 channel balance.

The stamps are indicative of the strength of your two balances working together. They usually correspond to the options listed on our site -- in your case, I'd recommend a 1730 option and a 2040 option. However, you might want to weigh your window sash and compare that weight to the ranges listed for each option just in case.
Home Owner
Thanks for the advice. I went ahead and ordered a set of each to make sure I have the right size. If they fit I can go ahead and order the rest.

Should I be doing anything else for these windows while I am replacing the balancers, such as changing weatherstripping or cleaning some how?

Thanks again

Ed
Tom
Tom from SWISCO
SWISCO
Expert
Great! Let us know if they work out.

If your weatherstripping is in good condition, there's no reason to replace that. Cleaning the window jamb while the sash is out certainly can't hurt. You might also want to give the windows a good once-over just to make sure everything appears to be in working condition. Check out our video on how to replace this type of balance to see what hardware you should keep an eye out for.
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