Need Two Channel Balances

Home Owner from Hillsboro, Oregon

Apr 24, 2020 6:37 pm

Not sure what your replacement parts would be. I need two of these (for now). The length of the item is (end-2-end on metal frame) 33". It has a marking of "32 4 CADWELL FM" on the one side. The 2nd photo showing the end pulley area has the top most of the 3 plastic pulley's which is worn, so a lot of drag occurs (too much to get installed again). The end plastic pieces are riveted onto the metal frame. In pictures, I show length of metal frame, end and middle pulley assemblies, and metal marking. My guess it is an S385-33, but am not sure. Let me know if you need more info. Thanks.

5 user uploaded images

4 Replies

Bob from SWISCO

Apr 28, 2020 10:48 am

That is a good guess, as this is either an S385-33 or S380-33. The only difference between these two balances is the depth of the bottom nylon shoe, or what can be thought of as the 'heel-to-toe' measurement, so compare both balances with your old hardware to see what matches best. You will need a stamp option of 3240.

Home Owner from Hillsboro, Oregon

Apr 28, 2020 1:54 pm

Added more 3 more photos. It appears to be the 385 series. The 3 pictures from the website show the "bottom" shoe to be 1 3/32". The lines shown seem like they are measuring the outer-most flange points. This is riveted onto the metal frame, not screwed. The one picture I have of this end I have a tape measure showing 1 3/32" from outer points.

The 2nd and 3rd pictures show the top shoe end. The spring on the old ones is not riveted in but is held in place by a flange holding onto the frame. This end shoe looks to be what is shown in the 385 series as well (not the 380).

Can you tell me what the 3220 (vs. 3210, 3230 etc) option depicts?

Thanks.

3 user uploaded images

Bob from SWISCO

Apr 28, 2020 2:25 pm

Hello again. It's a bit difficult to read measuring tape accurately from photos, but this does look a bit deeper than 1", which indicates a Series 385 to me. The 'heel to toe' distance, just below and perpendicular to where the metal channel ends, is the best place to measure from.

Don't worry about how the inner 'guts' of the balance differ compared to yours; manufacturers make these a little differently. So long as its the same series, and the balance is calibrated to support the weight of your window sash, then the replacement should work for you.

Speaking of the calibration, that's exactly what the stamp option represents. The stamps are basically ratings systems that denote the weight range that the balance is calibrated to support. So a stamp option of 3240 (which is equivalent to your balance's stamp of 32-4), for instance, supports a window sash in the weight range of 23 through 28 lbs. In general, it's always best to replace your old stamp wherever possible.