Need Window Balances + Metal Take Out Clips + Rubber Window Stops

Handy Person from Downtown Los Angeles, CA

Jun 11, 2019 9:34 pm

I have a Milgard Window that needs 2 complete balance kits, 2 metal take out clips and 2 rubber window stops (see pics).

The window label refers to window model H-LC25-48x78.

The stamp on the existing balance reads "31 6 rn"
The measurement for the metal channel on the balance is 31 5/8", not including the plastic parts on either end of the channel.

Please let me know what parts I need to order.

3 user uploaded images

6 Replies

Tom from SWISCO

Jun 13, 2019 2:12 pm

Thanks for contacting us. Looks like the balance pulley wheel is installed inside the shoe. This means you have a special type that will have to be custom ordered from us.

To confirm, can you show me a couple pictures of an undamaged version of this balance? Specifically, we need to see the top nylon fitting, the bottom nylon fitting, and the metal clip or hook at the end of the cord.

Once I know that, I'll email you an order link and price quote for 2.

You also mentioned take out clips and a rubber stop; I'm afraid we can't replace the rubber stop, but the take out clip may be our 16-002. Look it over and let me know if that matches.

Handy Person from Downtown Los Angeles, CA

Jun 19, 2019 11:41 am

Tom,

Let's start again...

I took apart the window at the other end of the wall with the same measurements (48x78") and it has different balances. See the attached photos.

The stamp on the good balances says 3340 along with other markings I can't decipher. Please zoom in and maybe you know.

The length is also different. Just the metal channel measures at 34" while the overall length, including the plastic ends, is 34 3/4".

We have had a variety of handymen over the years, so it is possible that someone bought whatever they could find and stuck it in the non working window and maybe it kinda worked for a while.

Also, I can't remove the take-out clips, but I sent a pic and the exposed part measures 1 1/2". Can you point out the correct replacement part with that info?

Anyway, do the new pictures and description make sense and are those parts available?

LMK,

Mark

5 user uploaded images

Tom from SWISCO

Jun 20, 2019 8:02 am

Ah, I see. I think your guess is accurate; someone must have repaired these windows in the past and just put in whatever they had on hand.

That presents us with a problem. We now need to determine what balance to go with. The balance you're showing me in these new photos is a more standard balance like our Series 380 or Series 385, however in my experience these cannot be used to replace the special balance shown in your first photo. Are you sure this is the same kind of window? Has this second window always worked fine, or has it provided problems?

The thing is, I can't imagine a handy person would use the special balance as a pinch repair since they're a little tricky to get a hold of. It's more likely that this standard balance was the repair.

I'm really not sure at this point what balance is right for your window. Please get back to me with what you'd like to do and we can work from there.

Handy Person from Downtown Los Angeles, CA

Jun 20, 2019 9:58 am

Tom,

The windows are the same. The good balances last shown work perfectly The other handyman would do something like that and leave it kind of working... like so many other things in this building. Sigh.

Lets go with matching the balances with the last pics I posted. And the take out clips if you can.

I need 2 balances ready to install along with 2 the take out clips.

Do you have all the info you need?

LMK.

Mark

Tom from SWISCO

Jun 20, 2019 11:30 am

Sure thing! In that case, I would recommend either the Series 385 or the Series 380. The only difference between these two balances is the depth of the shoe; the Series 385 comes with the 15-004 (1-3/32" deep) while the Series 380 comes with the 15-005 (1" deep). You just have to measure your shoe's depth to confirm the better match.

The take out clip is almost certainly our 16-002.

If these balances work fine on the current window, then I see no reason why they can't work well across the board. It sounds like whoever fixed these knew what they were doing.