Need help diagnosing which parts I need

Quick Learner from U.S.A.

Sep 2, 2020 2:10 pm

I love you website and hope you can help me identify which parts need to be replaced on a single hung vinyl window that won't stay open.

Problem:
1. The channel balances won't stay in the channel. They pop-up and the window is very loose in the jam. I've tried reinserting the tension cord clips into the slots in the channel, but they also don't seem to hold. I've removed the tap sash guides and compared them to a working window and they seem to be intact. The plastic take out clips look worn. I don't see similar looking ones on your website.

Stamp on channel bar: 34 2 BSI VC

They appear to have been installed around May 2010 based on a "warranty information - do not remove" sticker.

5 user uploaded images

12 Replies

Tom from SWISCO

Sep 8, 2020 1:04 pm

I do recognize these balances, but they'll have to be a custom order due to their configuration. However, before we move forward with that, we still need to figure out why they're shooting up in the frame like that. That usually happens when the top sash guides are in bad condition, but you said yours are still whole. Give me a little more time to research why that might be happening and I'll get back to you ASAP.

Quick Learner from U.S.A.

Sep 8, 2020 5:20 pm

Thank you Tom. The top sash guides looked whole to me, but I'm a novice at this. Perhaps they are in bad condition. The photo of the guides next to the measuring tape were from a working window. Looking forward to what you find out.

Paul from SWISCO

Sep 15, 2020 10:18 am

Based on your description of the problem, the only possible explanation is that the top sash guides are the problem. You should double check them to ensure that they're in full working condition. I don't know what else it could be.

Quick Learner from U.S.A.

Sep 15, 2020 11:47 am

I'd like to order two new top sash guides and the two take out clips similar to the ones in the pictures I uploaded. Can you assist me that order please? Thank you. Bert

Paul from SWISCO

Sep 15, 2020 1:08 pm

We can help with the top sash guide, but we will need to see a picture of an undamaged version. Specifically, we need to see it from the front and side, like a mugshot. Dimensions would also help.

Your take out clip is no longer made. We've tried very hard to find that in the past but we've never had any luck.

Quick Learner from U.S.A.

Sep 16, 2020 11:47 am

Photos As requested. Hope you have them. Is there an alternate clip I could modify?

5 user uploaded images

Tom from SWISCO

Sep 16, 2020 12:31 pm

Thank you. We don't have this top sash guide either, but our 18-008 may just work as a substitute. Compare its dimensions to yours and let me know what you think.

Quick Learner from U.S.A.

Oct 2, 2020 7:10 pm

They seem close. I'll order two please.

Tom from SWISCO

Oct 5, 2020 8:10 am

Great. All orders can be placed directly on our site at your convenience.

Quick Learner from U.S.A.

Oct 5, 2020 10:31 am

Do you clips that will fit into a slot that is 1" x 1/8"?

1 user uploaded image

Tom from SWISCO

Oct 6, 2020 10:28 am

We don't have anything that can replace your old take out clip unfortunately. I don't know who may still have those, since we've never been able to track down a source. As far as I know they aren't made anymore.