Need help to identify spiral balance part for non-tilt aluminum window

Thanks for posting! I'd be happy to help you identify this balance. First, can you confirm the diameter of the tube? There are two possibilities. If it's 3/8", I recommend our Series 400 spiral balance. If it's 5/8" or 9/16", I recommend our Series 500 instead. Let me know which is better! Also be sure to check the guide below for further assistance on installing and charging your balance.

The colored tips are indicators of how strong the spring is. The best way to determine what you have is to weigh your sash on a scale. If you tell me what your weight is, we can suggest the best option.

Ah, I see. I'm afraid that these are old builders grade windows. Even with both balances removed, you still can't remove sash. You have to repair window with sashes intact. To weigh it, you will have to place a scale on the sill and gently lower the sash down, with both balances removed. It's not the most accurate method, but it's the only way you can do it.

Installing the new balances will be tricky, too. With the old balances removed, drop the new balance down behind the sash, raise the sash a few inches to make sure the spiral came through and screw the tube to the top of the window track. Repeat for the other side.

Now, raise the sash and have someone hold it up. The clip that attaches the Series 400 balance to the sash is either screwed under the sash or on the side. If the sash has a bottom bracket, screw it on with the spiral in between the forks. If the bracket is on the side of sash, just make sure the spiral is in between the forks , push the spiral up to the bracket and, just before you're there, hook on the charging tool (75-005) and turn the spiral clockwise three or four turns to add tension. Repeat for the other side.

When you're all done, open the window. If it starts sliding down, give it another turn or two on both sides.

Great, thank you! I recommend our S400-18 balance with a Red Tip. Two of these balances will hold up a sash between that weighs 6 through 16 pounds.

You can order a shorter balance like the S400-16 (Red Tip), but that will also reduce the height you can raise the sash by about two inches. If you think that will make installation easier, than losing those two inches may be worth it!