Need to identify the balance that I need to purchase

Question

I purchased four channel balances (two windows) from you about four years ago. I now need another set to replace for a different set of windows. This one has the marking (photo also attached):

34-4 IX CMC 7

I removed the broken balance (plastic on the top part was shattered and is shown in the picture with no plastic part) and measured the length of only the metal part and I get 35" (photos attached). The marking is 34-4 so this is confusing. It would seem to me that the 34 indicates the length and the -4 the weight.

In any case, whatever i ordered four years ago, it would likely work for this window. Unfortunately, the order shows "custom". I don't know if you can look up the order but I'm inclined to purchase the same balance (qty 4 for two windows). I can figure out everything else based on the pictures on your website and the only thing I don't know is what length to order.

Thanks

Cris

Tom · Accepted Answer

Hey, Cris. I can't identify what you have from your photos, but your old order was a balance assembly using our 19-005 top and 15-001 bottom. These actually don't need to be custom made anymore, we provide this as a standard balance now. See our S395-35.

The stamp would be our 3440, which indicates that your balances can hold a sash weight of 23 through 30 pounds. I know that it's a little confusing, but the first two digits of the stamp are always one less than the length of the metal channel. I could go into why this is, but to be honest it's not that important. For future reference just keep in mind that the numbers in the stamp don't represent any physical detail of the balance and shouldn't be used for identification. They only tell you what spring calibration you need.