Needs help on Identified on which product I should purchase

Home Owner

The part is stamped 26D BSL on the metal channel, but when I measured the metal portion, it was approximately 27 inches long. I also have another window with a balance stamped 20D BSL.

Could you please confirm which series I should order and which weight option within that series would be the correct replacement? I want to make sure I’m ordering the right balance based on both the stamp and the actual metal-channel length.

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6 Replies
Tom
Tom from SWISCO
SWISCO
Expert

Thanks for your photos. Based on what I see here, you have either our S351-27 or S390-27 depending on the depth of the bottom shoe. That's the only difference between them. I recommend measuring your shoe and referring to our dimensions to confirm the best match. 

For the smaller length, assuming it's an identical design other than size, see our S351-21 and S390-21.

The stamps would be 2640 and 2040, respectively. You can always weigh your sash on a scale just to be safe.

Comparison of the S351 and S390 balance shoes.
Comparison of the S351 and S390 balance shoes.

Quick Learner

Hi, I purchased replacement balances based on your recommendation. I have several different-sized windows, so I ordered both S390-27 and S390-21 for their corresponding windows.

After installing the new balances, I noticed the same problem on both different windows. Each window can only open approximately 15 cm (6 inches) and then reaches a very firm stop. The windows cannot be opened any further.

With the original balances installed, both windows can open fully.

I have attached photos comparing the new S390-27 with the original 27" balance. Although they appear very similar and have the same channel length, I noticed differences in the internal mechanism.

Since I am experiencing the same limited opening with both the S390-27 and S390-21 on two different-sized windows, could you please help me determine whether the S390 series is actually compatible with my original balances?

Could you please compare the pulley/cord configuration, end fittings, and travel distance of my original balance with the S390 series? I would like to find the correct replacement that allows my windows to open fully like they did with the original balances.

1 user uploaded image
Tom
Tom from SWISCO
SWISCO
Expert

I'm sorry to hear about the issues you're having. Looking at your photos, I don't see any details that would inhibit the operation of your window. While there are some differences between the design of your plastic fittings and pulley system, these are superficial and shouldn't affect function.

My main concern here is size. If the size of the nylon fittings aren't appropriate, then they could theoretically be blocking the operation of the window. Can you verify that the depth of your bottom shoe was the same 1-1/8" as our balance? Can you also tell me if there are any other notable differences in size?

Quick Learner

Hi, I measured the bottom shoe and it appears to be approximately 1-1/8" deep, as shown in the attached photos.

I also compared the original bottom shoe directly with the S390 replacement. They appear to be very similar in overall size and depth. There are some minor differences in the shape of the nylon fittings, but I do not see a significant difference in their overall dimensions.

I have also experienced the same issue with two different-sized windows. One uses the S390-27 and another uses the S390-21. After installing the corresponding new S390 balances, both windows can only open approximately 15 cm (6 inches) before reaching a firm stop. With their original balances, both windows were able to open fully.

Since the bottom shoe appears to be approximately 1-1/8" and the overall fitting dimensions appear very similar, could there be another difference between the original balance and the S390 that would limit the sash travel?

Please let me know if there are any other specific measurements you would like me to take from the original balance.

1 user uploaded image
Tom
Tom from SWISCO
SWISCO
Expert

Thank you for clarifying. Just seeing this after the weekend and I'll get right on it. I admit, this is a bit of a mystery, but I'll do my best to research precisely why this issue is happening so consistently on your windows.

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