Old Alcoa Window replacement Spiral Balance

A home owner from Elgin, IL says:
October 1, 2010
To whom it may concern, I have a couple Alcoa windows that won't stay open anymore (Installed when my condo building was built in '95). The sash drops like a ton of bricks when I open the window. I assume I need to install new spiral balances in each side and charge them equally to keep my sash up when the window is open. I took my window apart and the spiral balance is 29" high. The tip color is blue, for a heavier window. I just want to make sure I have everything correct before I order a bunch of these. Other than a charging tool and the 6 spiral balances I want to order, is there anything else I would need to do this myself? A vinyl spreader to help me install the new balances? The pivot shoes seem to be in working order, I just think the spiral balances snapped from the windows being old and not lubricated very well. Please let me know what else I need to complete my at home project successfully before winter. Thank you so much.
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Mike from SWISCO responded:
October 4, 2010
You will only need a jamb spreader if your pivot shoes are failing. Keep in mind, the jamb spreader only works on vinyl windows and no aluminum. You should be fine with just ordering the S600-29 Blue Tip Balances and the 75-006 Charging Tool.
A home owner from Elgin, IL says:
October 4, 2010
Thank you so much. Great service!
A home owner from Ramona Ok 74061 says:
January 20, 2011
How do I find a alcoa window rep. Problems with series 400 windows
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Mike from SWISCO responded:
January 21, 2011
You will have to contact Alcoa directly.

Please let us know if you need help identifying replacement balances online.
A home owner from kansas city says:
April 13, 2011
We have Alcoa windows. Our house was built in 96. One of them has had the tabs broken off so it won't stay in the window, unless locked. How can we get just that window, others are all fine.
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Mike from SWISCO responded:
April 14, 2011
If you're looking for window replacements, you will have to contact Alcoa directly. If you would like to replace your window hardware, simply submit a few pictures of the hardware you'd like to replace so we can take a look and help you research a replacement.
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