Old Alcoa Window replacement Spiral Balance

Question

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.

Tom · Accepted Answer

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.