Old channel balance mechanisms need replacement or repair.

Question

Our home was built in 1964 and has the original windows. the channel balances have failed, the plastic parts have broken and no longer engage with the windows, the actual block and tackle mechanism are in good shape and fully functional. I can find no markings on the channel balances indicating their weight capacity. They are 9/16 of an inch wide and approximately 19 inches long, the window sash weighs 7 pounds. They do not have take-out clips and had to be pried out of their mounting slots, the plastic parts keyed to guides in the window main frame. Do you have parts to repair or replace these devices?

Bob · Accepted Answer

Thanks for posting. These look like balances from a very old Pan Am window. We can replace them, but they have to be custom made due to their unique design. Looks like you have 19" balance channels with a stamp code of 1810, meaning they can support a window sash in the weight range of 5 through 8 pounds. Now, these balances will have a 19-035 Top fitting attached. The bottom shoe, the 15-007, is a little weird with this set up. Its such an old design that we can't rivet it tot he metal channel like we do the top fitting. Instead, you'll need to buy the 15-007 separately, along with a 33-073 screw or something similar. You'll then have to slide the shoe into the window track, then screw the shoe to the balance channel manually.

If this all makes sense to you, just tell me how many balances you need, and I'll send you a quote for the balances, stamped 1810, with the 19-035 Top fitting attached. Many thanks.