Ordered wrong channel balance spring size

Question

Regarding Oder #1152143, I ordered (8) of the wrong S380 series 30 inch channel balances. As you can see from the picture, the channel balance on the top are the ones I ordered (spring is 19 inches long). The channel balance on bottom is the one I need (that spring is 15 inches long). Can you please tell me what 380 series channel balance option I choose for the proper spring size, as I obviously chose the wrong one.

Also, for the 18 inch channel balances I ordered, it is incorrect also for my bathroom window and I do not have the old balance to show you. The window will not stay down and opens all the way on it's own if not locked...it is a bathroom window 3 ft long x 17 inches wide. Which option of the 18inch 380 series channel balance do I order?

Lastly, how do I return the wrong items for credit? ughhhhh so aggravating.

Tom · Accepted Answer

Sorry to hear you're having trouble. The length of the spring actually doesn't matter. That has no relation on how strong it is. A shorter spring can be stronger than a longer spring, or it can be weaker, or even the same strength. There's no standard since every manufacturer uses their own springs.

You usually want to go off of the stamps printed on your old balance, but if you don't have those or if they're too faded to read then you will need to weigh the sash on a scale and refer to the chart on both the S380-30 and S380-18 store page. That's the only way to be 100% sure what option will work for you.