Pivot shoe

Quick Learner from Labadie, MO

Feb 25, 2024 11:48 am

I recently order some 3/8" thickness pivot shoes not stopping to think that cam size varied. The part I ordered (15-045) fits the vinyl window frame/slot but not the metal cams on the sides of the window itself. I just measured these and they appear to be 7/16 by 5/16. Do you have any pivot shoes that would fit this? The windows are about 20 years old. Thank you!

6 Replies

Bob from SWISCO

Feb 25, 2024 3:39 pm

Hello there. Without pictures I can't be certain, but I believe you're referring to the pivot bars, the metal pins at the bottom corners of the window sash that fit into the pivot shoe. There are many different kinds of pivot bars, so the best thing to do is to show us pictures of your current ones, removed from the window, for clear identification. Additionally I'd also like to see your original pivot shoe removed from the window if possible--if the 15-045 was the right choice, then I'm not sure why it isn't working with your pivot bars. Visual identification of all these parts should clarify your issue. Many thanks.

Quick Learner from Labadie, MO

Feb 27, 2024 8:20 pm

Thanks for the quick response! I've attached a picture of the pivot bar, the original pivot shoe (with blue plastic circles that I need to replace on another window) and finally the 15-145 for which the pivot bars are too big.

4 user uploaded images

Bob from SWISCO

Feb 27, 2024 9:26 pm

Thanks for getting back to me. Well, I can tell you the 15-045 definitely wasn't the right shoe--the cam that accepts the pivot bar is an entirely different shape, and from what I can see, the style of your old shoe is different. I'm afraid there's no getting around removing the old shoe to get a better picture. I also want to know the width and thickness of the old shoe--all those details should narrow down what you actually need. Without seeing the pivot bars removed from the window I can't identify them either--however, let's leave those alone for now. Whatever the correct pivoe shoe for your window is, it should work with your pivot bars unless it turns out to be a very unusual case. See the video below that shows how to remove and replace pivot shoes from a window like this. Once you get me those further details of the pivot shoe, I'll do my best to find the right answer for you. Many thanks.

Quick Learner from Labadie, MO

Feb 28, 2024 6:33 pm

Here are more photos--I hope the measurements are clear enough. To be clear, the 15-045 fit the window frame, the cam was just too small.

5 user uploaded images

Paul from SWISCO

Mar 1, 2024 9:23 am

Thanks for these photos, they're a huge help. Unfortunately, you have a discontinued Carefree vinyl window and this pivot shoe is a discontinued product. As far as I know, they're not made anymore.

The good news is that the 15-045 pivot shoe you bought is the best solution on the market. But, as you already observed, the cam is going to be too small to be compatible with your existing pivot bars. Changing those pivot bars should get everything in working order.

My suggestion would be the 26-297. This is fully compatible with the 26-297, but you will need to check the hole placement to ensure that it aligns with at least one of the existing holes. In a worst case scenario, you may need to drill a new hole.

Alternate image for 26-297