Series 385 Balance Cord Too Short

There are two separate issues here: your "travel length" issue, and an issue I noticed with your shoe.

The travel length issue is the primary issue that you noticed. The window won't close. Now, think back to when you hooked the balance onto the window jamb. Is it possible that there is a hole on the window jamb that's a little bit lower than the one you used? Some windows use two holes, one for the top sash hook and one for the bottom one.

The second issue is that I also noticed a difference between your balance and the balance you purchased. Your old balance shoe is wingless, whereas the Series 385 shoe is winged. The Series 385 shoe also has a unique 1-3/32" depth, which clashes with most other balances.

Series 395 is what your old balance matches. You may want to go with those for better function in the long run.

It is weird that you have two different stamps for the same sash. Both balances should read either "26-4" or "26-3." Can you confirm the exact weight of your sash? One of your springs being too strong could account for why your sash won't close. 

If it is the travel then we'll need more information. If you only have one hole in your jamb for the hook, then that probably isn't it. Did your old balances work fine at 27", or did you encounter the same problem? Can you give me the height of the visible glass for the sash they support? 

Well, the stamp should be 2640 for both sides. That is peculiar, but I'm not sure that would account for why you're having trouble closing the window. Based on your measurements, our balances appear to be the proper length, too.

It's possible your old balances just had that much extra travel to the cord. It's not that common of a problem, but it's not unheard of. If memory serves, there is usually more than one hole where the hook at the end of the cord is meant to install. If you only have one hole, you may need to make an extra one yourself at the appropriate spot in your jamb track. I'm just not sure exactly where you want to make it. If you say your cord is 1 to 1-1/2" longer, I suppose it's logical to make it around there, but it's tough to be sure when it comes to this kind of alteration. You will have to use your best judgement.

I'm sorry we cannot offer an easier solution for this issue.

Sorry, I'm not sure why they're disappearing. It could be a technical error.

I'm actually not sure what the cord length of our balances are. I've actually never been asked that before. I'd run back and measure for you, but all of our balances are fully assembled and it wouldn't be possible to measure the cord unless I destroy the balance and lay the cord out.

I can tell you that they're pretty much all standard between options. The 2630 won't have a different cord length than another option in the same size. The stamp only indicates spring tension. 

I really think your original balances were just an older version made by another manufacturer who, for whatever reason, used a different cord length to install them. Little changes like that happen all the time when it comes to balances. It can be frustrating, but I think making a new hole will fix things.

Like Tom said, the cord length isn't going to vary too much for what you order from us. If you order a balance in the size you need, the cord won't be long enough. If you order a longer balance, then it simply won't install.

There is only one other solution that comes to mind that may work, and that is a very specific custom made balance that I've seen on some Alpine windows. See this old discussion for an example of what it looks like. Yours won't be exactly like this, but it will be very similar. 

The biggest difference in this balance is that the pulley wheel is installed in the shoe itself. This is a significant difference that usually makes it totally incompatible with balances like our Series 385. However, part of me wonders if this is what you originally had installed in your windows.

Does this look familiar? Do you have an identical window in the house that may still have its original hardware? If so, look them over and see what you think.

The only problem is that these balances have to be custom made, which means they cannot be returned for a refund. I also cannot confirm if they will work for you. There's a good chance they simply won't work once you get them, but I'm out of ideas. If you cannot make a new hole and install your balance lower in the jamb track, I don't think we have anything else that will work for you.

Let me know how you wish to proceed. If you wanted to try that custom balance, let me know how many you needed and we can email you a special order link and price quote.