Replacement Jamb Liner and Balance

Handy Person from Boston, MA

Sep 25, 2022 8:22 am

Hi,

I have a house with windows from the 1950s and the jamb liners and balances are in rough condition. I would like to know if there is a replacement known for these. I think the spiral balances would fit the window channel. What about liners?

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4 Replies

Tom from SWISCO

Sep 29, 2022 9:31 am

We don't sell jamb liners of any kind, unfortunately, but our spiral balances should fit in your window. I personally like to use our 9/16" diameter Series 500, along with a 17-012 bracket. The bracket clips to the bottom of the spiral balance and screws to the bottom of the sash, which sort of cradles it. It's a very simple setup but I have a lot of luck using it to repair old wood windows like yours.

Handy Person from Boston, MA

Sep 29, 2022 7:26 pm

Thanks for following up. How can I determine the length of the balance to purchase? Is it the max opening of the lower sash?

Tom from SWISCO

Sep 30, 2022 8:09 am

Our standard procedure for wood windows is to measure the height of the visible glass, then add a certain number of inches depending on whether it's for the top or bottom sash. If it's the bottom sash, you add 3". If it's the top sash, you only add 1".

So, for example, if your visible glass height is 20" for both the top and bottom sash, then you would buy a 23" balance for the bottom and a 21" for the top. Hopefully that makes sense.

Keep in mind that this rule is by no means set in stone. I've come across some uncommon exceptions but they are very difficult to predict. I find that this formula has served me well over the years and it works just fine 9 times out of 10; in the cases where it ends up being inaccurate, you can always adjust the top mounting screw to make up for the difference.