Replacing All Channel Balances

Home Owner from Gardena, CA
In reading a previous post here it appears that my current channel balance series convert to S380. I have (1x2) 17", (10x2) 24", and (1x2) 18". The photos included are of my 17". I believe that the bottom fitting, 15-005 looks like my current fitting. However, the top fitting, 19-005 doesn't look like my original top fitting. Please tell me what top fitting is correct.
5 user uploaded images
8 Replies
Bob
Bob from SWISCO
SWISCO
Expert

Thanks for posting. I believe the top fitting is the 19-002, which lacks the 'wings' or side tabs seen on the 19-005. Double-check the depth, or 'heel-to-toe' measurement, of the bottom fitting or shoe. If it is 1-3/32", then it's the 15-004. That combination of attachments would mean you have the Series 350 Channel Balance. For the S350-17 balances stamped 1640, you can choose the 1640 stamp option. Let me know if anything seems off, or if you have any questions.

Close up view of the S350 balance shoe.
Close up view of the S350 balance shoe.

Home Owner from Gardena, CA

Hello Bob,

I am including more info in my request:

The windows we have are Single Hung Windows - Series 3555

Mfg was Superior Engineered Products Corp

We purchased them in 1994

I am including more photos of my current top and foot because my top doesn't look like the one you are recommending, and my foot is just over 1" and looks more like the 15-005.

4 user uploaded images
Bob
Bob from SWISCO
SWISCO
Expert

Despite the top fitting being a different color, ours will still work for you. There's no functional difference between yours and our 19-002.

As for the bottom fitting, it's really tough to say. Looking at your tape measure, the depth looks larger than 1" to me, but photos of a tape measure aren't very reliable. At the end of the day you will have to use your best judgment in regards to size.

Home Owner from Gardena, CA
Hello Bob,

Thank you for clearing up my concern with the top fitting which should be 19-002. The foot is still questionable because I only see possibly 2/32" past 1". I used a metal tape measure and also a ruler. Are you rounding up to 3/32"?
Plus, when you look at my shoe and look at your shoe for 1", 15-005, they are shaped identically. 15-005 and 15-004 shapes are not identical.

Chris in customer service says that there is no series with combination of 19-002 and 15-005. So, I guess I'm stuck with the S350. If I have too much friction raising the window using 15-004, I'll have to return the channel balances.
Bob
Bob from SWISCO
SWISCO
Expert

I'm not exactly rounding up, no, but one thing you have to account for is the possibility of wear. These are just plastic parts, after all, and depending on how often the window is used then the friction from day-to-day use can very reasonably wear a shoe down from its original size. It happens all the time. 

There's no science to determining exactly how much wear a shoe has undergone, you just kind of have to eyeball it. If your shoe is larger than 1", then it's more likely that it wore down from a larger size.

If you're comfortable trying the Series 350, then you can absolutely try that first. Between you and me you can also probably use our Series 385. The top fitting has wings, sure, but I'm not sure if that's going to play a huge part. Worst case scenario you snip the wings off, if it's even necessary.

Home Owner from Gardena, CA
Hello Bob,

I ordered and received my channel balance. The new one looks pretty close to my original. However, the spring placement inside the new balance is set higher than my original. I included a photo. Is this going to affect the efficacy of the balance?
1 user uploaded image
Bob
Bob from SWISCO
SWISCO
Expert

No, that won't affect the efficacy in any way. You don't have to worry about that. As long as it's calibrated to hold the same amount of weight then you should be good to go.

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