Replacing Spiral Balances in 25-year-Old Windows

Home Owner from Dallas, Texas (generally speaking)

Dec 12, 2024 9:46 am

A few of the windows in my house have issues with opening/closing. For some, they are so difficult it's like a back-breaking workout, for at least one other the balances have just given up and dropped out. This may be two different problems, or the same issue, i.e. replace balances in all of them.

I do not know the manufacturer/make/model of these windows; if there is an easy way to determine, please let me know.

I see at top of this form where photos of parts installed and removed is requested; at the moment I just have pics of parts (balances) that have dropped out of place (attached). Since my goal is simply to identify what balances I need to get for replacements, I am hoping I don't have to go to the effort of removing balances/sashes in the three windows that are problems just to take a pic? Is there a way to identify correct spiral balance replacement for a particular window easily, i.e. by measuring length or ?

FYI, I now see the video re: identifying spiral balances, and will watch it now. Any thoughts or comments as to my original question(s) would still, of course, be welcome.

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11 Replies

Casey from SWISCO

Dec 12, 2024 3:00 pm

Hello,

It seems like you most likely have non-tilt windows. If so, the S400 and S500 spiral balances would be a good place to start. You'll need to confirm the style of the spiral tip matches yours, as well as if your balance tubes measure 3/8" or 5/8" to choose the correct replacements. From there, you'll need to measure the length of the housing tube and locate the colored tips attached to the base. If the colored part is missing, there is a chart on the product page that explains how to choose your option based on the weight of your window sash. Take a look and let us know if you have any other questions.

How to measure the length of the Series 400 spiral balance

Home Owner from Dallas, Texas (generally speaking)

Mar 21, 2025 9:21 am

I've removed one of the "sprung" balances and the tube is 30 inches long and ~1/2 inch diameter. It >seems< like there is a bit of orange color in one end...is this color indicative of anything? I seem to remember something about tips being color coded somewhere? But if all of this makes sense, is this enough for me (by which I mean you) to identify the correct spiral balance I need for my non-tilt window?

Casey from SWISCO

Mar 21, 2025 9:58 am

I suspect that you would need the S500-30 spiral balance with red tip options to support a sash between 7-29 pounds. The balance tube measures 9/16" in diameter but it is considered 5/8" in the trade. Review the specifications shown on our product page and let us know if you have any other questions.

How to measure the length of the Series 500 spiral balance.

Home Owner from Dallas, Texas (generally speaking)

Mar 21, 2025 10:15 am

Thanks, I've got a few pairs of those and the 75-005 non-tilt tensioning tool in my cart. Is it typical/normal to need to replace any of the other related pieces of hardware at same time, like shoes, brackets, guides, caps? These are suggested at bottom of S500-30 product page...not sure if there relate to my non-tilt sashes or not?

Casey from SWISCO

Mar 21, 2025 10:33 am

Generally, you only need to replace the broken parts. It would be a good idea to check the brackets that attach the spiral end to the sash for damage or any missing pieces.

Home Owner from Dallas, Texas (generally speaking)

Mar 21, 2025 10:58 am

OK...makes sense. FYI, as far as I know, these sashes are non-removable (I see nothing that would allow for release or to remove track). I think I'd like to replace the brackets for any replacements anyway? I am not sure if I can determine what type/style of brackets (red circles) are needed...I've attached a couple of (grimy!) pics that might help. Are you able to determine from these?
And do you know what the piece in yellow circle is? Probably not related to replacing spiral balance, but was still curious.
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Minor update: I used digital calipers to measure tube diameter and the reading was .385 inches, or nominal 3/8", so apparently the S400-30s are probably what I need. Just FYI...

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Home Owner from Dallas, Texas (generally speaking)

Mar 21, 2025 1:49 pm

This is another pic of bottom of sash with clearer view of a bracket (I guess). "63"?

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Paul from SWISCO

Mar 21, 2025 3:58 pm

It looks like you have a side-mounted sash bracket like the 17-026 that the spiral bow tie has bent. The bracket is installed on the side of the sash and since you can not remove the sash, you first have to pull down the bracket with needle nose pliers and then with the charging tool, 75-005 to unhook the spiral bow tie from the bracket. You then can turn the spiral clockwise to add strength to the balance or counterclockwise to lessen the strength. To remove the balance, unwind the spiral counterclockwise, take the screw out at the top of the balance, and pull the balance tube up and out of the sash side. If the bracket breaks, you will need the 17-094 clip-on bracket, that fits on the bottom edge of the sash. Let us know if you have any additional questions.

Home Owner from Dallas, Texas (generally speaking)

Apr 3, 2025 4:00 pm

So have done some further poking and prodding and exploration. Some additional (possibly redundant) pics attached.
Yellow circles are more/better pics of bracket...question: if needed to be replaced, they need to be removed. How are they removed? How are they held in place once in? Note: spiral balance in 1st pic (SpiralBalance.1) has already been removed since it just came out on its own, more or less, so that bracket is held in by...what?
Red circles seem to be some sort of screw or spring thing...are they a part of the spiral balance operation/action? Or just part of window frame construction and support?

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Paul from SWISCO

Apr 4, 2025 8:53 am

Unforutnately, these types of non-tilt windows are not designed to be removed or repaired. In many cases, disassembly of the window or sash frame would be required to access the corners of the sash where these brackets install. With that being said, we can be sure to what extent the window will need to be disassembled to remove the sash. This is not a straightforward process, so I'd recommend having a professional assist with this part of the project.