Restoring or Replace Hardware?

Question

I have Better Bilt tilt windows installed in a 2002 home. Some windows have become difficult to open and close. I have not attempted to adjust the tension on the balances. Not sure whether or not to do any kind of maintenance on the hardware or just replace them. Is there any trouble shooting methods to determine if a balance is not salvageable?

Just to confirm, the following parts are:
Pivot Bar, Better Bilt 26-375
3/16" x 1-1/4" Spring 26-016
Better-Bilt Window Latch, Pair 26-351

30" Series 900 Spiral Balance S900-30 **Window is 22 lbs. I noticed yellow tip is for 24-34lb window. Should I get the green tip?

Pivot Shoe?

Thank you

Tom · Accepted Answer

Thanks for posting. There's not really a method you can try that will tell you for sure if your balance is broken. If you open your window and it drifts down on its own, then your first step should be to try to charge it with a 75-006 charging tool. 2-3 turns ought to do it, you'll feel tension build at that point. You don't want to give it any more.

If 2-3 turns doesn't give you the tension you need, then it's time to buy a new balance.

I can't say for sure what color tip you need. That will depend on the weight of your sash, which I do not know. Your original looks to be white, which often corresponds to our more modern Red Tip option. You should weigh your sash to be sure.

Your pivot shoe is similar to our 15-212, but you should carefully review our photos and dimensions to ensure that this is correct.