Restoring or Replace Hardware?

A home owner from Florida says:
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


Thumbnail of the uploaded file named Pivot Bar.JPG
Thumbnail of the uploaded file named Latch.JPG
Thumbnail of the uploaded file named .375.JPG
Thumbnail of the uploaded file named 30 inch Yellow Tip.JPG
Thumbnail of the uploaded file named Pivot Shoe.JPG
Profile picture of Tom
Tom from SWISCO responded:

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.

A home owner from Florida says:
Thanks Tom,
I mentioned the sash is 22lbs and the tip appears yellow. Should I get a green tip?

Do you know when the latches will be available?

Thanks again




Profile picture of Tom
Tom from SWISCO responded:

Thanks for confirming. If your sash is 22 pounds then I personally would go with the Green Tip, yes. Red could still work but it's pushing it.

I'm afraid we don't have an ETA on any of our back ordered products at this time, due to the quarantine. I can only promise that we're trying to get them back on shelves as soon as possible.

Anatomy of a tilt window
Anatomy of a tilt window
VIDEO
WATCH >
Removing Rusted Pivot Bars
Removing Rusted Pivot Bars
VIDEO
WATCH >
How to replace a tilt window spiral balance.
How to replace a tilt window spiral balance.
VIDEO
WATCH >
How to Identify a Replacement Spiral Balance
How to Identify a Replacement Spiral Balance
VIDEO
WATCH >
How to Remove a Pivot Shoe (Cutout Method)
How to Remove a Pivot Shoe (Cutout Method)
VIDEO
WATCH >
How to remove window pivot shoes
How to remove window pivot shoes
VIDEO
WATCH >
Styles of Tilt Window Latches
Styles of Tilt Window Latches
GUIDE
READ >
Slide Latch Assembly Diagram
Slide Latch Assembly Diagram
GUIDE
READ >
How to choose the proper spiral balance tip color
How to choose the proper spiral balance tip color
GUIDE
READ >
How to adjust a spiral balance on a tilt window
How to adjust a spiral balance on a tilt window
GUIDE
READ >
Reply to Thread
Use this form to ask a follow-up question or to share your experience regarding this subject.
(your email address will be kept private and is only used to inform you when a response has been made)
Current wait time is 3-4 business days
We promise that one of our experts will personally get back to you as soon as they are able. Thank you very much for your patience and understanding. If your inquiry is time-sensitive, please feel free to reach us at (888) 991-1929 or at help@swisco.com.