Retrofitting Wood Windows with Coil Balances

Question

Hi,

I have a project with wood windows, which I'm going to retrofit fit with coil balances. The wood sashes weight 10 lbs each. Attached is a picture of two coil balances used for such a project.

I personally haven't completed such a project but the idea came from another contractor that cut an opening in the window sash, inserted the coil housing (plastic white piece) then fastened the steel band to the window jamb with screws through the holes available (attached picture has 2 holes in the band). The downfall is the steel coil will be visible after installation.

What parts will I need to best accomplish this project?

Mike

Bob · Accepted Answer

Hey Mike. This is a very unusual way in using this coil spring assembly, but even if you use any other system like the most common for wood sashes, Series 500 tube balances, the balance is going to show. I stress these parts aren't really meant to be used the way you intend, so I can't guarantee that they'll work: but the pictures you show feature the 15-086 Coil Tandem Housing, and the Coil Springs are our Series 180. If the window weighs exactly 10 lbs, in theory you'd just need one of the S180-5 5 lb springs on each side of the sash, for a total of 10 lbs of support. But again, I am by no means certain this will work for your application. Let me know if you have any other questions.