Hi there,
From the selector guide, I have identified the channel balance I need. I'm pretty confident with this. What I'm stumped on is the stamp option, weight range that I need. The only marking on the assembly is:
31 5 EQ CALDWELL
The stamp options on the site have 4 digits:
https://www.swisco.com/32-inch/pd/Series-385-Channel-Balances/S385-32
The channel balance I have has a blank spot where it appears another digit could (should?) be? From the list of options, there's only one that ends in a 5 (3165). Or, might 31 5 mean 3150?
The sash weighs 26.5 lbs which seems to align with option 3140.
Any wisdom?
S385-32 channel balance option selection
Home Owner from San Jose CA
Jun 27, 2018 10:29 pm
10 Replies
Tom from SWISCO
Jun 29, 2018 9:08 am
Your old balance is 3150. If that worked well, you can use it.
However, if you're confident that the sash weight is 26.5 lbs, then go ahead and pick a better balance than the installer: 3140 would be best. I'm not sure why the wrong balance would have been installed originally, but it happens from time to time when builders and contractors end up in a pinch.
Home Owner from San Jose CA
Jun 29, 2018 10:25 am
Ok, got it...very helpful. I will weight the sash again just to be sure.
Home Owner from San Jose CA
Jun 29, 2018 11:22 am
Actually, another question...
Is there a downside to using the 3150 if the window isn't that heavy? I'm replacing these balances on two identical windows where one broke on each window. Is it a coincidence that the wrong one was used (apparently) and both windows had balances that failed?
Is there a downside to using the 3150 if the window isn't that heavy? I'm replacing these balances on two identical windows where one broke on each window. Is it a coincidence that the wrong one was used (apparently) and both windows had balances that failed?
Tom from SWISCO
Jun 29, 2018 11:36 am
I've noticed that when customers discover they had too strong of a balance in their window, they usually notice because the nylon cord snaps from the excess weight. Is that the problem you encountered? That's the major downside of using too high of an option.
Home Owner from San Jose CA
Jun 29, 2018 1:00 pm
Wow, I'm so glad I asked! That is precisely what happened. The nylon chord broke on one balance of each window.
Just out of curiosity, is the reason this happens because the window is not heavy enough to balance the spring tension, thereby putting too much strain on the nylon cord? Not that it matters a lot, but I'm puzzled as to why a sash balance designed for a heavier sash would cause the nylon cord to break. Again, just curious. I will order the 3140's. Thanks so much for the help!
Just out of curiosity, is the reason this happens because the window is not heavy enough to balance the spring tension, thereby putting too much strain on the nylon cord? Not that it matters a lot, but I'm puzzled as to why a sash balance designed for a heavier sash would cause the nylon cord to break. Again, just curious. I will order the 3140's. Thanks so much for the help!
Tom from SWISCO
Jun 29, 2018 1:41 pm
You have the idea. I believe that the extra tension in the spring pulls the cord taut against the pulleys, which makes the two parts scrape together until the cord snaps. I also believe that "dropping" the sash when you try to close it quickly would put an extra tug on the line that might break the camel's back.
You're very welcome for the help, and thanks for talking this out with us. You're absolutely right, this will be helpful for future customers. Have a great day!
Home Owner from San Jose CA
Jun 29, 2018 1:52 pm
I'm back :).
I'm really just adding this in case someone else searches through old threads trying to solve this same problem.
Now that I'm thinking about it, these windows were always pretty hard to close. Now it makes sense why. The balance is designed for a heavier window so this window wasn't heavy enough to counteract the tension of the spring. So, it required more muscle to push it down (closed). I'm guessing this put more stress on the cord and made it snap.
I'm really just adding this in case someone else searches through old threads trying to solve this same problem.
Now that I'm thinking about it, these windows were always pretty hard to close. Now it makes sense why. The balance is designed for a heavier window so this window wasn't heavy enough to counteract the tension of the spring. So, it required more muscle to push it down (closed). I'm guessing this put more stress on the cord and made it snap.
Tom from SWISCO
Jun 29, 2018 2:05 pm
Yup, this is all coming together. Sounds like the tension broke the pulleys and they cut the cord.
It's not the right way to do it, but to be honest, it's tricky to stock the right balances as an installer. It probably was only a few pounds' difference for this particular balance, and the installer probably figured it would work out. This industry is tough to navigate. I'm glad we were able to correct the issue. Hopefully your windows can live a long life now!
Home Owner from San Jose CA
Jun 29, 2018 2:45 pm
Thanks.
BTW, I also noticed that the pulleys were partially broken (the edges snapped off in a couple of places). Perhaps the extra stress on the pulleys damaged them and then this cut into the cord and caused it to eventually fail. I'd love to find the original installer and have a little "discussion" about using the right parts :)
BTW, I also noticed that the pulleys were partially broken (the edges snapped off in a couple of places). Perhaps the extra stress on the pulleys damaged them and then this cut into the cord and caused it to eventually fail. I'd love to find the original installer and have a little "discussion" about using the right parts :)
