Shoe with wings

Question

My balances have wings on both ends. It looks like your balances only have wings on the top end. Do you have balances at both ends? Do I need wings on the other end?

Second question. My windows weigh 18 lbs but the balance is a 2540. The windows are difficult to close. I am thinking of switching to a 2530. Would this make sense. I do not know if these are the original balances or not.

Bob · Accepted Answer

Hello there. These look like either S380-26 or S385-26 Channel Balances. The only difference between the Series 380 and Series 385 is the depth of the bottom nylon shoe, or the 'heel-to-toe' measurement. See the diagram below for reference. Compare both with your old hardware to see what matches best.

Comparison of the S378, S380 and S385 balance shoes.

Now, generally we recommend replacing the original stamp wherever possible; however, if you are certain the window weighs 18 pounds, that is certainly too light for the 2540, and the end result would be exactly what you're describing: a window that is too difficult to close. In which the 2530, which can support a sash in the weight range of 15 through 19 pounds. So if you're certain the sash weighs 18 pounds, you are correct that stamp 2530 is the way to go. Let me know if you have further questions.