Side window load balance

Thanks for posting. I'm not sure what you have. I recommend that you look at our Channel Balance Home Page and follow the steps in order to find the Series that best matches what you have.

That's just the stamp, which only tells us how strong the spring is. It is not an identification mark at all, and I do not know what Series you have. If you visit the link I posted above, you can follow the provided steps to find the Series you need.

Great! I'm glad you were able to narrow down what Series you have by following that link. Now, the Series 385 and Series 380 are very similar, but as you can see by examining their pictures they are not identical. This of course doesn't mean that one is better than the other, just that they are each meant to replace a specific previously existing balance. The Series 385 uses a 15-004 shoe and the Series 380 uses a 15-005 shoe, both of which are different sizes. You will have to compare the size of these shoes to your own to see which is a closer match. For future reference, there is no balance that is "better" than any other. They all serve their own purpose, which is why it's important to find an exact match, not just a general replacement. Furthermore, a higher stamp option is also not "better" than a lower one. You need only the stamp that will work with your sash weight; no more, no less. Since a stamp of 2790 is not a standard match, you will have to weigh your window sash and compare it to the chart you see for each balance to determine which option is correct.

These are very delicate systems, so getting a replacement as close to your original is important. Fortunately, once you know what to look for, it's very easy to replace. Let me break it down for you so that it's easier in the future.

1) First, you need to identify the top and bottom nylon attachments. There are many varieties, but we list detailed dimensions on our site so it should be easy to compare what you have to what we show. These nylon attachments determine the Series. This is the only way to determine Series.
2) Next, you need to determine length. This is as simple as measuring the metal channel.
3) Finally, you need to determine what your stamp option will be, which represents spring strength. This can usually be determined by simply looking at the stamp on your balance, but in some cases you will have to weigh your sash to make sure your stamp is correct (personally, I think it's wise to weigh the sash anyway, just in case). Spring strength is one of the most vital steps. Like I said above, you don't want anything stronger or weaker. Only select what you need, or else the balance will not work properly.

I hope this information helps. There is no one single code that helps you figure out what your balance is. All three of the steps above are required.