Simonton double hung windows

Hey Frank. The closest match visually to this old Simonton shoe is the Certainteed 15-192. However, we've found the Certainteed version of this shoe does not fit well in Simonton windows. You have to rub down those alignment 'nubs' on the face of the shoe, and even then it may not work right. Because of this, we suggest trying the 15-259 Pivot Shoe instead. This shoe will require you to replace all the coil springs in the window with the Series 159. The video below shows how to do this conversion process. Take a look and see what you think.

Hello there. The number of coil springs per assembly can vary; it comes down to how much weight the coil balances have to support. To figure this out, give me the exact weight of the window sash, and I can work out the number of coils you need, as well as the spring weights needed. 

If your sash weighs 21.5 pounds then I suggest using the 10.5 pound spring option for the Series 159. If you have two of these on each side then that will give you 21 pounds of support, which should be perfectly sufficient. This is assuming that your sash is precisely 21.5 pounds, though; if there is any variance one way or the other then that's something you'll want to triple check. At the end of the day, you'll have to make the final determination on weight.

As for getting the coil balance out of the track, we sell jamb spreaders under our 75-069. However these are non-refundable and really only something I'd recommend for professionals who plan on using these daily. If you're only repairing one window then I don't think it's worth it.

Removing a coil balance from a cutout isn't always easy, but it's possible to do with a slotted screwdriver. I suggest just taking your time and being patient. Believe me, I have the scraped knuckles to attest to that.