Single hung window balancer

Quick Learner from New York

Jun 10, 2013 10:24 am

Hi- I need to replace two single hung window balancers. My windows have no markings but the balancer has the number 2830 on it- its in the pic called "IMG_3336".

I suspect they are acorn or some other brand that is no longer in business. Help! Thanks!

User submitted photos of a window balance.

8 Replies

Tom from SWISCO

Jun 11, 2013 9:29 am

Thanks for posting. Before I can confirm what Series channel balance you have, I'll have to figure out what your bottom shoe is. Please look at the measurements for our 15-001 and 15-002 bottom shoes and note their depths. As you can see, they are 1-1/8" deep and 1" deep, respectively. Which measurement more closely resembles your own shoe?

Comparison of 15-001 & 15-002

Quick Learner

Jun 11, 2013 10:15 am

I will have to measure when I get home, but I'd say 1" by looking at it.

Tom from SWISCO

Jun 11, 2013 1:30 pm

If it is 1", then you may be looking at our Series 351 channel balance. However, I recommend that you measure it just in case.

Quick Learner

Jun 11, 2013 2:12 pm

Awesome, I will check. Do you have a guide or tutorial on how to install these? My window is one of those windows with the two locks on the bottom of the pane- they are black and are hook locks, so that you have to lift them both up and unlatch them so that the window opens. Likewise,all you have to do is close the window hard so the two black things latch and it automatically locks.

Tom from SWISCO

Jun 12, 2013 9:57 am

We sure do! Check out the video below.

The two black locks you described sound like vent locks, and shouldn't make too much of a difference in the installation process.

Quick Learner

Jun 14, 2013 2:28 pm

Thanks for the video. My window appears to NOT have those takeout clips....how do I install the balances with out those?

Tom from SWISCO

Jun 14, 2013 2:49 pm

Hmmm... do you think they were once installed before and were simply removed? Or do you think the window never had them? If you once had them, check out our 16-002.

If not, then installing these balances may be tricky. You will have to drill a hole in the jamb and install a screw to act as a temporary solution. The screw will catch the balance, same as the take out clip, allowing you to remove it and the sash. Once the new balance is installed, you can simply remove the screw.