Sliding Window Balancers

Contractor from Glendale, CA

Dec 18, 2023 11:14 pm

I am looking for 2 Balancers along with the plastic brackets on the window frame for the pictures attached. I don't know what model it is.

5 user uploaded images

11 Replies

Jasmine from SWISCO

Dec 20, 2023 11:27 am

Thanks for writing in! Your balances look like they could be either the Series 380 with a 1" shoe depth or the Series 385 with a 1-3/32" shoe depth. To confirm which series you need, carefully review and compare the dimensions below.

Comparison of the S378, S380 and S385 balance shoes.

Once you've confirmed the series, you'll need to confirm the length of the metal channel and select it from the list of balances, for the series you need. Then you'll be able to use the stamp from the channel to confirm the stamp option.

Contractor from Glendale, CA

Dec 20, 2023 12:48 pm

I have already measured the length of the metal channel, it's shown in the picture attached. It's about 28 inches. I will have to accurately measure the shoe depth and will get back to you, or try to directly find the correct part based on your directions (if possible).

Thank you for the detailed information.

1 user uploaded image

Jasmine from SWISCO

Dec 20, 2023 4:08 pm

I'm happy to help! Be sure that you are only measuring the length of the channel, not including the top and bottom attachment. I've included a video below as a reference to use when confirming the information.

Contractor from Glendale, CA

Dec 21, 2023 2:09 pm

BTW, I will be taking apart the window again tomorrow to get exact measurements and try to order parts. I also want to order the plastic parts (I forgot the term) that go ON the window itself. Once I find the correct balancer, can I also find those plastic parts, or maybe the balancers come with them?

Contractor from Glendale, CA

Dec 22, 2023 8:04 pm

Hi Jasmine,

I have the measurement for the balancer shoe and it's 1". This is the balancer that I need according to your suggestion:

28" Series 380 Channel Balance
Product Code: S380-28

I have couple of questions:

1. I want to change the plastic inserts on the window itself. I know there is the sash guide (as far as I remember at the top part of the window), in this case Product Code 18-018. Are there any other components (plastic or otherwise) on the window itself that I need to change? I ask this because besides the balancers themselves, I know the sash guide wasn't working properly (and possibly other parts??)

2. As far as identifying the sash weight by code, my balancer channel says something like "27 4 BSI OC" (please see attached photo). What does this code mean, is the "27 4" code for "2740"?

Please clarify. Thank you.

1 user uploaded image

Jasmine from SWISCO

Dec 26, 2023 10:10 am

I'm afraid I don't know what else you need to replace on the window since we aren't physically there. What we recommend doing is to inspect the parts in the window for any obvious signs of damage and then replace what is broken.

Since your balance is stamped 27 4, you'd want to select the 2740 option as you mentioned.

Contractor from Glendale, CA

Dec 26, 2023 11:34 am

This is a customer window and I can't verify and neither can they because they won't be home for a month, but as far as I know, there's nothing else that needs to be replaced other than the sash guide which definitely should be replaced in this case. I was just asking a general question, what other parts are usually replaced.

Jasmine from SWISCO

Dec 26, 2023 3:47 pm

In addition to channel balances, we've had customers replace top sash guides and take-out clips if they're damaged or are in poor condition. There can be various styles which is why it's important we see photos of the original hardware. I hope this helps.

Contractor from Glendale, CA

Dec 26, 2023 4:15 pm

I am replacing the 2 balancers and 2 top sash guides. The 2 take-out clips are working fine, no need to replace. I only have a number of pictures of the balancer, and 1 picture of the entire window from outside. I don't have any pictures of the sides of the window where the sash guides are. Although I've seen and worked on the window, I don't remember other hardware other than the sash guides on the window itself (photo attached).

1 user uploaded image

Jasmine from SWISCO

Dec 27, 2023 8:31 am

There are quite a few different top sash guides compatible with the S380-28 Channel Balance. Without seeing photos of the front and side profile views of your customer's guide, I wouldn't be able to identify the exact replacement you need. Unfortunately, the balance nor the photo of the window can help to determine the right replacement.