Snapped coil

Quick Learner from Ewing, NJ

Nov 16, 2022 7:30 pm

The upper sash will not stay closed, it falls down like dead weight. I've replaced the broken pivot bar/foot but have discovered that the coils coming out of the shoe on both sides of the window is snapped in half. Could you help me identify the which shoe and coil to purchase to replace the broken ones? Thank you!

5 user uploaded images

9 Replies

Tom from SWISCO

Nov 23, 2022 10:43 am

We sell two coil balance assemblies that may replace this, depending on size: see our 9/16" thick Series 161 and our 7/8" thick Series 210.

Quick Learner from Ewing, NJ

Nov 30, 2022 7:16 pm

Thank you for your assistance. The 161 series works, however, I chose an 8 pound because that is the weight of the sash. It's fully installed but now my window will not stay open, it slams back shut. I will purchase the 5 pound coil balance assembly because that is the marking on my old piece. Is it possible to return the four 8 pound coil assemblies that I just purchased?

Quick Learner from Ewing, NJ

Nov 30, 2022 7:25 pm

I filled out the return request form and placed a new order for 4 of the 5 pound coil balance assemblies.

Tom from SWISCO

Dec 1, 2022 8:19 am

If the window will not stay open with the 8 pound option, then that means the 8 pounder is too weak. That also means that the 5 pounder will be even weaker, so that will not fix your problem. I wouldn't advise buying that weight option.

I recommend that you weigh your sash, instead. The rule of thumb for these balances is to weigh your sash on a scale and then divide that by the number of assemblies on each side; for example, if your sash was 10 pounds, then you'd want the 5 pound balance option.

Furthermore, you can see a more precise weight range for each Series 161 balance on their respective store pages under the Product Description. For example, the S161-5 states that a pair will specifically carry 9 through 10.99 pounds.

Either way, don't guess. Weigh your sash on a scale so that you know exactly what you need to buy.

Quick Learner from Ewing, NJ

Dec 1, 2022 8:38 am

Sorry, I'm not sure if I made myself clear in the last post. I'm trying to solve an issue with the upper sash. When I installed the 8lb option the sash would not stay open when I pull it down; it moves back up rather quickly. So I believe the 8lb option is too strong. There is a '5' printed on the the broken two coils which I am trying to replace. I believe I have a picture included of them. I did weigh the sash and it is about 9 pounds.

Tom from SWISCO

Dec 1, 2022 9:53 am

Ah, I'm sorry for misunderstanding. I thought you were referring to the bottom sash; that's my fault.

In that case, yes. The opposite of what I assumed is true. The 8 pound springs were too strong. The 5 pounder is a logical next step, due to the old stamp, but you still may want to weigh your sash just to be 100% sure.

Quick Learner from Ewing, NJ

Dec 3, 2022 9:03 am

The 5 pound worked. I appreciate your help. Problem solved.

Tom from SWISCO

Dec 5, 2022 8:19 am

That's great to hear! Thanks again for your business and please let me know if we can be of any future assistance.