Spiral Balance Failure

A home owner from San Antonio says:
August 3, 2015
I have GA non-tilt windows that were installed in the 1997/1998 time frame. Several balances have failed. They look like your Series 400 spiral balances; however, they have no colored tip. They are 30 inches in length and 3/8 in diameter. See the picture I have enclosed. I would appreciate your advice on the proper replacement balances. Thanks, Jack
User submitted a photo of a spiral balance.
Profile picture of Paul
Paul from SWISCO responded:
August 5, 2015
Thanks for posting, Jack. I agree, our S400-30 looks like a good match. You will need to weigh your sash to determine the proper color tip option. Two S400-30 balances with a Red Tip can support a sash weighing 10 through 22 pounds, while the two balances with a Green Tip can support 14 through 26 pounds.
A home owner says:
August 5, 2015
Paul, I was afraid you were going to say that. For the life of me, I can't see any way to remove the sash from the window frame itself. Fits snugly in the track as I've tried to show in the attached photos. What am I missing?
User submitted photos of window hardware.
Profile picture of Paul
Paul from SWISCO responded:
August 6, 2015
That's normal. Some non-tilt sashes are not made to be removed. You will have to try your best to calculate the weight, though. You could detach the balances, place a scale on the sill, then gently lower the sash onto it. It's not the most accurate thing in the world but it would be better than nothing.
30" Series 400 Spiral Balance
30" Series 400 Spiral Balance
S400-30
$10.77
How to Identify a Replacement Spiral Balance
How to Identify a Replacement Spiral Balance
VIDEO
WATCH >
How to choose the proper spiral balance tip color
How to choose the proper spiral balance tip color
GUIDE
READ >
How to adjust a spiral balance on a non-tilt window
How to adjust a spiral balance on a non-tilt window
GUIDE
READ >
Reply to Thread
Use this form to ask a follow-up question or to share your experience regarding this subject.
(your email address will be kept private and is only used to inform you when a response has been made)
Current wait time is 3-4 business days
We promise that one of our experts will personally get back to you as soon as they are able. Thank you very much for your patience and understanding. If your inquiry is time-sensitive, please feel free to reach us at (888) 991-1929 or at help@swisco.com.