Spiral Balancer

Handy Person from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Sep 16, 2026 7:39 am

I am in search of replacement spiral balancaers for wooden non tilt sash windows. The exsixting balancers are 23 inch in length, .572 inches in diameter (with paint) and the weight of the window is approximately n11 pounds as you can see from the photos attached. I am also interested in screws and especially the corect bracket that attaches to the bottom of the window and instructions on installation and charging of the balancers.

5 user uploaded images

6 Replies

Tom from SWISCO

Sep 21, 2026 11:59 am

Hello! These are very old balances that haven't been made in a long time. The good news is that we sell modern replacements that work well as alternatives. See our S500-23 spiral balance, along with the 17-012 bottom bracket (sold separately). For an 11 pound sash, I recommend the Red Tip weight option.

Handy Person from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Sep 21, 2026 12:41 pm

Hello, thanks so much. I also purchased a charging tool. How many turns per side/balancer will I need at a minimum? I understand that both sides need to be charged equally. Is there a video or instructions as well somewhere?

Tom from SWISCO

Sep 21, 2026 2:36 pm

You want to give it 3 or 4 charges at first, then test it out. If the window still sags, remove the sash and give it another few charges.

It's a bit of a pain but you want to do it piecemeal like that; too many charges and you risk damaging the balance. Better to take it slow and remove that risk entirely.

Handy Person from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Sep 21, 2026 3:17 pm

One more question, how far down should the spiral portion of the balancer extrude from the balancer casing while you "chgarge? At that point should you push it upwards? or will it automatically pull up? It would seem that the more you charge the stronger the "pull"?

Tom from SWISCO

Sep 22, 2026 9:08 am

You should only pull the balance down a couple inches to charge, if that. Don't yank it out all the way. You also don't want to overcharge; if you charge it too many times, you risk damaging the balance irreparably. Charge it a couple turns at a time, install to test tension, and then charge a little more if it's not enough.