Spiral Balances, What color do I need?

A quick learner from Wenonah NJ says:
August 19, 2019

I recently replaced a 30" 3/8" wide spiral balance that had a blue tip. As I see that there is no replacement for that color, I chose a green tip. I had wound it about three turns to tighten, but when I pulled it down,the new balance pulled completely thru the metal tube. The window is a small bathroom size, about 30" panes. What did I do wrong? What color do I need?

Jeff

Profile picture of Tom
Tom from SWISCO responded:
August 23, 2019

Thanks for contacting us, Jeff. Sorry you're having trouble. There are a couple things you should confirm before we go any further. First, can you tell me the exact weight of your sash? Please be as precise as possible. Can you also tell me the diameter of the outer tube of your original balance? Blue Tips are usually used on the thicker Series 600 spiral balance, which has a 9/16" diameter tube.
A quick learner from Wenonah NJ says:
September 6, 2019
Hello again,
Recalling what happened-
The window is just about 17 lbs.

My window is about 17 lbs. My original balance from around 1989 is the one on the right (broken pins). It
measures 7/16" had a white sleeve that made it 1/2".
It has a blue tip. I ordered a green tip (far left), because it was the same thickness as my old one (without the plastic tube). When I installed the new one which has a green tip, the whole mechanism pulled thru and broke when I shut the window. I ordered a new blue tip (has the same 1/2" diameter as the old one far right including the white outer tube, but wanted to double check with you before I proceed. I'm hoping I can use the last one I ordered (the new 1/2" blue tip second from left. If not, hoping I can return. Thanks for going thru all of this! Your help has always been great.
Jeff Rodriguez
Thumbnail of the uploaded file named 20190906_132629.jpg
Profile picture of Tom
Tom from SWISCO responded:
September 9, 2019

Yep, I definitely see the problem. The metal tube on our balances is the same as the plastic tube on your own balance, so the one you bought from us originally was way too skinny. I think the 9/16" Series 600 balance is a much better choice. You can return the Series 900; see our return policy here for more information.
30" Series 900 Spiral Balance
30" Series 900 Spiral Balance
S900-30
$9.25
How to replace a tilt window spiral balance.
How to replace a tilt window spiral balance.
VIDEO
WATCH >
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 tilt window
How to adjust a spiral balance on a 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.