spiral balances

Quick Learner from Cudahy, Wisconsin 53110
May 28, 2010 12:57 am
Hello, I am just trying to get to know my windows. How do I get to the spiral to measure the correct length? I think the diameter is 3/8ths. Also, do you have directions on how to replace the spirals and charge them? Thank-you, Cheryl B.
6 Replies
Dave Sr.
Dave Sr. from SWISCO
May 28, 2010 5:47 am
SWISCO
EXPERT
First make sure you know you have a tilt sash window or a non-tilt sash window. Use a measuring tape to measure the width of the metal tube and the length of it, not including the plastic cap. We have a few guides for adjusting tilt and non-tilt window spiral balances. Knowing which type of sash window you have will make it easier to know how to remove the Spiral Balance.
Quick Learner from Cudahy, Wisconsin 53110
Jun 1, 2010 1:43 pm
Hi, My windows are tilt windows. I don't know how to get the length, as I can not see the whole spiral; especially the end of it. Are spirals the same for all window brands,and are the only things I need to do is measure them and know what color tips they have? Also, when a person changes the spirals, are there any other parts that may need replacement that I should check-for the windows to be balanced and stay up? Some of my windows slam down, but one falls down slowly only about three inches and another starts to drop on the right side only. Could those two possibly just need to be adjusted? Thank-you for your help. Cheryl B. Oh, the windows were from Window Specialists in Milwaukee, Wisc. which is now out of business. They are Thermal-Gard. Thanks again.
Dave Sr.
Dave Sr. from SWISCO
Jun 2, 2010 6:57 am
SWISCO
EXPERT

The instruction for adjusting tilt window spiral balances is what you will need to refer to if you want to charge your balances.

Also make sure you have the 75-006 charging tool. To get the Spiral balances out you want to get a slotted screwdriver and remove the sash covers at the top, they should expose the balance that's screwed in. If you want to remove the balance, just remove it from the shoe with the charging tool and unscrew it and it should come out. Then you can easily measure the tube and get its measurement. Send us pictures if you hit a snag in the process, and we'll see how we can help.

Quick Learner from Cudahy, Wisconsin 53110
Mar 26, 2012 12:40 pm
I'm sorry I don't know how to put pictures on the computer. The pivot shoe 15-047 has the same thickness and width as mine. The only difference is that there are three slots for the spiral placement on 15-047(two on mine)(doesn't seem like that should matter?), the height is 1/4th taller(15-047) and 0n 15-047 the round hole on the bottom front of the pivot shoe is black on 15-047and on mine it is the ivory color just like the rest of the shoe. I'm thinking this is the right one but I need to know if the color of that hole on the lower front(I'm talking about the hole in which the window sash medal tip is placed to hold the window) are those holes different sizes? I've noticed some of these holes are blue,red,ivory for example.I'm thinking if the holes are different sizes the window would not stay in or its medal stem might not fit in. I'm also thinking if my pivot shoe is1/4 inch shorter this would not make a difference. Would it? Thank-you so much for your help. I am excited to be learning about this as my windows have functioned poorly for some time and it doesn't seem that difficult to repair them.

Cberyl
Quick Learner from cudahy
Mar 27, 2012 2:53 pm
I wrote the statement above (yesterday 12:40pm) Could someone please answer? The pivot shoes are for tilt-windows,5/8" diameter series 600 spiral balances, 17" and 19" lengths. From something else I read, it looks like the holes at the bottom of the pivot shoe are called the "cam" is that correct?It does seem like they come in different sizes-correct? I explained the pivot shoe the best I can. Can someone help? I don't see an exact match on your website.I will be ordering alot of parts, most of them I have identified except for the pivot shoe and sash stop. Thank-you! Cheryl
Tom
Tom from SWISCO
Mar 27, 2012 3:17 pm
SWISCO
EXPERT
Hey Cheryl,

The differences in all of our pivot shoes (and many of the other replacement hardware) is so subtle and so specific that it is very difficult to identify without seeing a picture.

For example, if you look at our Pivot Lock Shoes for tilt windows, you'll see how many of these are very similar in appearance.

If you're not confident in your identification of your replacement pivot shoe, it is strongly recommended you submit a couple pictures so we can take a look and help you.
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