I recently ordered spiral balances and needed to use 12 rotations to load the balances so the windows would stay fully up. When I loaded at 9 rotations it would stay half up. The original balances were red tips and ths sash weight is 21-22lbs. I need additional balances for other windows and was wondering if I should select blue tips to avoid loading the balances so heavily? I would appreciate your feedback on this.
Thank you
Spiral Balances won't keep my windows up!

Home Owner
Jun 28, 2012 2:36 pm
5 Replies

Paul from SWISCO
Jun 28, 2012 2:58 pm


Thanks for posting. Our S600-28 spiral balances with red tips should be able to hold your window up without problem. They can support a window sash weight range of 7 through, and including, 29 pounds.
The blue tip's weight capacity is slightly higher at 12 through, and including, 31 pounds.
When you charged your balance, did you at any point feel resistance? It usually doesn't take so many turns to charge a spiral balance. Do you have the correct length and diameter for your balance? What were the dimensions for your original hardware?
Please keep in mind that the weight range information is based on 2 balances per sash. Balances are designed assuming friction in the jamb weather-strip will carry a portion of the sash weight. Suggested sash weights are approximate.
The blue tip's weight capacity is slightly higher at 12 through, and including, 31 pounds.
When you charged your balance, did you at any point feel resistance? It usually doesn't take so many turns to charge a spiral balance. Do you have the correct length and diameter for your balance? What were the dimensions for your original hardware?
Please keep in mind that the weight range information is based on 2 balances per sash. Balances are designed assuming friction in the jamb weather-strip will carry a portion of the sash weight. Suggested sash weights are approximate.

Quick Learner
Jun 28, 2012 4:30 pm
I did not feel any resistance until about 7 or 8 rotations. I am using 2 spirals per sash and the lengths are the same as the original spirals. There was 2 small 2" x 1" adhesive squares with a brush nylon on one side that were on the top corners (lower sash) that have fallen off most of the windows. Do I need to replace these and if so do you carry the squares. Again is there a problem with my using blue balances even if red balances should be sufficient?

Paul from SWISCO
Jul 3, 2012 2:08 pm


Thanks for getting back to us. There is no problem using the blue tips, as they fall into the same weight range as the red tips.
As for the adhesive squares, I am not sure what part this would be. Can you please upload a few pictures of them for me to look at?
As for the adhesive squares, I am not sure what part this would be. Can you please upload a few pictures of them for me to look at?

Home Owner
Jul 9, 2012 12:50 pm
I just re-checked the merchandisr received and found that there 2 3/8" spirals of 15" and 6 5/8" spirals of 26". My order was for 16 Red spirals 28" and 16 Blue spirals of 28". It is obvious that the orders were mis labeled and I have received someone elses order. Please contact me ASAP
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