I have a tilt in 3x5 window which has a lower sash which weighs 17 lbs. The spiral balance has a plastic tube and its length is 29" and a diameter of 7/16". The metal portion extending from the bottom of the tube when fully retracted has an extended length of 1" and has two pins which are 7/16" from center to center. The tip color to the best of my determination is white.
Can you help me to determine the proper spiral balance I need to replace it with?
Bob
Hi there- thanks for reaching out to us.
We aren't aware of any spiral balances that are 7/16" in diameter. Could you confirm that measurement one more time please? The options for a tilt window are typically either 3/8" or 5/8" in thickness. All of the information seems to check out so far other than that.
It's really hard to say. I've never come across a balance in this size. It's possible your tube has warped from age or sun exposure and its size is not the same as it once was, but I can't be sure.
Ultimately, your only options are a 3/8" and 5/8" balance. There is no in-between. Your diameter is closer to 3/8" than it is to 5/8", so that may be the better option, but I can't imagine how a tube would increase in diameter. It's probably more likely that yours was 5/8" at one point and time and age reduced that.
This is just an educated guess. I cannot guarantee if either size will work. I'd really like to see a photo of your balance out of the window so that we can better get an idea of what you may have had. I'd like a clear picture of the top and bottom, as well as a photo of any shoe or pivot that connects to it.
Thanks for getting back to us. I agree with Tom, this should be either 3/8" or 5/8". Looking at your photo, it appears your balance has a plastic sleeve on it. I don't think that's the actual outer tube built into the balance itself. See if you can slide that sleeve off and measure the tub underneath.
