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Spiral balance help

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Quick Learner
Feb 9, 2026 4:58 pm
 I had questions regarding my spiral balance. I believe it’s 18 inches, 5/8 with orange tip. I do not see how it was hooked in to the sash since both spiral balances were already hanging loose. Also the little plastic tabs on the sides at the top and bottom. I’d like to know what they are and do they need to be removedI need the little tool also to install. And can I remove that sash? It doesn’t seem to push far enough to one side to remove it. Let me know if you need anything else thank you.
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Quick Learner
Feb 10, 2026 8:02 am
Good morning, following up from my discussion yesterday. My window is a non-tilt single hung aluminum window from the mid 1970s. I need to know what balance to buy.It is 5/8 x 18“. With a single T hook on the bottom. I don’t see where the Shoe is to hook the balance. I assume it’s in the inside channel of the section but I can’t see it. Is there a way to remove this window? He pushes to one side almost enough to clear it, but not quite, the bottom part of the actual will clear the frame, but the top is still in slightly. Also, Steve sent me a video but it shows for a tilt window. Mine is a non tilt. I’d like to get the window out if I could so I could see if the parts are there to hook the balance into when I load it.
 
Thank you
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Paul
Paul from SWISCO
Feb 10, 2026 1:51 pm
SWISCO
Expert

Hello,

You appear to have a hurricane window with non-removable sashes. The nylon pieces on the face of your sash are face guides; don't remove them, or they will break. You'll need (5/8") S500-18 red tip spiral balances. Raise the sash and look under it with a light to see if there is a bracket to catch the bow tie at the end of the spiral. Our 75-005 charging tool is very helpful in installing this balance to the sash bracket. Thanks for posting!

Guide: How to adjust a spiral balance on a non-tilt window
How to adjust a spiral balance on a non-tilt window
Quick Learner from Fla
Feb 11, 2026 7:40 am
thanks Paul, i have raised the lower sash but can't see quite good enough to locate a bracket which must be in the channel of the sah frame. Can you give me any kind of similar pic of what it should look like ?  I'm assuming there is no way to replace it without taking the whole window out ?  thanks for you help, Bob
Paul
Paul from SWISCO
Feb 11, 2026 8:37 am
SWISCO
Expert

If you don't see a bracket attached directly to the bottom of the sash, it is most likely on the inner corner. These are not easily replaced since the sash is non-removable. If the brackets are still intact, you can just reattach the new balances to the brackets. You can see some examples in our selection here. 

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