Can you replace the string on an Andersen sash balance?

Hello there. It sounds like you need new Andersen Sash Balances. You can view our full selection here to start out. 

To determine which sash balance would be the best replacement for your application, we'll need to use the stamps printed on the original as a reference. The problem with that is that there are going to be a lot of stamps and not all of them are going to be relevant. I recommend removing the balance box from the header and then sending us pictures of each stamp you see printed on it. I can then pick out the right number and advise accordingly

The video below shows the best method of how to remove and replace Andersen sash balances. For further guidance, see our blog article on the topic here. 

Great! Thank you. The numbers you see printed around the "#" symbol are the ones we want. Not all Andersen balances include that symbol, but if they do then it's a tell-tale sign that its the code we're looking for. 

In your case, my top recommendation is our 24-531. This can replace balance boxes with the stamp 523, or 5#23 in your case. 

Please feel free to reach out if you had any other questions!

Hello! The cord is an integral part of the balance assembly. It extends from the box and cannot be replaced by itself; if the cord snaps for whatever reason, then you need an all new balance.

We do recommend replacing both balances on either side of the window at once, yes. As a rule, you never want to mix old and new balances. Balance springs tend to lose a little tension after years of consistent use, so an older balance will always be somewhat weaker than one that's brand new. That means that when you mix them, the newer balance will have to work extra hard to pick up the slack for its weaker cousin. This causes extra strain on the new part and eventually leads it to wearing out fairly quickly. 

As for cost, replacing the balances alone is far less expensive than replacing the entire window. You can see a detailed price breakdown on each balance's respective store page. See our full selection here.

If this is an Andersen window, then the only way to properly identify a match is to remove the old balance box and use the stamps printed on it as reference. Just note that there are usually multiple stamps, many of which are irrelevant, and it's not immediately obvious which one is the appropriate identifier. 

The good news is that we can help you out. If you were to submit photos of each stamp on your original balance box, I'd be happy to make a recommendation. I am very confident I can find you a match that way.

Hey, Mike, thanks for reaching out to us. If the cord breaks, then you need an all new balance assembly, yes. These balances don't just help open the window, they also keeps the window open when raised. Without them, your window won't be able to stay up.

To summarize it simply, the cord provides constant upward force to the window to counter-balance the constant downward force provided by gravity. If that upward force isn't present, or even if it's just improperly calibrated, then your window will not function properly.

Lastly, when it comes to Andersen balances then you need to replace the entire mechanism if anything on it breaks, including the cord. As mentioned above, I'd be happy to help you narrow down the list of possible replacement options. I just need a clear photo of each stamp printed on the box.

Hopefully this information helps. Feel free to reach out if you had any follow up questions!