Triple coil convert to double coil?

A quick learner from Hugo, MN says:
October 3, 2012
I currnetly have a double hung window that I destroyed the coil balances on. The supports broke and the coils got twisted up a result. Had I seen one of these videos I would have learned that hte pivot shoe had a brake on it that could have saved me a lot of time. Anyway the current setup is a triple 5 lbs coil on each side is it okay to convert to a double 7.5 lb coil? Will one make it the operation of the window any smoother or more difficult? If I increase coil streght will window operation get smoother or can it actually be easy to have too much counter balance?
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Paul from SWISCO responded:
October 4, 2012
Thanks for posting! I'm sorry to hear you're having so much trouble. Actually, adding a stronger balance than was meant for your window sash will make it harder to open, not smoother. I can help you determine what coil balance you'd need, but I just need to know a bit more about what you have.

If at all possible, can you give me the weight of your window sash? Can you also send a couple pictures of an undamaged balance still in the window track, if possible? Let me know!
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Tom from SWISCO responded:
October 4, 2012
We would have to know the weight of your sash before we can say whether or not it's a good idea to upgrade to 7.5 pound coils. If you had 5 pound coils originally, there is probably a reason for it. Like Paul said, if your coils are too strong, your window may be too hard to open.

That said, it's possible that the 5 pound coils were the incorrect choice in the first place. If so, then moving up to 7.5 wouldn't be a bad idea. But we will need to know the sash weight either way.
A quick learner from Hugo, MN says:
October 4, 2012
I dont have pics of an undamaged one but the current setup is three 5 lbs 35in coils on each side. What I am wondering is can I simplify this with two 7.5 lbs coails for each side instead? I can try to wiegh the window sash if need be but know the current setup, I just want to know if I can go from triple 5 lbs to dual 7,5lbs.
1/2" Coil Double Support
1/2" Coil Double Support
15-150D
$1.57
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