Trying to Identify Channel Balance

Question

I've found several balances that look like the top of mine but the bottom part (shoe?) doesn't match.  Can you help?  The balance is ½" by 28" and has the number 2740 stamped on it.

Bob · Accepted Answer

Hi, and thanks for contacting SWISCO. Most likely the bottom nylon shoe of your channel balance is broken--the toe has either snapped off or has worn down. Given the length and stamp number you provided, you likely need either our S380-28 or S385-28, with stamp option 2740. The only difference between these two parts is the 'depth' of the nylon shoe; on the S380-28 the shoe has a depth of 1", whereas it is fractionally longer on the S385-28 (1-3/32").

Is there another channel balance that is undamaged? If so, compare with the two parts I listed above and see what matches best. If you cannot do this for some reason, the S385-28 is the safer bet to go with. If the nylon shoe proves to be slightly bigger than what you need, you can always use sand paper to rub the toe of the shoe down a little.