Upper Sash doesn't sag, but it won't go all the way to the top

Question

Hello! Your website, with pictures and explanations is wonderful!! Based on a previous post, I ordered your 26-125 pivot bar because the previous pivot bar's plastic housing was very cracked, which also cracked the bottom of my sash. You recommended the 26-125 for more stability. The 26-125 works great! However, it measures 2-3/4, instead of 3". I didn't think it would matter, but I could use a little extra width overall. Do you offer something similar that's a little longer?

One more question. I replaced all of my spiral balances as many of my sashes were sagging. One particular upper sash (the same one where I replaced the pivot bars with 26-125) doesn't sag, but I am unable to push it all the way to the top without it slipping out of the pivot shoes. I am positive that my new spiral balances are the same length as the old ones, so I am hesitant to order shorter spiral balances. Any recommendations? When pushing up the upper sash, it stops about 1" shy of reaching the top.

Any advice is appreciated. Love your website and your advice. And, my pivot bar parts were delivered much faster than expected. Thanks again!

Dave Sr. · Accepted Answer

We unfortunately don't carry a longer pivot bar that's similar in design to the 26-125. What I do to repair a cracked bottom rail is to use the original pivot bar (in your case, the 26-125) along with a "washer" behind the screw. The washer helps hold the crack in the sash rail together. Just note that this is a temporary fix and that you should consider replacing the sash entirely at some point.

As for the balance, it does sound like the one you installed for that top sash is too long. Take note that the balance used for the top sash isn't always the same size as the bottom. You always have to check. In some cases it will be shorter by an inch or two. If you have another window of the same size in the house, check the that balance as a reference.