Vantage 1 Single Hung Slider Side Balance Sash Units

Home Owner from Seattle, WA

Sep 2, 2015 2:39 pm

I am trying to locate a set of side sash mechanisms for a Vantage 1 single-hung bottom slider window. On the window unit sill tag is 287-N-024. These side mechanisms are actual metal channel length of 13.62" and have the numbers 13 3 and BSI and a small op stamped into the channels. They are the 1/2" width style.

I believe I have narrowed it down to your Series 385 units and hope you could help confirm (the lower shoe is closer to the 1 3/32" deep 15-004 than the 1" deep 15-005). Also, would I order the 13" or 14" length from you for my 13.62" actual metal channel length.

I have attached pictures and would greatly appreciate any help on this - please let me know.

Thanks in advance,
Steve H

User submitted photo of their window hardware.

6 Replies

Paul from SWISCO

Sep 3, 2015 2:09 pm

Hello, Steve. I recognize this balance. Neither our Series 385 nor Series 380 will replace this. In fact, yours has to be custom made. That's not a big deal, but before we can get started can you just show me a picture of the metal clip at the end of the cord? Could you also tell me how many you need? Thanks!

As for the top sash guide, our 18-008 looks like a possible match.

Home Owner from Seattle, WA

Sep 4, 2015 12:25 pm

Here are 3 pics of the metal clip that is 1/4" wide. I will need only a pair for this one window - is it because the metal channel is 13.62" (as opposed to your 13'/14") long that they have to be custom made? Thanks, Steve.

User submitted photos of a window balance.

Tom from SWISCO

Sep 8, 2015 1:59 pm

Thanks! I have emailed you a custom ordering form for two of these, including price quote. You should receive it shortly.

There are a lot of reasons why these need to be custom made. The most important reason is because the pulley wheels are built into the shoe itself.

Home Owner from Oak Harbor, WA

May 20, 2024 2:16 pm

Hi Tom;

I have a similar problem (not exactly the same) as your customer above. These sash balancing mechanisms are a single piece with spring, cord, roller, etc. all in one subassembly. There does not appear to be a problem with the subassembly, but the whole mechanism on one side fell out of the window, and I can't figure out how to get it back in. I have tried pushing it up in the groove at the edge of the window, but it falls out again. Any advice you could provide will be greatly appreciated.

Cheers! Stu.

3 user uploaded images

Tom from SWISCO

May 22, 2024 3:20 pm

Hello, Stu. I'm sorry to hear that you're having trouble. I'm honestly not sure why your balance might be falling out of the window, especially if there's no obvious signs of damage. That makes me think that it could be an issue with the window, not the balance.

One way to confirm is to swap the balances. These work interchangeably for the left or right side, so try swapping them and see if the problem replicates. If the same balance falls out, despite being on a new side, then you can safely rule out the window as an issue and pursue balance replacement. If the other balance falls out on the same side, then it's a problem with the window. You should remove and examine the sash for any signs of damage.