Vinyl window spiral balance shoe

Contractor from Boston, Massachusetts

Aug 19, 2025 9:27 am

The slot in these shoes is molded in vinyl, which has embrittled
I will probably need to consider new balances at the same time for these windows.

2 user uploaded images

6 Replies

Contractor from Boston, Massachusetts

Aug 25, 2025 11:03 am

I would like to connect to follow up the inquiry about balandce shoes for vinyl windows.

I may also need a jamb spreader...??

I see a post indicating more information is needed... but no specifics..

Thanks very much

Tom from SWISCO

Aug 25, 2025 1:18 pm

Thanks for your patience during this busy season. You have an older style pivot shoe that is unfortunately no longer made. The good news is that our 15-046 can be used to replace it. Just make sure to check our dimensions before you buy anything to ensure that they're the same.

If your window has no cut out, then you could purchase the jamb spreaders to help with that. However I personally find that the jamb spreaders are a big investment for someone who is only repairing a small handful of windows. If you expect to get more use out of it in the future then it would be good to have on hand, otherwise it's probably easier to just make your own cutout as per the video below.

Contractor from Boston, Massachusetts

Aug 25, 2025 2:51 pm

This is very excellent information ~~ Thank You Tom...
I will verify the size and other issues and get back after Labor day to order.
Really appreiate the primer on installing the shoes by cutting a discreet slot.

Have a good holiday

Greg

Contractor from Boston, Massachusetts

Aug 26, 2025 3:39 pm

We're making great progress here thank you... I'll need a price on the tilt latch shown and also please help with your opinion. It looks like the measurement I have corresponds with the new replacement item that you stock now that you quoted to me.. Does that look right to you?
The spiral balances seemed to measure 32 inches overall I would like a quotation on those as well. I assume it's the case that in the given length there is only one amount of torsion so I don't need the weight of the window,, correct?
thanks very much.

4 user uploaded images

Tom from SWISCO

Aug 27, 2025 10:54 am

It's not possible to accurately garner the size of the pivot shoe while it's still installed. I'm reasonably confident that our 15-046 will work with you, but you won't know for sure if it's the same size until you take it out first. That's just what you gotta do for this kind of project.

Regarding the tilt latch, see our 26-243A and 26-244A. As long as our dimensions here match up then they should work well on this window.

Lastly, for the spiral balance, it will be either the 3/8" diameter Series 900 or the 9/16" diameter Series 600. You need to measure the diameter of the outer tube to verify.

One balance length can have multiple weight options, so unfortunately it's not quite as simple as you assume. Fortunately you can just refer to the color bearing at the end of the balance to determine which weight option is appropriate. If there is no color bearing, or if it's too faded to make out, then you will need the sash weight.