Window Balance

Question

Good Morning,Looking for help ID'ing this window balance. The stamp says 25-5-AX-CMC-1. The 1/2" metal channel without including the plastic pieces at the end is 26" long. The window weighs 25lbs (maybe that is what the 25 in the stamp is?)Thank you,
Steve

Bob · Accepted Answer

Hey Steve. It's a little confusing, but the '25' actually refers to the height of visible glass in the window sash. A non-tilt window channel balance is usually 1" longer than that height. Hence your balance is 26" long. The third digit on that stamp, the -5, is the strength rating. This corresponds to our stamp option of 2550, which denotes a balance that can support a window sash in the weight range of 25 through 28 pounds. So that makes sense given the sash weight you reported.

As far as the balance's identity, this looks like it's either an S380-26 or S385-26. The only difference between these two channel balances is the bottom nylon shoe depth. See below. Measure your old balance's shoe depth to see what matches best. For a stamp option, once again in either case choose 2550. Let me know if you have further questions!

Comparison of the S378, S380 and S385 balance shoes.