Window Balance Replacement

Question

Please help identify the correct window balance I need based on the pictures. The length of the metal rode is 27 inches. The weight of the window is 13.8 pounds. Does the number m 26-2 mean anything? I thought the number 26 should match the length of the metal rode but that doesn't seem to be the case. I took the measurement of the metal part only excluding the plastic attachments.

Also, the balance catch I have is plastic and doesn't come out 45 degrees as shown in most of the online videos. The issue is, the plastic balance catch doesn't grip the balance because it doesn't come out and makes it difficult to remove the assembly. Is is something easy to replace? If so, please provide suggestions.

Bob · Accepted Answer

Thanks for posting. This looks like an S377-27 Channel Balance. Good question on the stamp--that '26' actually refers to the height of visible glass in the window sash, which is typically 1" less than the metal channel length. Hence the discrepancy. For the balances stamped 26-2, choose a 2620 stamp option. For the balances stamped 26-4, go with 2640.

These old Pan Am balances used a different balance clip--see the 16-023. Let me know if you have further questions about any of this hardware!