Could you kindly let me know the part number and cost for the window channel balance replacement part as described in the 5 attached photos? Length (metal end to metal end): 33" End width (plastic part): (1 +1/16)" Part info printed on original window balance: 32 5 DV CMC 7 Thank you very much! Qiang

Window Channel Balance Replacement : SWISCO.com

Home Owner from San Diego, California

Mar 27, 2023 8:04 pm

Could you kindly let me know the part number and cost for the window channel balance replacement part as described in the 5 attached photos?

Length (metal end to metal end): 33"
End width (plastic part): (1 +1/16)"
Part info printed on original window balance: 32 5 DV CMC 7

Thank you very much!

Qiang

5 user uploaded images

7 Replies

Casey from SWISCO

Mar 28, 2023 2:34 pm

With this combination of attachments, you could have either the S380-33 or S385-33 channel balance. You’ll need to measure as shown below. The Series 380 has a 1" bottom attachment, and the Series 385 has a 1-3/32" attachment. If your bottom fitting measures over 1", I would recommend going with the S385 since it can wear down a bit over time from rubbing against the window jamb.

You'll also need 3250 spring strength options for your replacement balances. Thank you and let us know if you have any other questions or concerns.

Comparison of the S380 and S385 balance shoes.

Home Owner from San Diego, California

Apr 6, 2023 5:26 pm

Hi, I have ordered your S385-33 channel balances with 3250 spring strength option per your expert recommendation for replacement. When trying to install the replacement balances, I noticed that the two plastic parts (one on the Left and the other on the Right) on the window sash appear to have been installed in two different orientations as shown in the attached three photos:
Photo #1: Window sash
Photo #2: Plastic part on the left of the window sash
Photo #3: Plastic part on the right of the window sash

My questions:
a) Are the plastic parts installed correctly, or they both should be installed facing the same orientation instead? And if same orientation, which orientation is correct?
b) Are these the correct plastic parts on the sash to work correctly with S385-33 channel balances, or a different plastic part should have been used as these parts somehow don't seem appropriate to me for holding the balances on the sash (e.g. perhaps incorrect plastic parts had somehow been installed previously)?

Thank you very much!
Qiang

3 user uploaded images

Home Owner from San Diego, California

Apr 6, 2023 5:38 pm

Also:
c) What is this plastic part on the sash called, and its SWISCO part #?
d) Could you kindly show me a video of how the channel balances are held in place on the window sash after installation and in normal use? And what typical plastic parts are installed on the sash to hold the channel balances in place?

Thanks,
Qiang

Casey from SWISCO

Apr 7, 2023 9:19 am

The part in your photos is called a top sash guide but the left one is upside down. If you flip it around and reinstall it, you should be good to go as long as they are not damaged. Our best match for this guide is the 18-009 but the top would need to be shaved down. Take a look at the part specifications and our video below.

Detail of 18-009

Side view of 18-009

Home Owner from San Diego, California

Apr 9, 2023 11:07 pm

Thanks Casey,
Your parts 18-188 and 18-008 seem look more similar than 18-009 to our existing top sash guide. Would 18-188 and/or 18-008 also work well as replacement for our existing guide?
Thanks,
Qiang

Casey from SWISCO

Apr 10, 2023 8:08 am

You are welcome to purchase a few different top sash guides to try in your window but we have had the most success with the 18-009. The determining factor would be to review the dimensions shown on our product pages to see which option measures closest to your guide.