Window Channel Balance parts - SWISCO Ref #7534031. Request for Assistance.

Question

Hi SWISCO! Topic is block and tackle window channel balances. I have removed the two balances from a single hung non-tilt window, as the window was not operating properly. One balance has an inked marking of: 32-9 IX CMC 11. The other balance is inked with: 32-9 EX CMC 4. From the CMC, I believe both balances were manufactured by Caldwell Manufacturing Co. I have two questions.

1) Though the manufacturer markings (CMC), length markings (32), and the window weight markings (9) are the same, the remaining markings (EX vs IX, and 4 vs 11) are different. Are these channel balances the same, or should both balances bear the exact same markings? If they should both be exactly the same, how do I determine which is the correct one and match it?

2) The end guides on both balances are different. One set of two guides has "wings" on both ends. The other does not. Should all guides be the same style? If yes, how do I determine/get the right set of wings? And by the way, your DIY videos on YouTube have been very well done, and helped me a lot in trying to understand these mechanisms. Thanks

Tom · Accepted Answer

Thanks for posting. I wouldn't worry too much about your stamps. The only important digits are the first three, "32" and "9." Everything else is largely irrelevant.

The problem with this, however, is the "9." Balances marked with 9 use an old rating system that is no longer used. You will need to weigh your sash on a scale to confirm its exact weight in order to determine what modern stamp option will work for you. All of our balances have a detailed chart showing how much weight each stamp supports.

But what balance do you need? Well, you mention that some of your balances have wings, while others do not. If all of your windows are identical, then they really should have the same attachments. It's possible someone repaired these in the past and just used whatever was on hand.

What do the majority of windows use? From your post, it sounds like most of them don't use wings. If that's the case, and once again assuming that all of these windows are otherwise identical, then it's probably a safe bet that you can use a wingless balance on that one particular window.

With that in mind, see our S390-33 channel balance. I think this could be a good option.