Window balance

Hi there!

You have an old rod-type balance that hasn't been made in many years. We may still be able to help but I'll need more information. 

Can you write out the diameter of the spring?  It should be either 1/2" or 3/8". I'm thinking it should be 3/8" but I want to be 100% sure. Can you also confirm the length of the balance? You'll want to measure an undamaged balance from the bottom of the red shoe to the top of the nylon cap at the other end. Finally, we'll need you to weigh your sash and tell us its precise weight, down to the ounce.

Thanks for getting back to us. This will have to be a custom order since the spring is 3/8" in diameter. The balance we'll be making you will have a ribbed metal channel and will use our 15-230 shoe. The design is very different from what you have now but we're confident it will work the same way. 

I still need you to weigh the window sash, however. That's the only way we can re-calculate how the spring ought to be calibrated. We won't be able to move forward without it, I'm afraid. 

Thanks for verifying! Emily isn't here today but I can help you out from here.

What I'll do now is email you a purchase link and price quote for two custom balances made as per Emily's description. To clarify, these are ribbed, 3/8" wide channel balances that are used as modern replacements for your older, obsolete assembly. I have a lot of experience with these and am confident that they will work, especially now that we have your sash weight.

Please let me know if you had any questions and I would be happy to assist you!