Window balances.

Handy Person from New Jersey
I purchased four sets of replacement window sashes many years ago and installed them with Quaker replacement window channels. They worked fine for awhile but are no longer holding the windows open. I want to install window balances but do not know which ones to use. I don't know the make of the window sash sets and they were purchased from a lumber yard that is no longer in business. The sashes are as follows:

1. Both top and bottom sashes weigh less than twelve pounds each.
2. The top sash measures 30" wide by 27" long.
3. The bottom sash measures 30" wide by 28" long to the shortest point at the bottom.
4. Both sashes are 1 3/8" Thick and have a Somewhat "U" shaped channel along the side that measures approximately 5/8" across the top of the "U" and is approximately 5/8" deep.

I would need some type of counter balance and a way to attach it to the channel and window sash. Thank you in advance for your assistance.

Donald
4 Replies
Tom
Tom from SWISCO
SWISCO
Expert
Can you show me a picture of the balances currently in the window? I'd specifically like to see pictures of its top and bottom, as well as any stamp printed on it.
Handy Person from New Jersey
Quaker replacement window channels are a pressure holding type of window sash channel. They don't have a counter balance system. The pressure channels are no longer holding the sashes up and I want to add a counter balance system. Therefore, I can't show you the balance system since there isn't any. What would you recommend be added to counter balance the window sashes?
Paul
Paul from SWISCO
SWISCO
Expert
I believe you have wood sashes with an aluminum jamb liner, which has a press spring on the back of the liner. There are two options you can consider.

First, you can remove the sashes and one jamb liner and take them to any mill work and they can find a replacement jamb liner for you. This might be the ideal option, since you can get something specifically for your window.

Secondly, you can consider our 5/8" diameter non tilt window Series 500 spiral balance. This is commonly used on wood windows throughout the decades. Based on your dimensions, I think you could use our S500-26 for the top sash and S500-27 for the lower sash, along with a 17-012 balance bracket to attach it to the bottom of the sash. Being an old window, the sash might not be removable. However, we do have a possible solution.

With someone helping you, you will need to drop the new balance in from the top of the sash, screw it in at the top, then let the spiral drop down. You will then raise the sash and, while someone holds the sash in the open position, spin the spiral up to the bottom of the sash. Finally, with our 75-004 tool, give the balance about three turns to charge it and lock it to the end into the sash clip.

Let me know if you have any more questions.
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