Window has trouble opening despite lubrication

Question

Hello, I am a homeowner with a problem window.
My wife opens this window constantly for ventilation while she works will oil based paints (artist).

a while back the window was difficult to open, I sprayed WD-40 and window worked well, Now a couple of months later, the same window will not stay open.

Per research on your site, I have determined that my spiral balances are toast.
I have 3/8 " 29 inch length, spiral balances,
No colored tab was seen on either side, the window weighs 9.5 lbs, (completely removed per your instructions). Dimensions are 22"w x 30"L. I also saw what I would call an alignment tab, broken on the lower extremity of the window edge. Do you have that part also? Photos of all attached. Thanks in advance for your help. Larry

User submitted photo of their window hardware.

Tom · Accepted Answer

Hey, Larry. I'd be happy to help you out. Let's tackle the broken metal tab first. This is known as a "pivot bar" or "tilt bar," and I believe you have an older version of our 26-041. It's hard to tell, though. Check it out and let me know if you could use this in your window.

As for the spiral balance, you may still be able to salvage it. The good thing about spiral balances is that you can wind them to give them a bit more strength. I would give this a shot first just to make sure. Check out the guide below for instructions on how you can do this.

Guide: How to adjust a spiral balance on a tilt window

If you just want to replace the balances anyway for a clean start, then I would recommend our Series 900 spiral balance, since it appears you have the thinner 3/8" tube. If I'm mistaken and you have the larger 5/8" tube, see our Series 600 instead.