alcoa windows

A quick learner says:
April 17, 2015
We just bought a house that has the original Alcoa windows. The windows still look good besides they do not open very easily. We had someone look at them and he believes they need new springs put in and rebalanced. Do I just need to buy replacement balances for this?
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Tom from SWISCO responded:
April 17, 2015
If your windows do not open easily, then getting new balances could help, yes. Do you know what kind you have? If you aren't sure, you can take a few pictures of them for us to review.
A quick learner says:
April 17, 2015
These are the pictures of the windows. We aren't exactly sure what is needed. Just that we have an extremely hard time opening them.
User submitted photos of window hardware.
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Paul from SWISCO responded:
April 20, 2015
I think you should consider our Series 600 spiral balance. Please note that our balance tubes are made of metal, not plastic, so it should hold up better for you. Just confirm the length of the original (determined by measuring the tube) and the correct color tip (determined by sash weight). You pivot shoe should be similar to our 15-046, but carefully compare it to yours to be sure.

We have various videos and written guides that may help you. You can see them on the right hand side of this page.
28" Series 600 Spiral Tilt Window Balance
28" Series 600 Spiral Tilt Window Balance
S600-28
$9.28
Spiral Balance Charging Tool for Tilt Windows
Spiral Balance Charging Tool for Tilt Windows
75-006
$9.97
Pivot Shoe, 9/16" Thick
Pivot Shoe, 9/16" Thick
15-173
$2.72
How to replace a tilt window spiral balance.
How to replace a tilt window spiral balance.
VIDEO
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How to Identify a Replacement Spiral Balance
How to Identify a Replacement Spiral Balance
VIDEO
WATCH >
How to Remove a Pivot Shoe (Cutout Method)
How to Remove a Pivot Shoe (Cutout Method)
VIDEO
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How to remove window pivot shoes
How to remove window pivot shoes
VIDEO
WATCH >
Anatomy of a tilt window
Anatomy of a tilt window
VIDEO
WATCH >
How to choose the proper spiral balance tip color
How to choose the proper spiral balance tip color
GUIDE
READ >
How to adjust a spiral balance on a tilt window
How to adjust a spiral balance on a tilt window
GUIDE
READ >
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