broken spiral tube

Question

I've narrowed down the part I need to: 28" SERIES 307 SPIRAL BALANCE. But this part comes with a RED tip and the 12 year-old parts I am trying to replace has a WHITE tip. The distance between the two pegs that stick out past the tip is 3/8". Is there another part similar to this, with a white tip instead of red? Or is the red tip 3/8" and suitable to replace what I have?

User submitted photos of a window balance.

Tom · Accepted Answer

Older balances like yours tend to use an outdated strength rating system. There's a good chance your old White tip is the same as our modern Red tip. I would recommend weighing your sash on a scale to get the exact weight. If it weighs 10 through 22 pounds, then the Red Tip option should work fine.