I cannot open window to remove the balance

Thanks for all the videos and good info.

I have about 7 PGT single-hung, no-tilt windows in house with the same problem: i can't open the window to remove the broken channel balance.

The broken channel balance is out of the lower sash except for some length still inside the sash. Most of the channel balance is visible above the lower sash but the balance has somehow jammed the window closed. I grip the channel balance but i cannot move it --- it won't go up or down and i can't raise the window so i can't get the broken balance out. Most of the bad windows have one broken and jammed balance on the right side, a few on the left.

These appear to be the block/tackle type of channel balance but I can't order a replacement because i can't get it out of the window.

Please advise.

walt

Thanks for the info, the video is helpful.

However, unlike the video, in my case the window sash could not be raised to remove it in order to replace the top sash guide.

I had to take a dowel and a hammer to hammer the channel balance away from the sash. When the sash guide broke the balance shot up and jammed into the sash, freezing everything. When I hammered the balance away from the sash the window sash became moveable and I could then get everything out as per the video.

Can anyone help in identifying this balancer. It's mounted to the top of the window.i believe it was installed around 1983.