31.5" long channel balance

Quick Learner from san diego

Apr 11, 2015 6:35 pm

Hi,

I need one balance replacement as the cord is torn, looking at your website the closest one i think is the series 385 or 380, please compare to photo
cl/Series-385-Channel-Balances.

the length is also unclear as I measured 31.5" and you have 31 or 32.

User submitted a photo of a window balance.

9 Replies

Tom from SWISCO

Apr 16, 2015 10:32 am

I agree, this could be either our Series 385 or Series 380 channel balance. I cannot confirm which is closer, though. The only way to know is to carefully compare the size of the nylon attachments to yours. Which is closer?

As for length, make sure you're only measuring the metal channel. Do not include the nylon attachments in your length measurement.

Quick Learner from san diego

Apr 16, 2015 6:10 pm

Thank you, will measure the length again. I have attached a new picture of the bottom nylon - looking at the number of angles it appears closer to 15-004 in 385 than 15-005 in 380 which is more squarish.
agree?

Quick Learner from san diego

Apr 17, 2015 2:02 am

measured length - exactly 31.75"

Paul from SWISCO

Apr 17, 2015 10:41 am

Thank you. Don't worry about the shape so much, just focus on the size of the bottom shoe. If the 15-004 is a closer match in terms of dimensions, then the Series 385 is definitely the way to go. As for the length, it's a little harder to say. I don't know anyone who makes a balance channel in that size. Our S385-32 may work.

Quick Learner from san diego

Apr 19, 2015 2:41 pm

thank you. One last question - stamp option for the weight - which one? i see the following on the balance 31 6 AX CMC1

Paul from SWISCO

Apr 20, 2015 10:13 am

Sure, with a stamp of 31 6 I recommend our 3160 option. You may want to weigh your sash to confirm, though. Two balances with the 3160 option can hold a window sash weight of 32 through 35 pounds.

Quick Learner from san diego

May 11, 2015 6:30 pm

i did buy two of the 3160 option with length 32". unfortunately when I tried to install it I found out it doesn't fit because it doesn't slide all the way to fit in, the cord is too short. I attached a photo comparing the two new parts relative to what I have - it's a different design in terms of the spring length and cord length. any idea what I should buy? maybe 31"?

User submitted photo of their window balance.

Paul from SWISCO

May 13, 2015 3:25 pm

I'm not sure what you mean when you say it doesn't slide all the way to fit in. When you installed the balance in your window and tried closing the sash, did the sash travel all the way down to the sill? Or did it stop short of the sill? That's the only consequence I can think of for a string that is too short. Even then, our balances have replaced other balances like yours with no problem, regardless of string and spring size. Are you sure that's the issue?