Replacement CMC channel balancers

Question

I have a huge house full of Milgard aluminum windows. Most are single hung, non-tilting. I have a client who sells Milgard windows and he came over to help me with some of the windows that are harder to open. He showed me how to take them apart and get to the balancers. He sprayed them with Tri-Flow and many are so much better now. However, he did say that my windows are quite old and would benefit from new balancers. So, the windows that we open a lot are of 2 sized grids. For the larger of the 2 windows, the balancer is stamped "20-4 CJ5 CMC 34". The smaller ones are stamped "15-2 F15 CMC 50". I would like to purchase some of these, along with some of the takeout clips (I have a couple of windows that are missing them).

So, my question is which ones I should buy from you? Which ones match? Second, I see that their are differing sash weight options....does this deal with how easy the window opens? I don't want a balancer that is so strong that it is difficult to open the window.

Any input would be greatly appreciated...and then I can order!
Mike G

Tom · Accepted Answer

I'm afraid I cannot identify what you have based on this information alone. Those stamps you gave me are not used to identify anything other than the spring strength. I recommend that you look at our Channel Balance Home Page and follow the steps in order to find the Series that best matches what you have.

Speaking of the spring strength, you only want the option that best matches your sash weight. In your case, I would go with the 21" long balance, 2040 option (for the 20-4 stamp) and the 16" long balance, 1520 option (for the 15-2 stamp). Stronger isn't always better, and in fact a spring that is too strong will prevent your window from closing. You can always weigh your sash on a scale to confirm exactly what will work best.