channel balances

Quick Learner from USA

Nov 7, 2016 12:36 pm

Im looking to replace the current channel balances I have. I looked on the website and saw that the Series 385 was very similar to what I currently have and needed some additional guidance.

Channel Balance is 30

User submitted photos of a top sash guide.

9 Replies

Quick Learner from USA

Nov 7, 2016 3:59 pm

Upon further investigating, it appears the brittle plastic piece that is screwed into the window frame is the cause of the springs inability to stay down. The two photos submitted shows the issue....do you have these parts available for all of my windows?

Tom from SWISCO

Nov 10, 2016 9:18 am

Thank you for posting. Please take a look at product 18-166 top sash guide and compare that to what you currently have. Please get back to us and let us know how that works out for you.

Quick Learner

Nov 10, 2016 10:53 am

I ordered 42 if them from you on Tuesday. That was the correct part. Could you confirm the proper channel guides if needed? Is it series 385?

Tom from SWISCO

Nov 10, 2016 12:23 pm

Great, thank you for the order! I'm glad it worked out. I cannot say for sure if the Series 385 is a match. There is no way to identify the balance based on just the top sash guide. The only way to confirm is to carefully compare the details and information we show for this balance to what you have installed now.

Quick Learner

Nov 10, 2016 1:00 pm

Thanks for the speedy reply. Would code numbers and photos assist you?

Tom from SWISCO

Nov 11, 2016 12:29 pm

Thank you. It's tough to say. It would be either the S380-30 or S385-30 but I can't confirm which. You will need to carefully go over the information we show on our site to confirm the best match.

Quick Learner

Nov 14, 2016 4:31 pm

Appreciate all the guidance you have provided. After studying and reviewing the current channel guides I have another question. It appears the only difference between the S385 and S380 is one dimension in depth on the attached shoe. The S385 is 1 & 3/32" while the S380 is 1.0". Am I missing any other differences? Thanks again!!

Tom from SWISCO

Nov 15, 2016 11:36 am

Nope, that's the only difference. All you have to do is measure your shoe to determine which is better. Also, make sure to keep wear in mind when you measure; to be more specific, due to friction over the years, your shoe might be a little smaller than it was originally.