cord broke on channel balance assembly

Quick Learner from Coeur d'Alene, ID
Aug 22, 2013 2:25 pm
I recently purchased and installed a S385-26 : 26" Series 385 Channel Balance. It may have been in service for a month or so. Yesterday the cord that runs on the pulley broke (it looks to be frayed) near the point where the clip attaches to the window frame. The knot was still attached to the clip that attaches to the window and the break happened maybe a inch away from the clip. I'm going to have to order a new channel balance but I'm wondering what caused the cord to break and how can we avoid this from happening, particularly this soon. This is the first window that has developed this problem but I've installed 6 new channel balances recently.
6 Replies

Tom from SWISCO
Aug 22, 2013 2:51 pm


Thanks for posting! Good to see you again. Sorry to hear that your balance failed. It may be a problem with the spring strength. I remember you saying that your window was around 23 pounds, which should have been perfect for the option you chose. Can you confirm the weight of your window sash?

Quick Learner
Aug 22, 2013 4:33 pm
For sure the weight is as I stated.

Tom from SWISCO
Aug 27, 2013 9:50 am


Ah, I see. That's very strange. We are still looking into what the problem may be. Please bear with us a little longer as we research a solution!

Quick Learner from Coeur d'Alene, ID
Aug 27, 2013 12:29 pm
Thank you. I appreciate you checking into this. I am concerned because I installed several channel balances at the same time in the same size window and I'd like to avoid the problem from happening. For sure I think I need a new channel balance.

Tom from SWISCO
Aug 28, 2013 11:31 am


We have one last question. When you installed this balance, did you replace both balances for that window sash, or just one? It is not recommended to have an old balance working side by side with a new one, as it can put extra strain on the new hardware.
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