Balance identification for conventional tilt vinyl windows

A home owner from Falmouth says:
June 13, 2016
I'm in the process of replacing spiral window balances in 20-yr.old conventional tilt vinyl windows. How do I determine the correct balance weight rating to order if there are no numbers on the balance? Also, some windows have jambs that have pulled away (old house) leaving the sashes barely hanging on to the jambs by the tilt-release tabs. Any suggestion as to how best to move the jambs back in? As it turns out, my windows have a spring wound around a steel shaft (see attached).
Some of the sashes are very difficult to raise and lower because the springs bind.

Are these replaceable or even
User submitted photos of a window balance.
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Paul from SWISCO responded:
June 15, 2016
Hello! There should have been an outer tube over this balance. There may be part of it still attached at the top. Manufacturers use the diameter of this outer tube to determine the size. If it's 5/8" or 9/16", then I recommend our Series 600 spiral balance. If it's 3/8", we recommend the Series 900 instead. As for determining the correct weight rating, you will need to weigh your sash on a scale.

I'm not sure what your jamb issues may be. Could you show me a picture? That would help clear things up.
A home owner from Falmouth says:
June 23, 2016
Hello, Paul,

The outer tube has cracked and fallen away on several of the balances. The balances do not seem to resemble the spiral balances in Series 600 and 900 you mentioned. Mine are more of a coil around a steel shaft. Are these replaceable?

Also, the jam appears to have moved away from the sash.
(photos attached)

Thank you,
Steve
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Paul from SWISCO responded:
June 23, 2016
Our balances look like that on the inside, too. The only difference is that our outer tubes are metal, not plastic. You will need to try your best to measure the size of your outer tube to find the best match.
A home owner from Vinalhaven, ME says:
June 27, 2016
Hi, Paul,

I measured the plastic tube around the steel shaft and it's 1 5/8 inches around. Does that make sense?

Thanks,
Steve
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Paul from SWISCO responded:
June 27, 2016
Hey, Steve. It sounds like you're measuring the circumference of the tube. The important measurement is its diameter.
A home owner from Vinalhaven, ME says:
July 25, 2016
Hi, Paul,

The balances I have are 9/16 in diameter and have blue tips.

What's my next step?

Thanks,
Steve
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Paul from SWISCO responded:
July 26, 2016
Thanks! If the outer tube's diameter is 9/16", then I recommend our Series 600 spiral balance.
32" Series 600 Spiral Tilt Window Balance
32" Series 600 Spiral Tilt Window Balance
S600-32
$9.98
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