Coil Window Balance Question

Thanks for reaching out! Your coil balance assembly reminds me of the Series 140 Quick-Tilt Balance. To determine if this is the right replacement, you'll need to carefully compare the dimensions from the pivot shoe.

I see that the assembly in the window is stamped with a 14, so I am assuming that this is a 28lb sash. Although, you may want to double check the sash weight to confirm this.

Alternate image for S140-14

This coil balance assembly is compatible with either the 26-398 and 26-405 rounded end pivot bars. To confirm which of these is the right replacement for your sash, you'll need to compare the dimensions below.

Detail of 26-398

Alternate image for 26-405

I'll need to see a clear photo of the entire tilt latch to identify the right replacement. I'll also need to know the measurements for the distance between the installation holes, from center to center. Unfortunately, I am not able to identify it by the latch thumb lever or the "tongue". 

Your pivot bar looks a lot like the 26-407 Corner Pivot Bar. Carefully look over the dimensions and compare them to your existing pivot par to determine if this is the right fit.

Unfortunately, we do not carry the compatible rivet to secure the part to the side of the sash.

Alternate image for 26-407

Hi Roland,

You are correct, this pivot bar is not an exact replacement for your existing pivot bar but it is the closest match we carry. There is a bit of wiggle room in the pivot shoe cam since the this pivot bar has a different shape, so the sash may rock mildly during operation of the window but it should still work fine as a replacement.

In regard to the coil assembly in the window, the spring strength needed will depend on the weight of the sash. Two of the S140-14 Quick-Tilt Balances will support a sash weight of 28lbs, which means the assembly stamped with a 20 will support a sash weighing 40lbs. Since the original hardware is stamped with a 14, I believe the S140-20 would be way too strong for the sash weight.

Hi Roland,

Unfortunately, there isn't any compromise I can really make in the situation. It would ultimately be up to your discernment.

If you put a balance assembly in the window that is stronger than needed, that will (at the very least) guarantee that the pivot shoe will become damaged again very soon. Worse case scenario it could put unnecessary force on the pivot bar causing irreparable damage to the sash frame. If the window is locked, the pressure from those coil springs has to go somewhere.

Window balances are made for one specific reason, to hold the weight of a sash. This means that the sashes weight directly correlates to the spring strength required for that window. That said, the existing balance could be incorrect but the only way to know what spring you're going to need is to obtain the exact weight of the sash. This is also the best way to ensure that you do not have to make these repairs routinely.

I hope this helps!