need help identifying pivot shoe and pivot bars for replacement

Question

Hello! I'll apologize right now for this very long email. I appreciate your time reading through it!

I could really use your help identifying the pivot shoe and pivot bars in the attached photos. The shoe has the same width and height as Coil Balance Shoe, Slate Blue (Product Code: 15-177) but I am having trouble measuring the depth because I can't remove the shoe until I figure out how to release the tension.

The pivot bars have the number 7 on them. The length and the look of the bars with their oblong openings are similar to PivotTrue Pivot Bar (Product Code: 26-030).

Am I correct in identifying these two pieces? This is where I could use your expertise.

I also included a picture of what I believe are the coil balances. They don't need to be replaced; I just need to make sure I am safely releasing the tension so I don't make more of a mess for myself. I found this Swisco video --- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkSl9mC6aIA --- and feel it could help me, but if there is a better video, please send a link my way.

Lastly, how do you suggest I turn the metal can in order to unlock the break and release the tension when a portion of the metal can has broken off?

Thanks again for reading this email. I look forward to hearing back from you.

Tom · Accepted Answer

Hello! I agree with your assessment entirely: the 15-177 pivot shoe and 26-030 pivot bar appear to match your original parts quite nicely. The only thing you may want to triple check is the hole placement on the 26-030. I unfortunately can't make out your precise hole placement from your photo, but as long as our dimensions are the same then you should be okay.

As for how to release tension, what you need to do is use a flathead screwdriver to turn the metal cam of the shoe. This will unlock it, at which point the coil springs will try to yank it up to the top of the track with the same amount of force they're meant to apply to the sash weight. In other words, as soon as you turn the metal cam, you have to make sure you keep a firm grip of the screwdriver so that you can slowly, and gently, guide it up to the springs until they're fully retracted.

I do note that your metal cam is cracked, so I understand that this might be easier said than done. However it is the only way, so just make sure you're very careful. Make sure to turn the cam in such a way that the bulk of the metal is going to press up on the underside of the screwdriver. If the shoe gets away from you and shoots up the track, there is a risk it can damage the window. A firm grip should be all you need.