new balancers broke

Quick Learner from Seattle, Washington
I ordered a couple balancers that I thought would be the right ones but they broke immediately. I am not sure what the windows weigh but here is a photo of the new broken balancers and the old broken balancer.

I ordered S385-20 1930

thanks! Brian
User submitted photos of a window balance.
7 Replies
Tom
Tom from SWISCO
SWISCO
Expert
Thanks for posting, Brian. I'm sorry to hear that your balances have broken. You really should weigh your sash though, as it sounds like you may not have the appropriate option for your balance. I see that you chose the 1930 option, which can carry a window sash weight range of 12 through 14 pounds. Does your sash fall within that range? If not, which option would work better? If it does, then it may be some other problem. Let me know what your sash weight is first though and we can work from there.
Quick Learner from Seattle, Washington
7 maybe 8 pounds are wha the sashes weigh. Can I send you an old balance bar? would that help?

Thnks, Brian
Tom
Tom from SWISCO
SWISCO
Expert
Having your actual balance on hand wouldn't really help us determine what option you need. However, based on your sash weight, I think you need our 1910 instead. This can carry a window sash weight of 5 through 8 pounds.

Why did you select the 1930 option? Is that the number that was printed on your original balances? If so, did you ever have any problems opening the window with those old balances installed?
Quick Learner from Seattle, Washington
Hi Tom, I figured if I went with a 1930 i would be covered as it is stronger than what the 5-8 lbs window sash would carry. The old balancers don't have anything written on them that I can discern.
what happens if you have a lighter window than what the bar is intented for? seems like we should go stronger if they break so easily?
Tom
Tom from SWISCO
SWISCO
Expert
Not at all! You should always replace your balances with what was installed originally. If the balance spring strength does not match weight of the sash, then your windows will not operate correctly. This would certainly account for why your balances broke immediately upon installation!
Quick Learner from Seattle, Washington
Okay I will try the 1910 style and see what happens as the sash weighs 7lbs - thanks, brian
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