pivot shoe for old aluminum tilt window

Home Owner from Brooklyn
Hi folks at Swisco--

We have old aluminum tilt windows with no company name but "1977" stamped on the metal. We purchased a spiral balance charging tool from you, and tried to tighten up a window with it (top half slides right down). Of course, the pivot shoe broke. So, we are need of replacement shoes, but the best I can do for measuring is 17/32" (or 9/16") deep, 1 1/4" wide and 2" or (2 1/8") high.

These pics are not very good, but perhaps you can suss something out of them.

Also, will I need to order spreaders in order to replace shoes in an aluminum track?

Thanks for your help,

Mic
User submitted photos of a window balance.
6 Replies
Paul
Paul from SWISCO
SWISCO
Expert
Your tilt shoe appears to match our 15-015. This shoe was used in aluminum tilt windows like yours. Just make sure that our dimensions are the same as yours. As for the removal of the shoe, check to see if you have a cutout at the top of the frame. If not, watch the video below to help. You cannot use jamb spreaders on an aluminum track.
Home Owner from Brooklyn
Thank you, Paul, for your response. There were indeed cutouts at tops and bottoms of the frames (didn't know those were there!). So we were able to easily remove an intact pivot shoe to double check measurement (1 1/4" x 2" x 17/32"). (Attached is a photo.)

I've placed an order for 15-015 shoes. Since we have old and deteriorating windows (as you see), should I order spiral balances as well, assuming they'll be the next thing to go? In which case, which ones should I order?

Thanks again, Paul. You've been a great help.

Mic
User submitted a photo of a pivot shoe.
Paul
Paul from SWISCO
SWISCO
Expert
Awesome! Glad to hear it. Yes, the 15-015 looks like a good match, based on your measurements.

As for the balance, you may be able to get away with using the ones you have now. Spiral balances have an average life span of 5-10 years, depending on how often they get used. If you do need new balances, see our Series 600 to get started. This has an outer tube diameter of 5/8". I think this is what you have.
Quick Learner from Washington D.C.
I have some old aluminum Thermal windows. They have some unusual looking balance shoes that I need and balancers. I'll send a few pictures. The balance shoe in the picture is missing the top half. Thanks
2 user uploaded images
Tom
Tom from SWISCO
SWISCO
Expert

It's tough to make out what kind of shoe you have without seeing an undamaged version, or without measurements to use as a reference. Based only on what I see here, you might have a match for something like our 15-048 or 15-268. Your next step should be to carefully compare our specs to your original part to verify which, if either, is the best match.

Alternate image for 15-048
Alternate image for 15-048

Dimensions for 15-268
Dimensions for 15-268

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