plyGem window track counter balance part

Quick Learner from Minneapolis

May 8, 2017 6:05 pm

I purchased the 26" Series 795 Channel Balance (26C) doesn't fit. Old cam device at bottom of the spring assembly is narrower than the new one, so there is no way this new one that I have will work as is. Is there a narrower option for the cam device?

7 Replies

Tom from SWISCO

May 10, 2017 2:48 pm

There is, our 15-194, but I'm afraid this will not work in your balance. Take a close look at the stem of your old shoe. That groove renders our shoes inoperable in your old balance. This is how the manufacturer used to make them, but years ago they decided to change up the design. Now none of their balances have that same groove. I'm afraid your only option would be to replace the balance entirely with our Series 795 channel balance.

Keep in mind that this comes with the 15-195 by default, however you can pop those off and pop on our 15-194, which are sold separately.

Home Owner from Tega Cay, SC

Jun 30, 2019 4:33 pm

I believe that this thread describes my problem. I have windows manufactured by PlyGem that have a 32E balance. Amesbury pivot shoes identical to the one in your photo fit perfectly into the window but cannot be installed in the existing balances because of the groove. If this is the same problem, then the series 795 sounds like the way to go. I am sending a photo of the balance with a groove and of both the original and replacement shoe. The new shoes are clearly an engineering rev that improves the strength of the neck, but the added thickness is too great for the grooved balance. Can you confirm from these pictures that I have found the right balance and shoe. I'll order two, test, and then buy the dozen or so units I actually need.

3 user uploaded images

Tom from SWISCO

Jul 1, 2019 10:02 am

Hello! I agree, this is the same problem as described in the original post. I am confident that our Series 795 will replace your balance.

There are just two details to note. First, your shoe appears to be "open" while our Series 795 comes with a shoe that is "closed." As such, you'll have to purchase our open 15-195B shoe separately. They just pop on and off so once you get them it should be an easy swap.

Secondly, our Series 795 installs at the top using a screw tab. If yours uses a hook, it may have to be a custom order. If that's what you have, I'd like to see a photo of the hole where the hook installs. That will allow us to determine the best solution for you.

Home Owner from Tega Cay, SC

Jul 1, 2019 8:16 pm

Thank you. I'll pass along a photo in the morning.

Home Owner from Tega Cay, SC

Jul 2, 2019 12:55 pm

Per our earlier communications: Attached are two photos. The first shows that the balance springs are attached with a small screw. The second more clearly identifies the balance as a 32B. I count 14 windows with that balance, 2 with 34C, and one with 30B that are in need of repair. I do have 12 new shoes already; so I would need to order fewer of those. Please provide a quote and then I'll place an order. Also, if you have a suggestion for easily removing/replacing the screws, let me know. Maybe it is a matter of angle or leverage, but they seem to be a bear to remove with a standard Philips head screwdriver.

2 user uploaded images

Tom from SWISCO

Jul 5, 2019 2:01 pm

Thank you! Looks like this balance won't have to be a custom order after all. I would recommend purchasing the Series 795 in the sizes you need and the 15-195B shoe separately. That will cost less than a custom order and the 15-195B shoes pop on very easily.

As for removing the top screw, there isn't any trick to it or anything. You just unscrew it. If it's a little tight, I can't recommend anything other than elbow grease.