spiral balance replacement

Quick Learner from Cochise County, AZ

Jan 22, 2017 1:55 pm

The balances I think I need to replace are 29" in length (tube only) and 3/8" in diameter. It appears they have black tips. The windows weigh about 26 pounds. Would like your advice on what replacements I need.

User submitted photos of a window balance.

4 Replies

Paul from SWISCO

Jan 24, 2017 2:42 pm

Can you confirm the diameter of the tube? 3/8" balances are not made with black tips. If you are certain the tube diameter is 3/8", I recommend weighing your sash on a scale to confirm how heavy it is. That will tell you for sure what color tip you need.

Quick Learner from Cochise County, AZ

Jan 24, 2017 3:55 pm

well, I am awaiting the tool I ordered to remove the balances, but I eyeballed it again with a ruler, and it still looks like 3/8" diameter. And I looked at the balances on several different windows. The tips appear to be green, not black, though in the picture I submitted it appears black. The sash weighs about 26 or 27 pounds. these windows would date to 2004.

Tom from SWISCO

Jan 27, 2017 8:56 am

If the tube diameter is 3/8" and the weight of the sash is 26 or 27 pounds, I would recommend the Yellow Tip option. We have a chart on the S900-29 store page that shows you exactly how much weight each option can support. That said, I still highly recommend getting the exact weight of your sash, just to be sure this is right. It is absolutely possible to have a balance that is too strong.