window wont fit over channels

A quick learner from florida says:
October 1, 2014
Hello- I recently purchased the 29" series 380 balances. The sash will not go back in over the balances. All hardware and dimensions are accurate except for one; the original channel depth (not width) is 1/2". The depth on the 380 series is 5/8". It seems like the extra 1/8" on each side has made the opening too narrow for the sash to fit back in.

Greg C.
Profile picture of Paul
Paul from SWISCO responded:
October 2, 2014
Thanks for posting, Greg. I'm sorry to hear you're having trouble. Could I see a couple pictures of your balance and the new balance side-by-side? That might help us come up with a solution.
A quick learner from Florida says:
October 2, 2014
Here ya go. New balance is on the right in all pics. I've added some 1/8" bar stock in the last pic to show the difference in depth.
User submitted photos of window balances.
Profile picture of Paul
Paul from SWISCO responded:
October 6, 2014
Hmm... I feel like there should still be enough play in the sash to make up for the difference in the channel size. Have you tried shaving down the shoe a little? Give that a shot. Some older balances use a shoe with a depth less than 1" that isn't made anymore, and I think that's what you have. The tell-tale mark is the slot down the center. Most of the time our 15-005 shoe (which comes with our Series 380) works just fine, but in other cases it has to be shaved down a little. Let me know if that works!
A quick learner from Florida says:
October 6, 2014
I took another look at this over the weekend and did in fact shave the shoes a bit. This worked great. No need to hold it open with a stick any more.

Thanks again
Profile picture of Paul
Paul from SWISCO responded:
October 6, 2014
Fabulous! Sorry again for the trouble.
Reply to Thread
Use this form to ask a follow-up question or to share your experience regarding this subject.
(your email address will be kept private and is only used to inform you when a response has been made)
Current wait time is 4-7 business days
We promise that one of our experts will personally get back to you as soon as they are able. Thank you very much for your patience and understanding. If your inquiry is time-sensitive, please feel free to reach us at 856-317-6263 or at help@swisco.com.