I recently purchased a house that was remodeled in 1988. It appears to have WindowMaster windows installed I assume at that time. They are single hung non-tilting window with a spiral window balance. Several of the windows do not stay up and fall down. Appears several of the balances need replacing or need to be recharged.
However, to start this project I have one window in which the balance is significantly damaged and needs replacing. I attached pictures. Looking at your website I have gathered the information below as to what I think I may need. Please look at the pictures and contact me at your earliest convenience to let me know if I have provided all proper information, you have replacement parts and if I can install myself or need a professional. The dimensions of the window itself are 53' high X 41' wide and it is double pane. Also, I live in San Diego, CA so if there are any local dealers where I can pick up parts please let me know as I need to fix immediately.I have several other windows in which the spiral balance also does not fully work in that the windows fall down.
But I'd like to try to fix this window first and maybe just use the recharging tool to try to quickly fix other windows. From reading on the internet it appears I will need:(1) 26 inch length and 6/16 inch (or 3/8 inch) diameter tube. Possibly part #S306-26(2) Spiral balancing charging tool for non-tilt windows. Possibly 75-005(3) spiral balance shoe. Possibly part 15-066.(4) Rivets to install the spiral balance shoe to the tube.
Possibly part 62-008.(5) Rivet installation tool. (however I need to install the shoe and rivet on window as the shoe will not slide down the side of the window). What size as rivet appears small.(6)What type of lubrication for other balances I will only try to recharge do I need to relubricate?(7) anything else or other problems I'll run into? Should I get a professional to perform this?Thank you for your prompt response. The rivet is (1/16' X 5/16') is used to install the shoe.
A small screw and nut will also work. For attaching the 3/8' tube balance, most window manufacturers used a #6 X 3/4' screw, like our. In charging this balance with the tool, raise the sash and have someone hold it for you. Bring the spiral up as close to the sash as you can. Attach the tool and give the spiral three clockwise turns.
Window Sash Spring
You should feel pressure building as you make the turns. Do the same on the other side and try the window. If the sash creeps down, give the balance another turn.
Eric Huber: Hi, I am Eric Huber with Blaine Window Repair. Today, we are doing window repair. Now, we are going to show you balance replacement. Does this look like any familiar problem? Well, today we can fix that for you. We need to change the balances in the window. This is a vinyl double hung tilting window.
Single Hung Replacement Windows
First we need to tilt the window in and bring it down. The balances are located on the sides of the window. There is a white cover that usually covers them. You take a screwdriver and remove the plastic covers which then exposes your balance.
First thing you need to do is determine the length of the balance that you have. You take your screwdriver and remove the screw from the balance. The balances come in many different styles and lengths.
To determine that, you measure the length of the silver tube only, not the rod end. This balance measures 24 inches. Now the same style balance could come in many different sizes for different size windows.
There are also many different types of balance. We also have the block and tackle channel balance.Now that we have the new balance, we are ready to reinstall it. You feed the screw through the top of the balance, align it back up in the same hole in the top of the jamb and tighten it up. Now you are ready to put your covers back on.
Usually, just snaps into the top of the vinyl. Now, we have to reattach the rod end with the tension. To do that, we would use a balance winding tool. On the end of the rod there are two pins.
Install Double Hung Window
The lower set of pins is what you would hook the tool to. You would usually want the balance usually about 10-12 revolutions. Then it reattaches to the shoe in the bottom. You have to do the same on both sides after you replace them. After the balance is reinstalled into the shoe, tilt the window back up. Lock it back into the tilt latches.
There you have your window that stays up now. That's how you replace the balances in a double hung tilt window. Next, we are going to do single pane glass replacement.