I've had a window that would slam shut for the past 7 years. I put off buying a new window due to the price. I finally got tired of using a screwdriver to hold the window open when I stumbled upon this video. I took the plunge, bought new balances and tool, and replaced them both today. what a great and easy product! more people need to know that a 14 dollar fix is all these windows need. thank you fro saving my wife and I 200 bucks on a new window!
Well done SWISCO. Had 2 windows that had to be held open with blocks of wood. Watched this video, then went on your website to order 4 balances and a charging tool. For $50 and change I'm back in business. Well laid out website, makes ordering the right stuff a breeze. Reasonable pricing and fast shipping. I highly recommend them.
Just replaced tilt window spiral balances for a window which was being held open with a wood block. I was looking at replacing 13 windows. Instead I ordered 2 balances and charging tool to see how well this was going to work. The replacement process was very easy. In fact it was so easy I ordered another 12.These replacement balances saved a lot of money. Thank you SWISCO for such an informative video.
The charging tool is a game changer. This video really helped me in properly setting tension in window. I was trying my own tools but they are not designed to perform. Then i ordered this specific tool and it made this job rediculously fast and easy. I fixed 4 of my loose windows in matter of minutes. Thumbs up to Swissco for posting this video.
Window would not stay up. I ordered parts from your website on a Sunday and received them Thursday. This video helped me so much. I am very happy that I can now open the window without having to use something to hold it up. Thank you for the helpful video.
Oh my gosh! THANK-YOU! I wish everyone's videos were as to the point and accurate as yours. We switched out the tilt window balances in all our windows this afternoon with your help! Thank-you! :)
Thank you so much for this video! I fixed two windows that wouldn't stay up, using parts from your company and your videos. Glad I watched this before ordering parts. When I checked the pivot shoes 3/4 needed replacing as well.
Thanks for this video, it's super helpful! If I wanted to increase how far up my window can slide, would it be OK to reinstall the balance closer to the top edge of the window?
Bought the tool and six balances to replace the ones on windows labeled from 1984. 29 year old Windows! One of the windows would slam shut easily breaking a finger if caught. I did notice that window was unusually heavier than another one (though same size) and it turned out to be a 25lb window (used a scale). The old balance was 'red' which is rated up to 19lb according to Swisco so actually weigh the window to be sure. The news ones are simply awesome and the tool makes it cake to install.
Great video. Are Pivot shoes same size for top / bottom windows? Left side of window frame missing pivot shoe. Having problems inserting replacement pivot shoe into the vertical guide cut out hole at top of window (Shoe is for bottom window). Might have to take off lower window and see what pivot shoe is on the right side. Any suggestions?
The top and bottom sash would usually have the same pivot shoes. However, every window is different. It's much better to check the left side pivot shoe if the right side is missing. The same sash will almost always use the same left and right shoe.
You definitely need a spiral charging tool to tension the spring. Any other method is not only frustrating but more importantly impossible to install back on the pivot shoe. Now would also be a good time to replace any broken pivot shoes provided you also have the swisco jam spreaders...very pricey however the alternative to having jamb spreaders would beto hog out huge bites of vinyl using a dremel with abrasive burr
I’m struggling to get those pins on the bottom of the sashes into the pivot shoe. What am I missing?? My windows are 48 wide which makes them extra difficult.
If you have an enclosed cam slot like the one shown in the video, you'll need to use a certain technique to remove the sash. *While* tilting the sash in toward you, you'll need to lift one side slightly higher than the the other. Think of it as a twisting motion. With one pivot shoe higher than the other, the pivot bar will clear the edge of the cam slot. Having someone assist you with this could be a big help, especially with a 48" sash.
This video took all the intimidation out of maintaining our windows (I may have a retirement opportunity here ;-) ). Savvy move by Swisco, because once you see how (relatively) easy they can be to repair, you should have no qualms about ordering the parts from them. And don't scrimp by not buying the charging (tensioning) tool - using the right tool for the job at hand keeps it from turning into an eye-gouging fiasco.
That’s awesome but how do I find the right replacement spiral balance for my old windows? It’s old but very robust just needs to stay open safely, I’m having trouble finding the right part. Thanks!!
What do you do if it's the top window that is falling down? I just found out that the breezes in my house are from the top piece sinking down (when they are unlocked - the lock holds them up but we don't often lock them).
The top sash (or window) in a double-hung tilt window operate the same as the bottom sash. When your windows aren't staying up, it's often a sign of a bad window balance. So, see if you can remove your top sash and inspect your spiral balances. The procedure for replacing your balances is the same as the bottom sash procedure shown in this video. Thanks for watching!
Pain in t but getting the window in an out of the pivot shoe. Trying to find the right angle but the shoe has a brake to keep it from moving up and down when tilted out.
Can you get inserts where the balance screw goes in to hold it. All I have is a hole there with nothing to screw the balance to. I guess I could get a longer screw and screw in and hope to hit something lol. Thanks
You should be able to reuse your old screw. As you can see around the 1:13 mark, you install your adjustment screw directly into the frame. If you need any additional help with it, reach out to us here! www.swisco.com/page-id-part
Is the spiral balance charging tool for tilt windows universal? Could I purchase the tool four our window balance repair project My parents have PGT windows that were purchased and installed from a local business located in northwest Florida ~ 2012: sadly, the business was sold a few years before I learned of the window problems: seven-(7) of the nine-(9) windows on hardware failed within the warranty deadline. Fortunately, I was successful in obtaining replacement hardware [balances and shoes] - this effort took nearly one-(1) year. Once I received the replacement hardware i.e balances and shoes the local company did not want to correct their installation, so they washed their hands and said "good bye"! After watching this video I fear I am missing the pivot.
Ah no, wish you had found us a year ago! It's definitely no problem to use the charging tool on all of your tilt window spiral balances. And we have a ton of pivot shoe options if you think you're missing some - www.swisco.com/cl/Tilt-Window-Replacement-Pivot-Lock-Shoes Let us know if you have more questions! We're happy to help get your project done.
@@SWISCO Thank you, I am currently uploading a couple of videos of our PGT Windows; I have already learned a lot about the windows courtesy of your videos. I already determined that my project requires two people because our windows are too big and too heavy for me to eyeball the placement of the sash into the shoe "Sash U-Anchor Slot".
@@PappyNet01 That's great to hear the videos have been a help! It is a little tricky getting the sash back into the shoes. Having someone there to help will make a big difference. Let us know how it goes for you!
I ordered the tool part number 75-006 as shown in the video. The tool I got does not look like the one shown in the video it looks like what is shown in the online catalog. I got it to work by removing the bottom peg of the balance and put the hook on the tool in the hole. I would prefer to not to do that if I can get the tool as shown in the video. I ordered one set of S900-28 Spiral Balance and they worked so I am getting ready to order 4 more sets and would like to get the correct tool if I can.
It is possible that you have the 75-005, which is a single-hook charging tool intended for use with non-tilt windows. For tilt windows, you'll need the 75-006 which uses a double hook design. If you suspect that you received the wrong item, please get in touch with Swisco customer service. www.swisco.com/page-contact
Since it's a sample window for demonstration purposes, it is a fairly small window. If you have further questions you can ask our experts at www.swisco.com/page-id-part
Since our balances are aluminum, they don't feature the plastic covers. We find they hold up better to UV rays. However, ours can still replace the plastic style, if you want to give it a try! www.swisco.com/cl/Replacement-Spiral-Sash-Support-Balances
My issue is while cleaning my windows the sash came out of the the pivot shoes and I'm unable to put back. There's two metal prongs that stick out of the bottom sash and I can get one of them in pivot but not the other. The prongs have no give and I dont want to break them or damage the window frame by forcing them ibto the pivot a. Any help with this is greatly appreciated.
Hmmm, it could be your pivot lock shoe is not in the open position. Make sure the opening is facing up to make room for the pivot bar. Then, when you tilt the window back into place, the pivot shoes should turn to the lock position.
Unfortunately, we don't have a video on non-tilt spiral balances at this time. Our experts would be happy to help you with installation instructions or assistance in finding the right parts for your project. www.swisco.com/help
Ok what happens when one of the spiral balances seems not able to charge? In other words it will lose tension and fall when disengaging it, correct, but when reinstalling seems to choke when turning to recharge, possibly not correct,.? Does this mean the balance needs to be replaced?
It does sound like you need to replace your balances. Do you have an idea of how old they are? Have you had this problem with any other balances? Be sure to give the others a test as well.
I still don't get it, in this video and every other spiral video they call the charging rotation counter clockwise. But it clearly is clockwise! I wonder if it's like an optical illusion.
I do make ready work for a big apartment community,and the only thing I have to check that I hate(well other than when there is a bunch of hair in the drain) are the damn windows.The windows I have to work on are much larger than these.I can't even reach the screws with a screw driver.Instead,I have to get on a ladder,attach a flexible bit extension to my drill ,put on my reading glasses and hope I actually have the bit in the head of the screw.Oh and sometimes the tilt latches are so damn stubborn that they wont move and actually break,so than I have to replace those.Yeah,it's a real pain in the a$$.When I go to buy a house later this year,I'm making sure there are no tilt windows.
The tool is available at SWISCO.com The product code for the tool used in this video is 75-006 www.swisco.com/Charging-Tool-for-Tilt-Windows/pd/Do-It-Yourself-Tools/75-006
I've had a window that would slam shut for the past 7 years. I put off buying a new window due to the price. I finally got tired of using a screwdriver to hold the window open when I stumbled upon this video. I took the plunge, bought new balances and tool, and replaced them both today. what a great and easy product! more people need to know that a 14 dollar fix is all these windows need. thank you fro saving my wife and I 200 bucks on a new window!
Where would you get a new window for "200 bucks" plus labor?
Well done SWISCO. Had 2 windows that had to be held open with blocks of wood. Watched this video, then went on your website to order 4 balances and a charging tool. For $50 and change I'm back in business. Well laid out website, makes ordering the right stuff a breeze. Reasonable pricing and fast shipping. I highly recommend them.
Thanks for spreading the kind words! We're always glad to hear when everything goes smoothly for our customers :)
Just replaced tilt window spiral balances for a window which was being held open with a wood block. I was looking at replacing 13 windows. Instead I ordered 2 balances and charging tool to see how well this was going to work. The replacement process was very easy. In fact it was so easy I ordered another 12.These replacement balances saved a lot of money. Thank you SWISCO for such an informative video.
The charging tool is a game changer. This video really helped me in properly setting tension in window. I was trying my own tools but they are not designed to perform. Then i ordered this specific tool and it made this job rediculously fast and easy. I fixed 4 of my loose windows in matter of minutes. Thumbs up to Swissco for posting this video.
Window would not stay up. I ordered parts from your website on a Sunday and received them Thursday. This video helped me so much. I am very happy that I can now open the window without having to use something to hold it up. Thank you for the helpful video.
We appreciate your business! And appreciate you taking a second to let us know the video was helpful, too.
Oh my gosh! THANK-YOU! I wish everyone's videos were as to the point and accurate as yours. We switched out the tilt window balances in all our windows this afternoon with your help! Thank-you! :)
Thank you so much for this video! I fixed two windows that wouldn't stay up, using parts from your company and your videos. Glad I watched this before ordering parts. When I checked the pivot shoes 3/4 needed replacing as well.
Thanks for this video. You made it an easy DIY repair. I had mine done in 20 minutes and that included me cleaning the sash and the channels.
Wow, nice! Glad you found the video helpful.
Just fixed my balancer excellent video saved me from buying a new window it would have been a waste of money!
That's great news! We're always happy to hear success stories from our viewers!
Thanks for this video, it's super helpful! If I wanted to increase how far up my window can slide, would it be OK to reinstall the balance closer to the top edge of the window?
Thanks so much. Just ordered my replacement spiral and shoe. Honey-do-list about to be checked Thanks
That's awesome! Glad we can help check something off your list.
Bought the tool and six balances to replace the ones on windows labeled from 1984. 29 year old Windows! One of the windows would slam shut easily breaking a finger if caught. I did notice that window was unusually heavier than another one (though same size) and it turned out to be a 25lb window (used a scale). The old balance was 'red' which is rated up to 19lb according to Swisco so actually weigh the window to be sure. The news ones are simply awesome and the tool makes it cake to install.
Excellent. Good video. Clear explanation.
Thanks for watching! We're happy to hear it was helpful.
You say in the video to turn it counter clockwise to loosen up the spring, yet your turning it clockwise. Still a great video thanks
Great video. Are Pivot shoes same size for top / bottom windows? Left side of window frame missing pivot shoe. Having problems inserting replacement pivot shoe into the vertical guide cut out hole at top of window (Shoe is for bottom window). Might have to take off lower window and see what pivot shoe is on the right side. Any suggestions?
The top and bottom sash would usually have the same pivot shoes. However, every window is different.
It's much better to check the left side pivot shoe if the right side is missing. The same sash will almost always use the same left and right shoe.
You definitely need a spiral charging tool to tension the spring. Any other method is not only frustrating but more importantly impossible to install back on the pivot shoe. Now would also be a good time to replace any broken pivot shoes provided you also have the swisco jam spreaders...very pricey however the alternative to having jamb spreaders would beto hog out huge bites of vinyl using a dremel with abrasive burr
A little help plz? I need these, like 12 or so of them. How do I know what length and which strength to order? Thank you so much!
I’m struggling to get those pins on the bottom of the sashes into the pivot shoe. What am I missing?? My windows are 48 wide which makes them extra difficult.
If you have an enclosed cam slot like the one shown in the video, you'll need to use a certain technique to remove the sash. *While* tilting the sash in toward you, you'll need to lift one side slightly higher than the the other. Think of it as a twisting motion. With one pivot shoe higher than the other, the pivot bar will clear the edge of the cam slot. Having someone assist you with this could be a big help, especially with a 48" sash.
@@SWISCO Thank you!
This video took all the intimidation out of maintaining our windows (I may have a retirement opportunity here ;-) ). Savvy move by Swisco, because once you see how (relatively) easy they can be to repair, you should have no qualms about ordering the parts from them. And don't scrimp by not buying the charging (tensioning) tool - using the right tool for the job at hand keeps it from turning into an eye-gouging fiasco.
Hey, thanks! Glad we could help, and thanks for having our backs on avoiding eye-gouging fiascos!! Good luck with the retirement hobby ;)
That’s awesome but how do I find the right replacement spiral balance for my old windows? It’s old but very robust just needs to stay open safely, I’m having trouble finding the right part. Thanks!!
Fixed my windows thanks to you :)
Glad we could help!
What do you do if it's the top window that is falling down? I just found out that the breezes in my house are from the top piece sinking down (when they are unlocked - the lock holds them up but we don't often lock them).
The top sash (or window) in a double-hung tilt window operate the same as the bottom sash. When your windows aren't staying up, it's often a sign of a bad window balance. So, see if you can remove your top sash and inspect your spiral balances. The procedure for replacing your balances is the same as the bottom sash procedure shown in this video.
Thanks for watching!
Is there a video for NON tilt window balance repair?
Pain in t but getting the window in an out of the pivot shoe. Trying to find the right angle but the shoe has a brake to keep it from moving up and down when tilted out.
Can you get inserts where the balance screw goes in to hold it. All I have is a hole there with nothing to screw the balance to. I guess I could get a longer screw and screw in and hope to hit something lol. Thanks
You should be able to reuse your old screw. As you can see around the 1:13 mark, you install your adjustment screw directly into the frame. If you need any additional help with it, reach out to us here! www.swisco.com/page-id-part
Thanks for your help 💡
Anytime!
Nice video!
Is the spiral balance charging tool for tilt windows universal? Could I purchase the tool four our window balance repair project My parents have PGT windows that were purchased and installed from a local business located in northwest Florida ~ 2012: sadly, the business was sold a few years before I learned of the window problems: seven-(7) of the nine-(9) windows on hardware failed within the warranty deadline. Fortunately, I was successful in obtaining replacement hardware [balances and shoes] - this effort took nearly one-(1) year. Once I received the replacement hardware i.e balances and shoes the local company did not want to correct their installation, so they washed their hands and said "good bye"! After watching this video I fear I am missing the pivot.
Ah no, wish you had found us a year ago! It's definitely no problem to use the charging tool on all of your tilt window spiral balances. And we have a ton of pivot shoe options if you think you're missing some - www.swisco.com/cl/Tilt-Window-Replacement-Pivot-Lock-Shoes
Let us know if you have more questions! We're happy to help get your project done.
@@SWISCO Thank you, I am currently uploading a couple of videos of our PGT Windows; I have already learned a lot about the windows courtesy of your videos. I already determined that my project requires two people because our windows are too big and too heavy for me to eyeball the placement of the sash into the shoe "Sash U-Anchor Slot".
@@PappyNet01 That's great to hear the videos have been a help! It is a little tricky getting the sash back into the shoes. Having someone there to help will make a big difference. Let us know how it goes for you!
I ordered the tool part number 75-006 as shown in the video. The tool I got does not look like the one shown in the video it looks like what is shown in the online catalog. I got it to work by removing the bottom peg of the balance and put the hook on the tool in the hole. I would prefer to not to do that if I can get the tool as shown in the video. I ordered one set of S900-28 Spiral Balance and they worked so I am getting ready to order 4 more sets and would like to get the correct tool if I can.
It is possible that you have the 75-005, which is a single-hook charging tool intended for use with non-tilt windows. For tilt windows, you'll need the 75-006 which uses a double hook design. If you suspect that you received the wrong item, please get in touch with Swisco customer service.
www.swisco.com/page-contact
Question: What is the model and dimensions(size) of the window in the video?
Since it's a sample window for demonstration purposes, it is a fairly small window. If you have further questions you can ask our experts at www.swisco.com/page-id-part
Awesome, thank you so much! You just made my life so much easier. :)
What about the cover for the balance? What is that called? You Don't Show Removing or Adding that Part Back. Mine Were Brittle and Broke.
Since our balances are aluminum, they don't feature the plastic covers. We find they hold up better to UV rays. However, ours can still replace the plastic style, if you want to give it a try! www.swisco.com/cl/Replacement-Spiral-Sash-Support-Balances
My issue is while cleaning my windows the sash came out of the the pivot shoes and I'm unable to put back. There's two metal prongs that stick out of the bottom sash and I can get one of them in pivot but not the other. The prongs have no give and I dont want to break them or damage the window frame by forcing them ibto the pivot a. Any help with this is greatly appreciated.
Hmmm, it could be your pivot lock shoe is not in the open position. Make sure the opening is facing up to make room for the pivot bar. Then, when you tilt the window back into place, the pivot shoes should turn to the lock position.
Very help full, thank you.
You're welcome! Thanks for watching!
Is there a video for NON tilt window balance?
Unfortunately, we don't have a video on non-tilt spiral balances at this time. Our experts would be happy to help you with installation instructions or assistance in finding the right parts for your project. www.swisco.com/help
Ok what happens when one of the spiral balances seems not able to charge? In other words it will lose tension and fall when disengaging it, correct, but when reinstalling seems to choke when turning to recharge, possibly not correct,.? Does this mean the balance needs to be replaced?
It does sound like you need to replace your balances. Do you have an idea of how old they are? Have you had this problem with any other balances? Be sure to give the others a test as well.
Thank you much. Have one window 🪟 fixed. Now onto the other one. Much appreciated.
Is that always how you take that window module out?
How to change the shoe
I still don't get it, in this video and every other spiral video they call the charging rotation counter clockwise. But it clearly is clockwise! I wonder if it's like an optical illusion.
Where can I buy a replacement spiral balance?
Right here - www.swisco.com/cl/Replacement-Spiral-Sash-Support-Balances
If you need any help choosing yours, just reach out to our experts!
Thankyou
No problem! Thanks for watching.
I do make ready work for a big apartment community,and the only thing I have to check that I hate(well other than when there is a bunch of hair in the drain) are the damn windows.The windows I have to work on are much larger than these.I can't even reach the screws with a screw driver.Instead,I have to get on a ladder,attach a flexible bit extension to my drill ,put on my reading glasses and hope I actually have the bit in the head of the screw.Oh and sometimes the tilt latches are so damn stubborn that they wont move and actually break,so than I have to replace those.Yeah,it's a real pain in the a$$.When I go to buy a house later this year,I'm making sure there are no tilt windows.
how do you order the spiral balance tool.
The tool is available at SWISCO.com The product code for the tool used in this video is 75-006 www.swisco.com/Charging-Tool-for-Tilt-Windows/pd/Do-It-Yourself-Tools/75-006
But what if your window is stuck IN the frame? I can’t even get to those parts 😩😩😩😩
❤
It's YOUR fault that I broke the pivot shoe. Your instruction was BAD.
10 ft pole
Are you SURE?
@@doninmichigan Three years later? Honestly, no, I'm not sure.