Start with identification
Not sure what type of balance you have? Begin with the family guide and route to the right measurement workflow.
Identify my window balanceWindow hardware identification
Identify window balance hardware before you buy a replacement
Replacing a window balance is easy to get wrong when the old part has no obvious model number. Start by identifying the mechanism, then record the measurements and mating hardware that actually affect fit.
No product catalog cloningNo pay-to-rank recommendationsUncertainty stays visible
Channel / block-and-tackle
For rigid metal channel balances, record the channel dimensions, tilt state, stamp and end/terminal context before shopping.
Channel balance guideSpiral balance
For tubular spiral balances, measure the tube and rod configuration and treat spring tension as a safety boundary.
Spiral balance guideBalance shoe / pivot shoe
For pivot-lock or balance shoes, compare geometry and the mating balance system instead of relying on appearance alone.
Balance shoe guideHow this site makes a recommendation
- Identify the family. Channel, spiral, balance shoe/pivot hardware, another balance family, or unknown.
- Collect fit-critical observations. Measurements, tilt state, end fittings and mating hardware depend on the family.
- Show what is still unknown. Missing or conflicting evidence stops exact-fit reasoning instead of being guessed.
- Route only when justified. Category-level merchant links may be added after affiliate approval. Exact-product links require stronger, rights-cleared fit evidence.