Window balance decision guide

Window balance replacement: identify what you have before you buy

Use this guide when you know the window balance needs attention but you are not yet sure which balance family is installed. The goal is to narrow the mechanism before you buy anything.

Comparison of a rigid metal channel balance, a tubular spiral balance, and a pivot or balance shoe, with the next observations to record for each family. — **Which part do you have?**Use visible hardware form to choose the measurement workflow. A similar-looking part is not an exact replacement until fit-critical details agree.

Identification and fit check

First identify the hardware family, then collect the measurements that affect fit. A likely family is not the same as a confirmed replacement.

JavaScript is off. Use the static guidance below to identify the hardware family and record measurements. No computed fit result is available without the selector. Use the static measurement guidance on this page instead.

Opening and visible hardwareOpening typeOperation typeVisible hardware formTilt stateObserved stamp or marking (optional)

Channel measurementsChannel length

Enter the observed value. No tolerance is assumed.Channel width

Enter the observed value. No tolerance is assumed.Channel depth

Enter the observed value. No tolerance is assumed.Bottom guide / terminalPivot relationship

Spiral measurements and safetyTube length

Enter the observed value. No tolerance is assumed.Rod length (when applicable)

Enter the observed value. No tolerance is assumed.Tube diameter

Enter the observed value. No tolerance is assumed.Rod / end configurationTip / bushing / bearing colorHandling safety status

Pivot shoe / pivot hardware measurementsPivot shoe width

Enter the observed value. No tolerance is assumed.Pivot shoe thickness

Enter the observed value. No tolerance is assumed.Pivot shoe profileCam / slot descriptorMating balance system

What to look for first

A rigid metal channel, a tubular spiral, or a pivot/balance shoe points to different measurement workflows. Treat stamps, colors and visual similarity as clues—not as proof that a replacement will fit.

Channel balance measurements · Spiral balance measurements · Balance-shoe measurements

If you see a pivot or balance shoe

Record the shoe width, thickness/profile, cam or slot geometry, and the balance system it mates with. A shoe that looks similar can still mate differently.

Open the balance-shoe guide

When to stop and check again

If the visible hardware form conflicts with the window type, a required measurement is missing, or the mating hardware is unclear, collect that information before treating any replacement as compatible.