Replace the spiral balance on a tilt-in window: tilt the sash and remove it, pop the vinyl cover, lock and detach the balance shoe, unhook the balance with a spiral balance tool, install the new balance, then add tension based on tube material - turn vinyl tubes counterclockwise or aluminum tubes clockwise about 3-4 turns - and reseat the shoe. Always replace both balances together.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Tilt In and Remove the Sash

• If you lift the sash and it drops straight back down, the spiral balance or balance shoe has failed and needs to be replaced.
• Unlock the window and lift the sash up a few inches.
• Press the two tilt latches at the top corners and tilt the sash inward.
• Do not tilt the sash past horizontal — doing so can damage the balance shoes.
• Lift one side of the sash up and out of its balance shoe; the sash will slide free. Set it aside in a safe place.

2. Lock the Balance Shoe and Remove the Vinyl Cover

• You can now see the spiral balance running up the side of the jamb and the balance shoe at the bottom.
• Always replace both balances at the same time so the tension on each side of the window is matched.
• Pop off the vinyl cover that runs over the spiral balance to expose the full balance assembly.
• Insert a flathead screwdriver into the balance shoe and rotate to lock the shoe; the spring tension will retract the shoe up against the balance body.

3. Detach and Unscrew the Old Balance

• Hook a spiral balance tool onto the two bolts (rungs) at the bottom of the spiral balance.
• Pull down slightly, then outward, to release the balance from the shoe.
• Use a Phillips screwdriver to back out the screw at the top of the balance.
• Lift the entire spiral balance out of the jamb.

4. Install the New Balance and Add Tension

• Set the new spiral balance into the jamb, line up the top mounting hole, and drive the screw to secure it.
• With the balance shoe still locked at the bottom, hook the spiral balance tool onto the lower two rungs of the new balance.
• Check whether the inner tube is vinyl or aluminum: turn vinyl tubes to the left (counterclockwise) and aluminum tubes to the right (clockwise) to add tension.
• Wind the tube three to four turns to set a good baseline tension.
• Pull the balance down so the rungs not held by the tool drop into the balance shoe, then lift up to seat them.

5. Cover the Balance and Reinstall the Sash

• Snap the vinyl cover back over the spiral balance.
• Set the sash back into the jamb, dropping the right side into its balance shoe first while aligning the left side with the other shoe.
• Push the sash up into place, then tilt it back to vertical until both top latches click in.
• Raise and lower the sash a few times to confirm it holds at any position — the spiral balance replacement is complete.

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Spiral Window Sash Balance Rods

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