Double hung window balances

[macrak4]

Hi.  After 28 years the spiral balance in one of my front windows has quit in me.  Quote to repair $420.  

Happy to DIY but while there are plenty of videos out there for DH windows, I can't find instructions form my Boral window.  Have you replaced one? Was it difficult? Do you have instructions?  Thanks

  

[Jason]

Hi @macrak4,

Welcome to the Workshop community. Great to have you join us - love that D.I.Y. spirit you have. 

Let me tag the ever-helpful @Brad to see if he might have tackle a job like this in the past and could kick off the discussion for you. 

Please feel free to post anytime you need a hand or have something to share. 

Jason

[Brad]

I think I have fixed one in an aluminium window, given I don't have a great recall of the event it mustn't of been too difficult.

Parts seem to come in at under $30 a side, the heavy duty ones are a special order so timing may be an issue.

If you have access to the fixing points it shouldn't be $300+ in labour costs to change, if you can take it out to take to the store to get a new one you should be able to put it in again.

[macrak4]

Thanks for replying.  I have sourced the parts and even with 4 new boots (top and bottom) I imagine $80ish.  Wasn't sure about the fit of the boots - plenty of videos for steel boots with rivets etc but mine are plastic and can't see instructions for removal/fitting.  

[Regnthville]

G'day,

I now have the same issue with all 10 of my double hung windows. Mine are the same as per your photo, plastic end caps. I've been quoted $2,000 to replace the spirals, works out to $200 per window. There goes Christmas!

Did you work out how to install the new spirals? I reckon I could do it too however can't find any info online re attaching the spiral to the plastic end caps.

R

[macrak4]

Sorry but no I didn't get it sorted.  Ended up using a nice piece of timber to hold it up when required.  😏. Will definitely need to do it one day though.  

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Regnthville. It's wonderful to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about repairing windows.

Given this is a proprietary system, it might be best to try and reach out to the manufacturer to see if they could offer any assistance or instructions on replacing the mechanism.

If you were able to post some images of your system, perhaps our helpful members can offer some assistance. It's been several years since this discussion was created, so there might be some new ideas floating around.

Mitchell
 

[Regnthville]

Hi Mitchel,

Yes I have contacted the manufacturer and they informed me they no longer service this product! They did however put me in touch with someone two hours away who can do the work however the travel costs make it expensive. Being a handy fella myself I reckon I could do the job with some guidance.

[EricL]

Hi @Regnthville 

The Window Spiral Balance we have at the store are designed for windows made of timber. However, I suspect that the operating principal for aluminium windows is not too far from the standard window balances. If you can find a way to uninstall the foot of the balance, you should be able to remove the rest of the assembly. Please note that excessive application of force could damage the foot of the balance. 

Please be careful working around glass as any accidental hit on its surface could cause it to shatter and cause injury. 

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1, @Nailbag and @TedBear for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Dave-1]

Evening @Regnthville 

I havnt worked on these type of windows before. But like you I would be tempted to have a go myself

I would work it a bit differently tho. I would give a bell to the installer you mention who is 2hrs away and have a chat with them. 

A - To buy spare parts from them

B - To see if they mind you coming out to their workshop for a rundown on the sytem.

As you will be buying parts through them they hopefully wont mind you asking some questions. At the very least turning up to pick up the part (yeah I 2hrs but figure $400...) they may be willing to show you how it fits.

Dave