Non-tilt spiral balances use a spring-loaded spiral rod to help support the sash in many single-hung and double-hung windows. Replacing them requires supporting the full weight of the sash, releasing the old spring tension carefully, installing correctly matched balances, and charging both sides evenly.

Before You Start

Clear the area around the window and make sure you have a safe method of supporting the sash while the balances are disconnected.

Tools you may need:

• Phillips-head screwdriver
• Flat-head screwdriver
• Non-tilt spiral-balance tensioning tool
• Locking pliers or another secure sash-support method
• Tape measure
• Safety glasses
• Cut-resistant work gloves
• Phone or camera for reference photos
• A second person for a large or heavy sash

Safety Warning: The sash may become extremely heavy once the balances are disconnected. Keep it supported at all times and keep your hands clear of the area beneath it.

Spiral balances contain stored spring tension. Use the correct tensioning tool and maintain control of the spiral rod or adapter bracket while releasing or applying tension.

Spiral balances that appear similar may differ in diameter, tube length, spring strength, rod configuration, and window application.

Before ordering, record:

• The diameter of the metal balance tube
• The length of the metal tube only
• The color of the balance tip, when present
• The shape of the spiral rod end
• The adapter-bracket style and dimensions
• The upper mounting-hole location
• The original installation orientation
• The sash weight, when needed to confirm the proper balance strength

Do not include the exposed spiral rod, colored tip, mounting cap, or attachment hardware when measuring the metal tube length.

Unlock the window and raise the lower sash as high as the window design allows.

1. Lift the sash evenly from the lower rail.
2. Place a secure support beneath the sash or attach a suitable clamp to the jamb track below it.
3. Confirm that the support cannot slide or release unexpectedly.
4. Gently lower the sash against the support before working on the balances.

Locate the adapter bracket or attachment point connecting the spiral rod to the bottom of the sash.

1. Insert the non-tilt tensioning tool into the lowest available hole in the adapter bracket.
2. Lift the bracket slightly to release it from the sash attachment point.
3. Keep a firm grip on the tool as the bracket is disconnected.
4. Repeat on the opposite side while the sash remains securely supported.

Photograph the bracket position and attachment method before disconnecting it. This can help confirm the correct orientation during reinstallation.

With the adapter bracket held by the tensioning tool, allow the spiral rod to unwind slowly in the direction opposite the original charging direction.

1. Maintain firm control of the tool.
2. Allow the bracket and rod to rotate one controlled turn at a time.
3. Continue until the spring tension has been released.
4. Do not let the tool or bracket spin freely.
5. Repeat the process on the opposite balance.

Once both balances are disconnected and no longer supporting the sash, take control of the sash with both hands.

1. Support the full weight of the sash.
2. Remove the clamp or temporary support carefully.
3. Lower the sash slowly to the closed position.
4. Do not allow the sash to drop.

A second person should assist if the sash is too large or heavy to control safely.

1. Locate the mounting screw near the top of each balance tube.
2. Support the balance while removing the screw.
3. Guide the balance out through its original sash or jamb opening.
4. Avoid bending the exposed spiral rod.
5. Repeat on the opposite side.

Keep the original balances, brackets, screws, and stops until the replacement hardware has been installed and tested successfully.

Place each replacement beside the original before installation.

Confirm that the replacement has:

• The correct tube diameter
• The correct metal tube length
• The correct spring strength or tip color
• A matching spiral-rod end
• A compatible adapter bracket
• The correct mounting arrangement
• The correct non-tilt application

1. Feed the first balance through the same opening used by the original.
2. Position the tube in the same orientation.
3. Align the upper mounting hole with the original screw location.
4. Install and tighten the mounting screw securely.
5. Do not overtighten the screw in vinyl or weakened material.
6. Repeat on the opposite side.

Make sure both balances are seated at the same height and that the spiral rods remain straight and unobstructed.

1. Raise the sash to the same working position used during removal.
2. Secure it with the sash support or clamp.
3. Confirm that the sash is stable.
4. Push each spiral rod upward into its balance tube until it stops.

1. Attach the correct adapter bracket to the bottom of the spiral rod.
2. Insert the tensioning tool into the lowest available bracket hole.
3. Maintain a firm grip on the tool and bracket.
4. For the common system shown in the WHD video, rotate the tool clockwise approximately 8 to 10 turns.
5. Keep count so the opposite side receives the same number of turns.
6. Attach the charged bracket securely to the bottom of the sash.
7. Repeat the process on the opposite side.

1. Hold the sash securely with both hands.
2. Remove the temporary sash support.
3. Lower the sash slowly.
4. Raise and lower the window several times.

Confirm that the sash:

• Moves smoothly and evenly
• Remains open at several positions
• Does not drift downward
• Does not rise on its own
• Closes completely
• Locks correctly

If the sash drifts downward, add a small and equal amount of tension to both balances. If it rises by itself or is unusually difficult to close, remove a small and equal amount of tension.

Make adjustments one or two turns at a time and test the window after each change.

Install or reinstall the sash stops near the upper portion of the window.

The stops limit upward sash travel and help prevent the spiral rods from being pulled beyond their intended operating range.

Missing or incorrectly positioned stops can allow overextension and may permanently damage the balances or their attachment hardware.

Inspect more than the balance tubes before completing the repair.

• Bent, cracked, or corroded adapter brackets
• Loose or damaged bracket screws
• Bent or distorted spiral rods
• Loose upper mounting screws
• Cracked sash corners
• Damaged jamb tracks or balance pockets
• Missing or broken sash stops
• Uneven wear between the left and right sides

• Working beneath an unsupported sash
• Clamping directly against the glass
• Allowing the adapter bracket to spin freely
• Using pliers instead of the correct tensioning tool
• Ordering replacements based only on overall length
• Measuring the exposed rod as part of the tube length
• Installing balances with different tension on each side
• Applying too much tension before testing the window
• Ignoring a bent or damaged adapter bracket
• Operating the window without the required sash stops
• Discarding the original hardware before testing the repair

Watch the video below for a visual demonstration of replacing and tensioning a spiral balance in a non-tilting window.

Replacing non-tilt spiral balances requires securely supporting the sash, releasing the original tension under control, matching the new balances carefully, and applying equal tension to both sides.

Test the sash after installation and make small, even tension adjustments until it opens smoothly, remains in position, and closes properly.