Tilt block and tackle balances use an internal spring, cord, and pulley system to support the sash. In this balance style, a cord attachment extending from the bottom of the metal channel connects to a separate pivot lock shoe inside the window jamb.

Before You Start

Clear the area around the window and prepare a padded, stable surface for the removed sash.

Tools you may need:

• Phillips-head screwdriver
• Flat-head screwdriver
• Needle-nose pliers
• 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: Block and tackle balances contain stored spring tension. Maintain control of the cord attachment whenever it is disconnected from the pivot lock shoe.

Do not release the attachment suddenly. It may snap upward toward the balance channel and cause injury or damage to the window.

Tilt balances that appear similar may use different channel dimensions, spring strengths, cord attachments, and mounting arrangements.

Before ordering, record:

• The complete stamp printed on the metal channel
• The length of the metal channel only
• The channel width and depth
• The shape of the cord attachment or clip
• The upper mounting-hole location
• The original installed orientation
• The pivot lock shoe style
• The sash weight, if the original stamp is missing or unreadable

Do not include the cord attachment, clip, or other hardware when measuring the metal channel length.

Unlock the window and raise the sash approximately 2 to 3 inches before releasing the tilt latches.

1. Lift the sash evenly from the lower rail.
2. Stop several inches above the sill.
3. Make sure the sash is level before tilting it inward.

Raising the sash first reduces unnecessary pressure on the pivot bars located at the lower corners of the sash.

1. Release both tilt latches near the upper corners of the sash.
2. Pull the top of the sash gently toward you.
3. Tilt the sash inward until it is nearly horizontal.
4. Support the sash with both hands.
5. Lift one corner slightly higher to release the first pivot bar.
6. Shift the sash and release the opposite pivot bar.
7. Place the sash on a padded surface.

Do not pull the sash straight outward while both pivot bars remain engaged in the pivot lock shoes.

Before disconnecting anything, photograph both jambs and note how the balance attachments connect to the pivot lock shoes.

Confirm:

• The installed height of each pivot lock shoe
• The direction of the balance channel
• The balance stamp on each side
• The upper mounting-screw position
• The attachment style and connection point
• Whether the left and right balances match

Locate the cord attachment extending from the bottom of the balance channel. Depending on the balance series, the attachment may be a metal clip, hook, eyelet, or another fitting connected to the pivot lock shoe.

The pivot lock shoe should remain locked in the jamb after the sash is removed. Its locked position helps keep the shoe stationary while the attachment is disconnected.

Inspect the attachment and shoe carefully before applying force. Determine the direction in which the attachment must move to disengage.

1. Grip the attachment firmly with needle-nose pliers.
2. Pull the attachment downward slightly to create clearance.
3. Move it outward and away from the pivot lock shoe.
4. Keep a secure grip after it disengages.
5. Do not allow the attachment to retract suddenly.

Repeat the process on the opposite side of the window.

Slowly guide the disconnected attachment upward toward the bottom of the balance channel.

1. Maintain control with the needle-nose pliers.
2. Allow the cord to retract gradually.
3. Keep your face and hands out of the attachment’s path.
4. Continue until the attachment reaches the balance channel and the cord is no longer extended.

Once the attachment is fully retracted, the balance should no longer be under significant extension tension.

1. Support the metal balance channel with one hand.
2. Remove the mounting screw near the top of the channel.
3. Tilt or slide the channel out of the jamb track.
4. Remove the complete balance assembly.
5. Keep the original screw and balance for comparison.
6. Repeat on the opposite side.

Do not discard the original balances until the replacements have been installed and tested successfully.

Place each replacement balance beside the original before installation.

Confirm that the replacement has:

• The correct metal channel length
• The correct channel width and depth
• The correct stamp or weight rating
• A matching cord attachment
• The correct upper mounting-hole location
• The correct installed orientation
• Compatibility with the existing pivot lock shoe

1. Place the replacement balance in the same position as the original.
2. Align the upper mounting hole with the original screw location.
3. Install and tighten the mounting screw securely.
4. Do not overtighten the screw in vinyl or weakened material.
5. Repeat on the opposite side.

Confirm that both channels are seated correctly and installed at matching heights.

1. Grip the balance attachment securely with needle-nose pliers.
2. Pull it downward slowly from the balance channel.
3. Extend it only far enough to reach the pivot lock shoe.
4. Insert the attachment into the original connection point.
5. Confirm that it is fully seated.
6. Release the pliers slowly while watching the connection.
7. Repeat on the opposite side.

The left and right pivot lock shoes should be positioned at approximately the same height before the sash is reinstalled.

1. Insert a flat-head screwdriver into the cam of the first shoe.
2. Maintain control while rotating the cam to unlock the shoe.
3. Move the shoe to the required height.
4. Rotate the cam back into the locked position.
5. Repeat on the opposite side.

One shoe may be positioned slightly higher temporarily to make it easier to insert the sash pivot bars.

1. Hold the sash nearly horizontal.
2. Insert the first pivot bar into its pivot lock shoe.
3. Angle the sash slightly and insert the opposite pivot bar.
4. Confirm that both pivot bars are fully seated in the shoe cams.
5. Level the sash.
6. Tilt the sash upward into the frame.
7. Press it closed until both tilt latches engage.

Do not force the sash into place. Recheck the pivot bars and shoe positions if either side will not seat correctly.

Raise and lower the sash several times after completing the installation.

Confirm that:

• The sash moves smoothly and evenly
• Both balances support the sash at the same rate
• The sash remains open at several positions
• The sash does not drop or bind
• The pivot bars remain seated in the shoes
• The tilt latches engage correctly
• The window closes and locks properly

A failed balance may not be the only damaged component. Inspect the complete sash-support system before finishing the repair.

• Cracked or distorted pivot lock shoes
• Worn or damaged shoe cams
• Bent, loose, or broken pivot bars
• Frayed balance cords
• Bent or damaged balance attachments
• Loose upper mounting screws
• Cracked sash corners
• Damaged jamb tracks
• Uneven wear between the left and right sides

• Tilting the sash inward without raising it first
• Allowing the sash to hang from one pivot bar
• Releasing the attachment after disconnecting it
• Removing the mounting screw while the cord remains extended
• Pulling directly on a frayed cord
• Ordering replacements based only on channel length
• Ignoring differences in the attachment style
• Failing to seat the attachment fully in the pivot lock shoe
• Installing the shoes at significantly different heights
• Forcing the pivot bars into the shoe cams
• Discarding the original balances before testing the replacements

Replacing tilt block and tackle balances requires safely removing the sash, controlling the spring-loaded cord attachments, removing the old channels, and reconnecting the new balances securely to the pivot lock shoes.

Match the replacements by channel dimensions, stamp, attachment style, mounting location, and sash requirements rather than appearance alone.