Coil spring balances, also known as constant-force balances, help support the sash in many tilt-window systems. Removing them requires careful control of the sash, pivot lock shoe, coil housing, and stored spring tension.

Before You Start

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

Tools you may need:

• Flat-head screwdriver
• Phillips screwdriver
• Needle-nose pliers, if needed
• Utility knife, if a stop or cover must be released
• Safety glasses
• Cut-resistant work gloves
• Phone or camera for reference photos

Safety Warning: Coil springs contain stored tension and may have sharp metal edges. Keep control of the pivot lock shoe and balance assembly whenever the shoe cam is unlocked.

Do not cut, bend, flatten, or allow a coil spring to unwind suddenly. Stop if the removal method or balance configuration is unclear.

Unlock the window and raise the lower sash approximately 3 to 4 inches. This creates room to operate the tilt latches and helps position the sash for removal.

Lift evenly from the lower sash rail. Do not use the lock or tilt latches as handles.

1. Locate the tilt latches near the upper corners of the sash.
2. Slide or press both latches inward.
3. Pull the top of the sash gently toward you.
4. Tilt the sash inward until it is nearly horizontal.

Support the sash with both hands and make sure both latches release evenly.

With the sash tilted inward, angle or lift one side slightly so its pivot bar can release from the cam inside the pivot lock shoe.

1. Support the sash with both hands.
2. Lift one corner slightly higher than the other.
3. Release the first pivot bar from its shoe.
4. Shift the sash carefully and release the opposite pivot bar.
5. Place the sash on a padded, stable surface.

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

Locate the pivot lock shoe inside the jamb track. The pivot bar on the bottom of the sash normally fits into the metal cam in the shoe.

The shoe may remain locked in place after the sash is removed. Insert a flat-head screwdriver firmly into the cam slot before attempting to rotate or reposition it.

Maintain a secure grip on the screwdriver so the shoe cannot move unexpectedly under spring tension.

Rotate the metal cam slowly toward the unlocked position while maintaining control of the shoe.

1. Keep the screwdriver seated firmly in the cam.
2. Rotate the cam only when you are ready to control the shoe.
3. Guide the shoe slowly toward the coil housing.
4. Do not allow the shoe to snap upward on its own.
5. Move the shoe only as far as needed to reduce the coil extension.

The coil spring is commonly held inside a metal or plastic housing secured to the jamb with one or more screws.

1. Photograph the housing, shoe, cover, and coil orientation.
2. Support the balance housing with one hand.
3. Remove the housing screw or retaining fastener.
4. Keep the shoe and housing controlled as a connected assembly.
5. Guide the assembly toward the jamb access opening or original removal point.

Some windows include a factory cutout that allows the housing and shoe to leave the jamb. The opening may be covered by a sash stop or removable trim component.

If the assembly will not clear the jamb, check for an additional fastener, cover, or manufacturer-specific removal method. Do not force the housing through the vinyl track.

Depending on the window, the balance assembly may use one, two, or three coil springs stacked together.

Before separating or discarding any part, record:

• The complete stamp or number on each coil
• The number of coils in the assembly
• The order in which the coils are stacked
• The housing and cover shape
• The pivot lock shoe profile and dimensions
• The mounting-hole position
• The original installation orientation
• The sash weight, if needed for identification

Photograph the assembly from several angles before separating stacked coils. Remove individual springs only when required for repair or replacement.

Keep each coil controlled and avoid allowing it to unroll or spring open.

A coil-balance problem may involve more than the spring itself. Inspect the entire assembly before ordering replacement hardware.

Check for:

• Cracked or distorted pivot lock shoes
• Worn or damaged metal cams
• Bent or broken pivot bars
• Cracked housings or balance covers
• Loose or damaged mounting holes
• Torn, stretched, separated, or corroded coils
• Uneven wear between the left and right sides

• Pulling the sash straight out while both pivot bars are engaged
• Allowing the sash to hang from one pivot bar
• Unlocking the shoe without maintaining control
• Allowing the shoe to snap toward the housing
• Removing the housing while the coil remains heavily extended
• Pulling, cutting, or flattening the coil spring
• Forcing the assembly through the jamb without locating the access point
• Separating stacked coils without documenting their order
• Discarding the original hardware before confirming the replacement

Watch the video below for a visual demonstration of removing a tilt-window pivot lock shoe with a coil spring balance attached.

Removing a coil spring balance begins with safely removing the sash, controlling the pivot lock shoe, and reducing the coil’s extension before releasing the housing.

Photograph the assembly and record the coil stamps, housing style, shoe profile, mounting method, and number of springs before selecting replacement hardware.