Block and tackle balances help support the sash in many single-hung and double-hung windows. In a common non-tilt, side-load window, take-out clips hold the balances in place so the sash and balance assemblies can be removed from the jamb.

Before You Start

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

Tools you may need:

• Flat-head screwdriver
• Phillips-head screwdriver
• Needle-nose pliers, if needed
• 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. Keep control of each balance when disengaging it from the take-out clip or installing it in the jamb.

Do not pull on a damaged cord, disassemble the balance channel, or allow a tensioned balance to snap upward.

Block and tackle balances that appear similar may use different channel dimensions, spring strengths, hooks, top guides, and bottom guides.

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 and dimensions of the top guide
• The shape and dimensions of the bottom guide
• Whether the guides are winged or non-winged
• The hook and cord configuration
• The original balance orientation
• The sash weight, if the original stamp is missing or unreadable

Do not include the plastic top and bottom guides when measuring the metal channel length.

Open the window and locate the take-out clips near the upper portion of the left and right jambs.

1. Use a flat-head screwdriver to pull the lower edge of each clip outward.
2. Rotate or extend the clips far enough to catch the top guides of the balances.
3. Confirm that the clips are secure before raising the sash.

Most standard installations have one take-out clip on each side. Tandem balance applications may have two clips on each side.

If a clip is missing, bent, loose, or damaged, replace it before attempting to secure the balance.

Raise the sash evenly until the top guides of the balances move above the extended take-out clips.

1. Unlock the window.
2. Lift the sash slowly and evenly from the lower rail.
3. Continue raising it until both balances catch on the take-out clips.
4. Lower the sash slightly to confirm that the balances remain secured.

Once the balances are secured by the take-out clips, the sash can be removed through the side-load opening.

1. Raise the sash enough to clear the balance top guides.
2. Support the sash firmly with both hands.
3. Push the sash horizontally toward the deeper side of the jamb.
4. Pull the opposite side of the sash inward and out of the frame.
5. Slide the remaining side out of the jamb.
6. Place the sash on a padded, stable surface.

The direction in which the sash must be pushed depends on which jamb has the deeper removal pocket.

Do not twist the sash excessively or force it through the opening. Recheck that the balances are secured and that the sash has enough horizontal movement.

Sash cams are commonly located near the upper corners of a non-tilt sash. They rest on the top guides of the balances and transfer the sash weight to the balance system.

Inspect for:

• Cracked, worn, or missing sash cams
• Loose sash-cam screws
• Broken or distorted balance top guides
• Cracked sash corners
• Wear marks showing uneven contact
• Damage on one side that may have caused the sash to drop

With the sash removed, the balances should remain suspended from the take-out clips.

1. Grip the metal channel firmly.
2. Pull the balance downward slightly to clear the take-out clip.
3. Move the upper end of the balance inward and away from the jamb track.
4. Slowly allow the balance to move upward until the spring tension is reduced.
5. Lift or angle the balance so the hook disengages from the hole near the bottom of the jamb.
6. Remove the complete balance assembly.
7. Repeat the process on the opposite side.

Before installation, place the replacement balance beside the original and compare all important details.

Confirm that the replacement has:

• The correct channel length
• The correct channel width and depth
• The correct balance stamp or weight rating
• Matching top and bottom guides
• The correct winged or non-winged configuration
• A matching hook and cord arrangement
• The correct installed orientation

1. Insert the hook at the bottom of the balance into the original jamb hole.
2. Confirm that the hook is fully seated and facing the correct direction.
3. Position the balance channel inside the jamb track.
4. Pull the balance downward while keeping it aligned in the track.
5. Move the top guide beneath the extended take-out clip.
6. Allow the balance to rise slowly until the top guide is caught securely.
7. Repeat the installation on the opposite side.

Make sure both balances are installed at the same height and that the channels remain properly seated inside their jamb tracks.

In tandem applications, reinstall each balance in its original position and confirm that all take-out clips are supporting the correct channels.

1. Hold the sash upright with both hands.
2. Insert one side of the sash into the deeper jamb pocket.
3. Swing the opposite side into the frame.
4. Center the sash between the two jambs.
5. Confirm that the sash cams are positioned above the balance top guides.
6. Lower the sash slowly and evenly until both sash cams contact the balances.

If one side drops or fails to engage, raise the sash and check the sash cam, top guide, balance position, and take-out clip before continuing.

1. Lower the sash enough for the balances to move away from the take-out clips.
2. Press each take-out clip back into its normal recessed position.
3. Confirm that no clip extends into the path of the sash or balance.
4. Repeat for any additional clips used in a tandem application.

Reinstall any sash stops that were removed or missing from the upper portion of the window.

Sash stops limit how far the sash can travel and help prevent the balances from being pulled beyond their intended operating range.

Missing or incorrectly positioned stops may allow overextension that can damage the balance cord, spring, pulley system, guides, or take-out clips.

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

Confirm that:

• The sash moves smoothly and evenly
• Both balances move at the same rate
• The sash remains open at several positions
• The sash does not drop suddenly
• The window closes completely
• The lock aligns with the keeper
• The take-out clips remain recessed
• The sash stops prevent excessive upward travel

• Removing the sash before both balances are secured
• Allowing a tensioned balance to snap upward
• Pulling on a frayed or damaged cord
• Forcing the sash through the wrong side of the frame
• Ordering replacements based only on the channel length
• Ignoring differences in top and bottom guides
• Installing the bottom hook in the wrong opening
• Failing to seat the sash cams on the balance top guides
• Leaving the take-out clips extended after installation
• Operating the window without the required sash stops
• Discarding the original balances before testing the replacements

Watch the video below for a visual demonstration of replacing block and tackle balances in a non-tilt window.

Replacing non-tilt block and tackle balances requires securing the balances with the take-out clips, removing the sash through the side-load opening, controlling the spring tension, and matching the replacement channels and guides carefully.

After installation, confirm that the sash cams rest correctly on the balance top guides, reset the take-out clips, reinstall the sash stops, and test the full range of window operation.