Search guides

Fix a window balance that is broken

We'll confirm the balance is broken, identify the type, remove the old balance, and install a replacement—or tell you when to call a pro.

Troubleshooting · Home maintenance
30–60 min
What you'll need
  • Putty knife or pry bar (for removing stop bead)
  • Screwdriver (Phillips and flathead)
  • Replacement balance (match part number or take old balance to hardware store)
Step 1 of 7

Quick triage — pick your path

Get started

Choose the option that matches what you see. You can jump straight to that section.

Show full guide

Steps

Goal: Confirm the balance is broken, identify which side, remove the old balance, and install a replacement.

  • Lift the sash and release it. If it drops, sags to one side, or will not stay open, the balance has failed.
  • Good: The sash drops or sags—proceed to Identify broken side.
  • Bad: The window sticks when opening or closing—different problem; see Fix a window that sticks.

Identify broken side

Goal: Find which balance has failed before removing the stop bead.

  • Lift each corner of the sash. The side that does not resist or feels loose is the broken balance. If both sides feel weak, both balances may be broken.
  • When one side is broken, the sash may tilt or sag toward that side.
  • Good: You know which side to fix—proceed to Replace balance.
  • Bad: Unsure—replace both balances to be safe.

Replace balance

Goal: Remove the old balance and install a replacement.

  • Remove the interior stop bead with a putty knife or pry bar. Work along the length; it is usually nailed or stapled.
  • Tilt the sash in or lift it out. Disconnect the sash from the balance—the balance shoe or pivot bar fits in a slot; pull the sash away from the jamb.
  • Identify the balance type: spiral (tube), block-and-tackle (cord), or constant-force. Note the part number if visible, or take the old balance to a hardware store for a match.
  • Remove the old balance from the jamb. Install the new balance in the same position.
  • If the balance is sealed inside vinyl jamb liners and you cannot remove it, stop and call a window professional.
  • Align the balance shoe with the slot in the sash. Push the sash back into the jamb until it engages. Replace the stop bead.
  • Good: The sash holds when released—done.
  • Bad: Balance inaccessible or replacement did not work—call a window pro.

When to get help

Call a carpenter or window professional if:

  • The balance is sealed inside vinyl jamb liners and you cannot access it.
  • You have replaced the balance and it still drops or sags.
  • The frame or jamb is damaged.

Do not force a stuck sash—it can damage the balance or frame. For related fixes, see Fix a window that will not stay open, Fix a window that sticks, or Fix a door that will not stay open.

Verification

  • The sash stays open at full and partial positions when released.
  • No sagging to one side.
  • The sash lifts and lowers smoothly with even resistance on both sides.
  • The stop bead is back in place and the sash is secure.

Escalation ladder

Work from the device outward. Stop when the problem is fixed.

  1. Confirm symptom Verify the window drops, sags, or will not stay open; rule out sticking.
  2. Identify broken side Lift each corner to find which balance has failed.
  3. Remove stop bead and access balance Pry off the stop bead and disconnect the sash from the balance.
  4. Replace balance Remove old balance, match replacement, install and re-engage sash.
  5. Call a pro Balance inaccessible, replacement did not work, or frame damaged—call a window pro.

What to capture if you need help

Before calling support or posting for help, have these ready. It speeds everything up.

  • Window type (double-hung)
  • Which side the balance is broken (left, right, or both)
  • Balance type (spiral, block-and-tackle, constant force)
  • Part number if visible
  • Steps already tried

Does the window drop, sag to one side, or will not stay open when released?

Lift the sash and release it. If it drops, drifts closed, or sags to one side, the balance has failed. If it sticks when opening, that is a different problem.

Lift and release the sash. Yes: It drops, sags, or will not stay open—proceed to check window type. No: If it sticks when opening or closing, that is a different problem—see Fix a window that sticks.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Is it a double-hung window?

Double-hung windows have upper and lower sashes that slide vertically. Casement and awning windows use a crank—they do not have balances in the jamb.

Check the window type. Double-hung: Sashes slide up and down—proceed to identify which balance is broken. Casement/awning: Crank-operated—see Fix a window crank that will not turn or Fix a window that will not stay open.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Which side is the balance broken?

Lift each corner of the sash. The side that does not resist is the broken balance. Both sides weak means both balances may be broken.

Lift each corner. One side: The side with no resistance is broken—proceed to replace. Both sides: Both balances may be broken—replace both. Good: You know which balance to replace.
Question

Which side is broken?

Continue

You can change your answer later.

Can you access the balance?

Remove the stop bead to access the balance. If the balance is sealed inside vinyl jamb liners, you cannot remove it.

Remove the stop bead. Disconnect the sash from the balance. Accessible: Remove the old balance, match replacement, install and re-engage sash. Sealed in vinyl: You cannot access it—call a window professional.

Yes No (sealed in vinyl)

You can change your answer later.

Replace balance and test

Remove the old balance. Match the replacement by part number or take the old one to a hardware store. Install the new balance, re-engage the sash, replace the stop bead. Test—the sash should hold when released. Good: Window stays open—done. Bad: Still drops or sags—call a window pro.

Done

No action needed or different problem

If the window opens and closes smoothly and stays where you put it, you are done. If the window sticks when opening or closing, that is a different problem—see Fix a window that sticks.

Done

Call a window professional

Call a carpenter or window professional if: the balance is sealed inside vinyl jamb liners; you have replaced the balance and it still drops or sags; or the frame or jamb is damaged. Do not force a stuck sash—it can damage the balance or frame.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why would a window balance break?
Balances wear out over time from repeated use. The spring can fatigue, the cord can fray or snap (block-and-tackle), or the tube can crack (spiral). Slamming the sash or forcing a stuck window can also damage the balance.
Can I fix a broken window balance myself?
Yes. On most double-hung windows you can remove the stop bead, disconnect the sash from the balance, remove the old balance, and install a replacement. If the balance is sealed inside vinyl jamb liners, you cannot access it—call a window professional.
When should I call a pro for a broken window balance?
Call a window professional if the balance is sealed inside vinyl jamb liners and you cannot access it, you have replaced the balance and it still drops or sags, or the frame or jamb is damaged. Do not force a stuck sash—it can damage the balance or frame.

Rate this guide

Was this helpful?

Continue to