Andersen 531 Narroline Sash Balancer

Fixed my problem with the window.

This fit as predicted by Anderson references (always check!). My window was NOT the tempered glass. Some installation tips say that the top panel that covers these should be replaced, but it can go right back in. If you have never done these before, just watch videos, read instructions, and work carefully. You may have to remove trim on left side to get the track out. If you break a piece you probably can replace it, but not cheap! If you can afford it, do both since you already have the window apart.

Ordered two of these to replace the balances in one of my Andersen windows and one of them was binding and the cord felt wobbly when it was pulled down and then retracted. Needless to say once I screwed it up into the window jam it wouldnt retract at all..

We ordered the wrong size.

Exact replacement. Works well. Lower left side (plastic) jamb liner has to be bent and removed in order to replace this balancer. Order one before you attempt to do this job. They will surely kink and be damaged especially with smaller windows.

Mechanism failed at 18 year point. Needed to match exact window with balancer. Lots of good encouragement on the YouTube and from Andersons website for DIY. Hardest part was removing side vinyl/plastic panels without cracking or scraping casement. Patience and persistence paid off.

Installation was a breeze. You take the two window sashes out and the top cover for the balancers. The current balancer was just stapled into place so I had to pry it out. The new one went in with the screws provided. Now I dont have to use an old plastic bottle to hold the window open anymore.

Did what I expected it to do

The perfect fit

The product itself is easy to install. It’s stripping the window and replacing afterwards that’s a treat. Plenty iy YouTube videos to show you what to do but it’s a tough job. I have smaller windows which may make it worse. You have to apply a lot of force to bend some plastic parts which don’t want to bend and may buckle. The broken balancers, though 25 years old, had seen very little use. We just about never opened those windows. Based on my experience the windows and components are very poor quality.