How to Disassemble & Repair Vertical Blinds

Vertical Blinds are most often found on sliding glass doors, such as you might have on your rear deck or patio. However, vertical blinds can also be found on windows.

They are made up of three main components.

The head rail is the long piece that is secured horizontally across the top of the door or window.

The slats, or vanes, can be made of plastic, wood, metal, or plastic and hang vertically off of the head rail. The slats can be opened or closed, allowing for the privacy of the room.

The slats are attached to the head rail with special clips. Some use plastic, while others are metal.

It is not uncommon for vertical blinds to break in high traffic areas, especially for those with children or pets. Repairing your vertical blinds is often possible and can be a great way to save money.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Replacement Slats
• Replacement Clips
• Flat Head Screwdriver

1. First, determine what part of the vertical blinds is broken.
   
   For those with plastic vertical blinds, it is very common for the slat to break where it is attached to the clip.
   
   It is also not uncommon for the clip itself to be broken.
   
   Fabric vanes can also break, often where they are attached to the clip. However, fabric slats also have a small piece of plastic or wood located at the bottom of the slat. This acts as a weight to keep the slat from floating around or curling up. In some cases, this small weight might become free from the slat.
   
   The problem could also be with the head rail. If the head rail is damaged, then the slats may no longer slide or the slats might not be able to be adjusted.
   
   Once you know where the problem is, you can begin fixing it.

2. Replacing the slats can usually be done very quickly and easily. It will be necessary to get a replacement slat and slide it back onto the clip. Often, this can be done without tools, but it may be necessary to apply slight pressure to the clip with a screwdriver.
   
   If you do have to use a screwdriver on the clip, be very careful, because the clip is often made of brittle plastic.

3. Repairing a fabric slat can be done in much the same manner as a plastic or wooden slat, with replacement fabric slats available. However, it is also sometimes possible to repair a fabric slat using a needle and some thread.
   
   If the weight at the bottom of the slat has fallen out, this can usually simply be slid back in. If you loose the weight, you can just replace it with a small piece or wood.

4. Replacing vertical blind clips can also be done rather easily. Usually the entire clip is replaced, but depending on the quality of the vertical blinds, sometimes just the piece that secures the slat can be replaced.
   
   Remove the broken vertical blind clip and insert the new vertical blind clip. Ensure that you insert it, so when the slat is attached, it is facing the same way as all of the other slats. Once the clip has been replaced, attach the slat.
   
   Often, replacing the clip can be done without tools, but you may need a screwdriver to pry the old clip out. If this is the case, remember to be very careful not to damage the blinds.

5. If the head rail is broken, then the repair might not be as simple or even possible.
   
   It is a good idea to check and see if the vertical blinds are under warranty before doing any work on the head rail. This is because, working on the head rail might invalidate the warranty.
   
   Sometimes, the chain or rope that opens and closes the blinds may break. In this case, remove all of the slats. Then, remove the old chain, paying attention to how it was installed. Once the old chain is removed, install a new chain the same way as the broken one was. Finally, reattach the slats.
   
   While usually the chain can be repaired without professional help, most other components of the head rail can not as easily repaired.

Tips & Warnings

• It is always good idea to buy some replacement parts when your first purchase the vertical blinds, so you can ensure you have matching parts if anything breaks.
• Most hardware stores sell replacement slats and clips for generic vertical blinds, so finding replacement plastic slats is seldom difficult. However, for custom built vertical blinds, it may be necessary to go through the manufacturer.
• Before doing work on the head rail or clips, check the warranty on your vertical blinds, because this will sometimes invalidate the warranty.

[e-Rambler]

on 7/18/2009 Good DIY fix on vertical blinds. Thanks!

[Mindee94]

on 7/7/2009 What a wonderful find. Been wanting to take out the curtains and put in vertical blinds but in past they have broken-didn't want that headache again. These are great directions. Vertical blinds are in the near future! Thanks, Mindee

[karileighk]

on 6/30/2009 I love vertical blinds *5

[sweetspirit]

on 6/25/2009 Well needed information. Thanks

[rockymtngrma]

on 6/25/2009 I love my vertical blinds! Thank you so much for the article teaching how to keep them in good repair. I will definitely use this information. Well written, good job!