How to Repair Blinds

Most window blind breaks are easily repaired.

Window blinds are both stylish and serve a basic function in most homes. Depending on how much you use your blinds, they may begin to wear down. Many things can go wrong such as broken strings, blinds that don't hang evenly or blinds that don't tilt. Whatever the problem, it may be less expensive to fix the blind rather than replacing it. Repair the blinds yourself with a little effort and a few basic tools.

Things You'll Need

• Scissors
• String

Instructions

1. Twist the blind's tilt wand counterclockwise if blinds will not tilt and are closed in the down position. Simultaneously, pull on the back string of the ladders that hold the slats.

2. Turn the tilter clockwise while you are pulling on the back string of the ladders if the blinds are closed in an upward angle.

3. Purchase a new wand if the blinds still are not tilting. Take the metal piece called the end stiffener out of the side the wand tilt is in to replace it. Remove the C-clamp that supports the rod. Slip the tilt rod from the wand tilter. Open up the head rail with a screwdriver and take out the wand. Use pliers to grasp the wand tilter and pull it out. Snap wand tilter back into the opening. Replace the rod, C-clamps and end stiffeners, and put the blinds back on the wall.

4. Check to see if the cords are caught in the head rail if blinds will not hang straight. Take the cords out if they are stuck, and use the pull cord to bring the blinds up and down. This should correct the problem.

5. Remove the blinds from the brackets on the wall and untie the knot at the end of the cord or cut with scissors if the string needs to be replaced. Place them on a flat surface and take the cord out from all the openings in the slats.

6. Use the old string as a template to cut new string to size. Push the string through the cord lock that is in the head rail. Wind the string through all the slat holes.

7. Shove the string through the hole in the bottom rail. Tie a large knot under the rail to make sure it does not come undone. Place the blind back on the wall and make sure it hangs correctly.

8. Replace broken or damaged slats by taking the blinds off the wall and placing them on a flat surface. Remove the bottom rail and untie the knots. Slide out all the slats until you reach the broken one. Position a new one in place within the ladders. Put the slats back in place and reinstall the blinds on the wall.

Tips & Warnings

• Consult a professional to make sure you have the correct string width for the blinds because string comes in varying sizes.

References

• Your Blinds: Troubleshooting Information
• Blindsaver: How to Replace a Wand Tilt